Real ID Now Required for U.S. Flights Starting Wednesday — Here’s What to Do If You Don’t Have One

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will fully enforce the Real ID Act starting May 7, 2025, requiring travelers to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities, such as courthouses and military bases.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that this deadline will not be extended, marking the culmination of a nearly two-decade implementation process. This mandate ensures that identification documents meet stringent federal security standards, enhancing national security and reducing identity fraud.

The Real ID Act, signed into law by President George W. Bush on May 11, 2005, was a response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It establishes uniform standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to prevent fraudulent use and bolster security.

Initially planned for implementation in 2008, the deadline was postponed multiple times, with the most recent delay attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming enforcement date signals the end of these extensions, making compliance critical for travelers and those accessing federal buildings.

A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that adheres to federal security requirements. It is typically marked by a star in the upper right corner, though variations exist.  If you’ve recently obtained or renewed your license in a state issuing Real IDs, your ID is likely compliant. To confirm, check for the star or other state-specific compliance markers on your card.

Obtaining a Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with specific documentation. Start by scheduling an appointment online to avoid long wait times. Required documents include proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, green card, work permit, or foreign passport with I-94 approval), proof of Social Security (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub with your Social Security number), and proof of residency (e.g., utility bills or lease agreements).

After submitting the state-specific fee and required documents, you’ll receive a Real ID with the appropriate compliance marker, valid for domestic air travel and federal facility access.

For those without a Real ID by May 7, 2025, several alternative forms of identification are accepted for domestic flights and federal facility access. These include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs for dependents), permanent resident card (green card), border crossing card, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe (including Enhanced Tribal Cards), HSPD-12 PIV card, foreign government-issued passport, Canadian provincial driver’s license, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, and Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).