Starting this week, U.S. travelers will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification when boarding domestic flights, signifying a significant change in travel regulations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that standard driver’s licenses and some identification cards will no longer meet federal criteria, impacting access to federal facilities as well. As the deadline nears, residents have faced long lines and overcrowding at motor vehicle offices as they rush to obtain compliant IDs.
A REAL ID is a fortified identification card that is issued by all 50 states, including driver’s licenses and learner’s permits, marked with a star in the upper right corner. According to DHS, by May 7, 2025, all travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board flights and access specific federal facilities, or they must present an alternative form of ID, like a passport.
The REAL ID Act was established in 2005 to enhance security based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Individuals seeking a REAL ID must provide various documents, including their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and proofs of address. It is important to check state-specific requirements before applying.
Temporary paper cards issued during the application process are not accepted at TSA checkpoints. If travelers present non-compliant IDs, they may undergo additional screening, and those without proper ID may be denied entry to security checkpoints.
For international travel, a passport remains essential, while minors under 18 traveling domestically are not required to show ID but must travel with companions who have acceptable identification. Other acceptable forms of ID include Enhanced ID cards and passports.
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