Northwest Arkansas National Airport to require Real ID for flights in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Real ID or approved ID required for domestic flights at XNA beginning May 7, 2025.
• Secondary TSA screening delays likely for travelers without compliant identification; possible denial of boarding.
• Arkansas offers expanded Real ID office hours, including Saturdays, to help residents meet the new requirements.

For travelers who use Northwest Arkansas National Airport, also known as XNA, a major change is approaching. Starting May 7, 2025, a new federal rule will affect everyone flying out of XNA and all other airports across the United States 🇺🇸. This rule requires anyone aged 18 or older to show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to pass through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints and board a domestic flight. If you are not prepared for this change, your travel plans can get complicated, so it is important to understand what is needed and what to expect.

This guide will explain the Real ID requirement, what to do if you do not have a Real ID, which documents are accepted, how your travel process will change at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, and what steps you should take to make sure you do not miss your flight.

Checklist: Documents Required for Domestic Flights Starting May 7, 2025

• Real ID-compliant driver’s license (shows a star marking)
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid military ID
• Enhanced driver’s license (from certain states only)

Make sure to have one of these documents easily available when you go to the airport.

What Is Real ID and Why Is It Needed?

The Real ID Act is a law passed by the federal government. Its main goal is to make it harder for someone to use a fake ID to get on a plane or enter federal buildings. A Real ID is a driver’s license or state ID card that meets stricter security rules. You can spot a Real ID by the small star printed on the top of the card.

From May 7, 2025, regular driver’s licenses that do not have the Real ID star will no longer be enough to get through TSA security for domestic flights. Anyone who cannot show a Real ID or another approved form of identification may face long waits, more paperwork, and in some cases, may not be allowed to fly at all.

The Risk of Traveling without a Real ID

If you arrive at Northwest Arkansas National Airport without a Real ID or another approved ID, you might not make it onto your flight. TSA officers will try to check your identity in other ways, but there is no guarantee that these backup checks will work for everyone. As reported by VisaVerge.com, travelers who forget their ID or do not have the right one will be sent to secondary screening by TSA. This extra process can take much longer than usual, and you will have to provide additional information to prove who you are.

TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha explained, “People will experience travel delays. TSA will simply enforce the laws and rules as they apply.” Delays are expected, and some travelers might even miss their flights if TSA cannot confirm their identity.

If TSA Cannot Confirm Your Identity

If, during the extra screening, TSA officers cannot verify who you are, you may be turned away at the checkpoint. This means you will not be able to board your flight, even if you arrived early. The process is similar to what happens if your wallet is lost or stolen on your way to the airport―it takes a lot of time and does not always work out in the traveler’s favor.

Secondary Screening: What to Expect

If you arrive at the airport with a non-compliant driver’s license (one without the Real ID star) and no other government-approved ID, TSA will place you in secondary screening. Here’s how that usually works:

1. You will be asked a series of questions about your identity.
2. TSA may call someone who can vouch for who you are.
3. You will fill out paperwork and provide any other documents you might have with your name on them.
4. You could be asked for mail, credit cards, or other items to help prove your identity.

Important: This process can take a long time—10 to 30 minutes, or even longer if the airport is busy.

Even after all this, there is no promise that you will be allowed through the checkpoint. You could still miss your flight.

Arrive Early—How Early?

With the new rules, TSA recommends that travelers without a Real ID arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flight. This is an hour earlier than the general two-hour suggestion for most domestic flights. Northwest Arkansas National Airport has usually had short security wait times, but with Real ID enforcement, these could grow longer, especially as people adjust to the new requirement.

This longer wait is to make sure that there is enough time for:
– Extra document checks
– The chance that many travelers show up without the correct documents
– The extra steps involved in backup ID checks

Airlines at XNA agree—arrive well ahead of your departure, and check your airline’s rules before your trip, especially during busy travel seasons.

What Documents Can I Use If I Don’t Have a Real ID?

A standard driver’s license that does not have a star marking will not be accepted by TSA for boarding domestic flights after May 7, 2025. Acceptable alternatives include:

• A valid U.S. passport: Works at TSA checkpoints for all flights.
• A valid U.S. military ID: For military members and certain dependents.
• An enhanced driver’s license: Only issued by a few states; these also qualify.

If you do not have any of these, you will need a Real ID-compliant license, or you will face delays and risk denial of entry at the checkpoint.

For a full list of acceptable documents and more guidelines, review the official TSA identification page.

How to Get a Real ID in Arkansas

If you need a Real ID, start your application as soon as possible. The Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration has made changes to help people get their Real ID before the 2025 deadline, including opening some offices on Saturdays. Appointments are encouraged, but you can also walk in to some locations.

