Key Takeaways
• REAL ID enforcement for U.S. flights starts May 7, 2025; 81% of travelers have compliant IDs.
• TSA will allow non-REAL ID holders to fly but will conduct extra checks, possibly causing delays.
• Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights; alternative IDs like passports remain accepted.
Travelers in the United States 🇺🇸 have been awaiting the final word on the REAL ID enforcement deadline. On May 6, 2025, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed a Congressional panel to ease concerns about air travel after the enforcement date. Her message was clear: starting tomorrow, May 7, 2025, travelers who do not have a REAL ID can still fly within the United States 🇺🇸, but they should be ready for more checks and some delays at the airport.
What Is the REAL ID and Why Does It Matter?
REAL ID is a special kind of driver’s license or identification card. It follows stricter rules to help confirm a person’s identity and reduce the risk of fake IDs. This idea came from the 9/11 Commission, which recommended tougher standards after the September 11 attacks. United States 🇺🇸 lawmakers turned this recommendation into law in 2005. The plan was to make identification harder to copy or misuse and make planes and airports safer for everyone.
What makes a card REAL ID compliant? You can spot a REAL ID by looking for a star symbol in the top right corner of your state-issued ID or driver’s license. Not all state IDs look the same, but the star is a shared sign that it’s up to the national standard. The new rules mean that, from May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept IDs with that star at airport checkpoints for domestic flights. Without it, you’ll need to show something else.
Why Has REAL ID Taken So Long?
Even though the law passed in 2005, getting it going has taken longer than expected. States needed time to get new systems and processes in place to meet Homeland Security’s tough guidelines. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this deadline has been pushed back several times since the first target of 2008. Changes to state technology, local rules, and unexpected events like the COVID-19 pandemic all played a part in slowing things down.
After years of updates and waiting, Homeland Security now says the final enforcement is set for May 7, 2025. Kristi Noem, now serving as Secretary, wanted to be sure no one got caught off guard by the change, saying, “People will be allowed to fly” but should expect extra steps if they do not have a REAL ID.
How Many Travelers Already Have a REAL ID?
A big reason for the change now is that most travelers are prepared. Secretary Noem said about 81% of travelers have a REAL ID or another form of ID that works for domestic air travel. The Department of Homeland Security kept track of this number as states rolled out the new IDs, setting up better chances for a smooth switch. For the other 19% who may not have the new card, awareness is key for travel plans after May 7.
What Happens at the Airport Now?
TSA has made it clear that, as the new rules start, security staff will not instantly turn away someone who only has a regular state ID. Kristi Noem stressed that Homeland Security is working hard to keep the process running as smoothly as possible, saying, “We’ll make sure it’s as seamless as possible.” However, travelers should still expect that there will be more steps for those without a REAL ID.
Here is what you might see at the airport if you do not have a REAL ID:
- You could be sent to a different line.
- There might be more questions about your identity.
- Extra checks could mean longer waits.
- In rare cases, if you do not have any form of approved ID, you might not be allowed to pass through security.
Adam Stahl, who is leading the TSA right now, explained that “TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.” In short, they want the lines to move but must keep security their top concern.
Other Ways to Prove Who You Are
If you do not have a REAL ID, you are not out of options. The TSA will keep accepting several other forms of ID for flying within the United States 🇺🇸. These include:
- A U.S. passport or a passport card
- A tribal ID issued by a recognized tribe
- Trusted traveler cards from Homeland Security, like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
- Enhanced driver’s licenses from states that offer them
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including those for dependents
Some travelers may find it easier to use a passport or one of these other forms of ID, especially if they expect not to have a REAL ID in time. Always check your wallet before your trip to avoid surprises at the airport.
To see the full list of acceptable IDs, travelers can visit the official TSA webpage for security screening requirements. This page includes updated information which helps travelers to stay informed about which IDs are accepted at airport checkpoints.
What Will Security Lines Look Like After May 7?
If you go to the airport with a non-compliant state ID, you might be asked extra questions or moved to a slower line. TSA officers might use special tools or ask for backup documents. In some cases, they may need you to give extra information to prove your identity. This could mean some stretching out of normal wait times, especially during busy travel periods.
You should also know that all this extra checking can create long lines, so it’s smart to reach the airport well ahead of your scheduled departure. More travelers should plan for extra time—especially right after the deadline, when confusion could be higher than usual.
TSA says its staff are trained and ready to help, but they still must stick to Homeland Security’s new rules.
What If You Are Traveling with Children?
Travel can get tricky when bringing kids to the airport. But rules about IDs are a bit simpler for children. According to Homeland Security, children under 18 do not need to show identification when traveling within the United States 🇺🇸 with an adult companion. The TSA officer will check the adult companion’s ID instead.
