Mark your calendars, as, starting May 7, 2025, having a REAL ID will be your ticket to board domestic flights across the U.S., as the government finally enforces this long-delayed mandate.
See the tweet below!
Skeptics see this as another example of government overreach, while others appreciate the push for enhanced security measures.
The REAL ID requirement has been a long time coming, dating back to when the Real ID Act was signed in 2005 following the recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
The goal has always been to enhance national security by standardizing the issuance of IDs across states, but the implementation has faced numerous delays and challenges.
Now, with the May 7, 2025 deadline finally set, passengers without a REAL ID will face delays and possibly additional screening at airport checkpoints.
For those concerned about their travel plans, passports and other TSA-approved forms of identification will remain valid for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities.
This includes permanent resident cards and trusted traveler IDs.
However, federal and state officials urge travelers to update their licenses or IDs before the deadline approaches.
Travelers should be aware that only REAL IDs with specific markers—such as a gold or black star, or a yellow bear in California—meet the compliance standards.
While 81% of U.S. travelers already use these IDs or an approved alternative, the TSA plans “phased enforcement” to give non-compliant travelers a last chance to adapt.
“Secretary Noem and the Trump administration are enforcing the 2005 REAL ID Act and regulations on May 7, as directed by Congress and the American people,” said TSA Senior Official Adam Stahl.
Individuals without a REAL ID must provide documents proving their legal name, birth date, Social Security number, lawful status, and two proofs of address to obtain one.
This layered verification aims to thwart criminal and terrorist activities by making IDs much harder to forge.
The TSA remains firm that “Identity verification is a lynchpin in security and we will make sure that passengers are verified as being who they say they are before they can go beyond the checkpoint.”
REAL ID REMINDER ⚠️ Starting May 7, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.https://t.co/HwCjQgUK0q
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) April 7, 2025
Before you panic, remember: a passport can still be used in place of a REAL ID for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities.
However, brace yourself for longer checkpoint lines as TSA urges travelers without a REAL ID to arrive at least three hours early.
By May 7, 2025, the TSA expects the transition to have ironed out any security issues—thanks to additional screening measures for those who miss the deadline.
The clock is ticking, and now is the time to act. Your continued patience and preparedness are crucial as we approach this significant change in domestic travel security.