Steps to Get an Arkansas Real ID:

1. Collect Required Documents:
   • Proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport)
   • Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
   • Two documents showing your Arkansas address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
2. Visit a Revenue Office:
   • Check which offices near you can issue Real IDs (see the official Arkansas site)
   • Consider visiting on a Saturday if your schedule is tight
3. Apply in Person:
   • Bring all necessary documents with you
   • Fill out the application with a clerk
   • Have your photo taken
4. Pay the Required Fee: (fees vary by state and license type)
5. Receive Your Real ID:
   • Walk out with a temporary paper copy
   • The official card will be mailed to you in most cases

Time Estimate: The process of applying at the office can range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how busy it is.

Best Practices: Flying from Northwest Arkansas National Airport

• Check your ID now: Look for the star on your license or ID card. If you do not see one, you will likely need a Real ID or another approved document.
• Stay Informed: Visit XNA’s official site here for updates about wait times and security rules specific to the airport.
• Arrive Early: With Real ID rules starting, allow yourself at least three hours, especially if you do not have the right document.
• Monitor Wait Times: Use apps like MyTSA or check airport displays on the day of your flight for real-time updates.
• Understand the Risk: Even with early arrival, there is still a real risk of missing your flight if TSA cannot verify your identity.

What Happens if I Am Denied Boarding?

If you cannot pass TSA checkpoint screening at Northwest Arkansas National Airport because you lack approved identification, you will not be allowed to proceed to your gate. In this event:

• Contact Your Airline: They may be able to help you rebook your flight for a later time or day, though you could face additional fees and fare changes.
• Consider Other Forms of Travel: If possible, look for bus or train alternatives if your flight cannot be rescheduled soon.
• Apply for Proper ID Immediately: To avoid repeating the situation, apply for a Real ID or get a passport.

How Will This Affect Different Travelers?

• U.S. Citizens: Most will need to update their license to include the Real ID star or carry a valid passport.
• Military Members: Can use military IDs at TSA checkpoints with no issue.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Should carry their passport or foreign national ID, along with the correct visa or immigration documents.
• International Travelers: A Real ID is not required for international flights—your passport is enough.

Summary Table: Flying from XNA After Real ID Starts

Remember: Backup screening does NOT guarantee you will be able to fly.

Quick Reference: Real ID Tips

• Look for the gold or black star on your driver’s license or state ID; this means it’s Real ID-compliant.
• A regular license without a star will NOT get you past TSA for domestic flights after the deadline.
• Get your Real ID well in advance, as last-minute rushes can cause office lines and delays.
• If your license does not have a star and you do not have a passport, apply for one of these documents now.
• Visit the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration’s Real ID page for the latest information on office hours, required documents, and fees.

Final Tips for Northwest Arkansas National Airport Travelers

• As the May 7, 2025, deadline approaches, do not wait until the last minute to check your travel documents.
• Help family members or friends—especially those who may not travel often—get the Real ID or an approved document before traveling through XNA.
• Remember that airlines, TSA, and airport staff cannot make exceptions for the federal Real ID rule.
• If you are not sure about your documents, call your airline, check the TSA website, or visit XNA’s information counter before the day you travel.

Traveling from Northwest Arkansas National Airport can be smooth and worry-free if you are prepared with a Real ID or other approved identification. Lack of the right document can turn what should be a routine trip into a stressful or even missed journey. To avoid extra wait times, paperwork, and the risk of being refused entry at the TSA checkpoint, act now to make sure you are ready for this change.

Start planning today, check your identification documents, and make your next flight from XNA safe and simple. For further updates and helpful travel tips, VisaVerge.com remains a trusted source as the deadline draws near.

Learn Today

Real ID → A state-issued identification (commonly a driver’s license) meeting stricter federal security standards, marked by a star symbol.
TSA → The Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. agency that oversees airport security and ID verification for air travelers.
Secondary Screening → A lengthier security process for travelers lacking approved identification, involving extra questions and document checks by TSA staff.
Enhanced Driver’s License → A special state-issued ID valid for some federal purposes, available only from select states; recognized by TSA.
Legal Presence → Proof that a person is lawfully present in the United States, typically established via birth certificate, passport, or valid visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

Beginning May 7, 2025, all domestic flyers at Northwest Arkansas National Airport must show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or approved identification at TSA checkpoints. Secondary screening delays and denied boarding are possible without proper documents. Act early to avoid stress—obtain Real ID or qualifying documentation before your flight.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Understanding REAL ID: Requirements, Air Travel Implications, and the May 7, 2025 Deadline