If your kids are flying alone or you have questions about special situations (like international travel or court orders), it’s always good to check with your airline before the travel date.
Why Is Homeland Security So Focused on REAL ID?
Homeland Security’s main goal with REAL ID is to make flights safer for everyone. Having a universal, dependable ID makes it harder for anyone to use a fake name or get through airport security with poorly made identification. When everyone uses the same standard, the system can catch more mistakes or security risks.
Kristi Noem made sure to explain that the new rule is not about making travel harder, but about making air travel safer for families, workers, and all travelers. This is why Homeland Security and the TSA are giving people ways to still travel while working toward full compliance.
Potential Problems and Different Points of View
Some people worry the new rules might make life hard for certain groups, like:
- Older adults who don’t drive anymore and may not have a new ID.
- People living in rural areas where it’s tough to get to a DMV.
- Immigrants who may be waiting for immigration documents to get a new state ID.
These travelers may face stress or delays at the airport while they work through their paperwork. The Department of Homeland Security has tried to solve some of these issues by giving people extra time and making clear lists of other documents that will work for flying. Still, there are ongoing talks about how to help these groups without making flights less safe.
The Path Forward: What Travelers Should Do
If you still have a regular state ID without a star, you have choices:
- Apply for a REAL ID at your state’s motor vehicle office. You’ll usually need to bring documents like your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of home address. Some states may also ask for extra paperwork.
- Use a U.S. passport, military ID, or one of the trusted traveler cards instead.
- Check with your state’s DMV website or visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page to learn more about what you need.
If you’re planning to travel after May 7, 2025, it is smart to make sure you have at least one of the approved forms of ID in your pocket.
Remember that the earlier you get ready, the easier your travel day will be.
Looking Back: Why Did REAL ID Take So Long to Arrive?
REAL ID was signed into law after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The goal was simple: make it harder for anyone to get a fake ID and fly under a false name. Real-world problems kept getting in the way. Some states needed new computers or cameras at their DMVs. Some people and states did not like the idea and worried about privacy. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened, shutting down DMVs and delaying paperwork.
All those issues meant the first 2008 target date was missed, and the deadline kept being moved. It took years for every state to prepare, but now most are ready.
Views from Airline Workers and Passengers
TSA staff and airline workers have mixed feelings about the switch. Some welcome the change, saying it adds peace of mind and extra safety for everyone at the airport. Others worry that, for the first days or weeks, security lines could be longer, and passengers may get confused about new documents.
Passengers who travel often, especially those who use trusted traveler programs, may notice lighter effects. Those who fly only once in a while may be more caught off guard. TSA is sharing information through signs and airline announcements to remind people about the change.
What Happens Next?
With the deadline set for May 7, 2025, Homeland Security and the TSA will keep the public updated. Secretary Kristi Noem and TSA’s Adam Stahl stress that no one will be turned away without a chance but urge everyone to plan ahead.
If you or your loved ones still do not have a REAL ID, visit the DMV or gather the necessary paperwork soon. Double-check to make sure your ID has the right star in the corner, or keep an acceptable alternative ID ready for travel.
Summary: Prepare Early and Stay Calm
- REAL ID enforcement begins May 7, 2025, for United States 🇺🇸 domestic flights.
- If you do not have a REAL ID, TSA will allow you to fly, but expect extra checks and some waiting.
- Other IDs, like a U.S. passport or trusted traveler card, are still fine to use.
- Children under 18 do not need to show ID for air travel within the United States 🇺🇸.
- Plan ahead to avoid airport stress and delays.
For the most up-to-date information, check your local DMV or the Department of Homeland Security’s website. As policies may continue to change, staying informed is your best step for stress-free air travel.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant driver’s license or ID card with stricter security standards, indicated by a star in the top corner.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration, the federal agency overseeing airport security and checkpoint procedures in the United States.
Homeland Security → U.S. Department responsible for public security, including enforcing REAL ID laws and ensuring airport safety.
Trusted Traveler Cards → Special identification cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) issued by Homeland Security to expedite travel.
Enhanced Driver’s License → State-issued driver’s license that meets additional federal requirements for border crossing and Real ID compliance.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers on U.S. domestic flights need REAL ID-compliant identification. Most are prepared, but those without a REAL ID can still fly, though delays and extra security checks are likely. Alternative forms, like passports or trusted traveler cards, remain valid if REAL ID isn’t available.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• REAL ID not valid for border crossings to Canada or Mexico
• REAL ID Act set new rules for driver’s licenses after September 11
• REAL ID enforcement for US flights begins May 7, 2025, says TSA
• U.S. Passport and Passport Card remain valid for domestic flights after REAL ID
• DHS Slams ‘National ID Card’ Rumors Over REAL ID
