Key Takeaways
• REAL ID Act fully enforced from May 7, 2025, requiring compliant IDs for flights and federal buildings.
• Non-REAL ID driver’s licenses and certain older IDs no longer accepted for federal travel and access.
• Apply early at DMV with proof of identity, Social Security, address, and name change documents.
The rules for what counts as legal identification in the United States 🇺🇸 have changed in a big way, especially with the full enforcement of the REAL ID Act. These changes affect millions of people, from travelers and workers to students and military families. Here’s a clear, detailed update on what’s changed, who needs to act, and what you should do next to make sure you’re ready for the new rules starting May 7, 2025.
Summary of What Changed
The REAL ID Act, first passed in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. After several delays, the federal government will start fully enforcing these rules on May 7, 2025. This means that only certain types of IDs will be accepted for important federal purposes, like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. Many IDs that people used in the past will no longer work for these uses.
Who Is Affected by the New Rules?
- All U.S. citizens and residents who use a driver’s license or state ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸 or to enter federal buildings
- Immigrants, students, and workers who need to show ID for employment, travel, or government services
- Military families who use dependent ID cards
- Anyone with an ID that is not REAL ID-compliant
If you fall into any of these groups, you need to pay close attention to the new requirements.
Effective Dates and Enforcement
- May 7, 2025: This is the main deadline. After this date, federal agencies like the TSA will only accept REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs for domestic flights and federal building access.
- May 5, 2027: There will be a flexible enforcement period until this date. During this time, if you show a non-compliant ID, you may get a warning instead of being turned away. But after this period, only compliant IDs will be accepted.
What No Longer Counts as Legal ID for Federal Purposes
Here are nine types of identification that used to work but will no longer be accepted for federal purposes after May 7, 2025:
- Non-REAL ID Driver’s Licenses and State IDs
- Any driver’s license or state-issued ID that does not meet the REAL ID Act’s security standards will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. Look for a star in the upper corner of your license—if it’s not there, your ID is likely not compliant.
- Expired Driver’s Licenses or State IDs (Expired after March 1, 2020)
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the TSA allowed expired licenses for a while. That grace period is over. Now, only current, valid, REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs are accepted.
- Social Security Cards Alone
- A Social Security card by itself is not enough for federal identification. It cannot be used alone to board a plane or enter a federal building.
- Voter Registration Cards
- Voter registration cards are not accepted as legal ID for federal travel or employment verification.
- Non-REAL ID State-Issued Identification Cards
- State-issued ID cards that do not meet REAL ID standards are no longer valid for federal purposes, just like non-compliant driver’s licenses.
- Expired Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Cards
- Federal PIV cards that are expired will not be accepted. Only current, valid PIV cards can be used.
- INS-issued Form I-179 Identification Cards
- These older cards, once used by U.S. citizens, are now obsolete and not accepted for federal identification.
- Certain Previous Versions of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
- Some older EADs without updated security features may not be accepted, even if they haven’t expired. Always check if your EAD is the latest version.
- Non-REAL ID Compliant Military Dependent ID Cards
- Military dependent IDs that do not meet REAL ID standards will not be accepted for federal travel or access.
What Still Counts as Legal ID After May 7, 2025
You can still use these forms of ID for federal purposes:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs (look for the star)
- U.S. passports or passport cards
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military IDs
- Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards)
- Other federally recognized documents
For a full list of acceptable IDs, visit the official DHS REAL ID page.
Required Actions: What You Need to Do Now
If you want to keep flying domestically or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025, here’s what you should do:
1. Check Your Current ID
– Look for a star in the upper right corner of your driver’s license or state ID. If you don’t see it, your ID is probably not REAL ID-compliant.
2. Visit Your State DMV
– Go to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or office to find out how to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID. Each state has its own process, but you’ll usually need to bring:
– Proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport)
– Proof of Social Security number
– Two documents showing your address (like a utility bill or bank statement)
– Proof of any name changes (like a marriage certificate or court order)
3. Apply Early
– Don’t wait until the last minute. DMV offices may get very busy as the deadline approaches. Applying early helps you avoid long lines and delays.
4. Consider Alternative IDs
– If you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, you can use that instead of a REAL ID for federal purposes. Trusted Traveler cards and military IDs are also accepted.
5. Update Your Name and Documents
– If your name has changed (for example, due to marriage or divorce), make sure your ID matches your legal name. Bring legal documents to the DMV to update your records.
6. Check Your Employment Documents
– For work, employers use Form I-9 to check your identity and right to work. Make sure your documents are current and valid. For more details, see the official Form I-9 Acceptable Documents list.
Implications for Pending Applications and Special Cases
If you have already applied for a REAL ID but haven’t received it yet, keep your receipt and check with your DMV for updates. If your application is delayed, you may need to use another form of accepted ID, like a passport, until your REAL ID arrives.
For immigrants and non-citizens, make sure your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Permanent Resident Card is up to date and has the latest security features. Some older EADs may not be accepted for all federal purposes, even if they haven’t expired.
If you are a military dependent, check if your ID card is REAL ID-compliant. If not, ask your military office how to get a new one.
Why These Changes Matter
The REAL ID Act was created to make it harder for people to use fake or stolen IDs. By setting higher standards for how IDs are made and checked, the government hopes to improve national security and prevent identity theft.
The TSA has also introduced new technology, called Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), at airport checkpoints. This technology checks IDs more closely and helps spot fake or expired documents.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID After May 7, 2025?
If you try to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building with a non-compliant ID after the deadline, you will be turned away unless you have another accepted form of ID, like a passport. During the flexible enforcement period until May 5, 2027, you might get a warning instead of being denied, but this is not guaranteed. It’s much safer to get your REAL ID or have another accepted ID ready.
Special Tips for Different Groups
- Travelers: If you fly often, getting a REAL ID is the easiest way to avoid problems at the airport. If you already have a passport, you can use that, but a REAL ID is more convenient for most domestic travel.
- Students: If you use a state ID to prove your age or identity, make sure it’s REAL ID-compliant. Some schools and universities may also require REAL ID for certain activities.
- Workers: Employers must check your ID for Form I-9. Make sure your documents are current and accepted. If you’re not sure, ask your HR department or check the USCIS website.
- Immigrants: Keep your EAD or Green Card up to date. If you have an older version, ask about getting a new one with updated security features.
- Military Families: Check with your base or military office to make sure your dependent ID is REAL ID-compliant.
Expert and Official Perspectives
According to Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security, the extra time given to states was meant to help everyone get ready for the new rules and make the process smoother. The TSA is also using new technology to make ID checks faster and more secure.
Legal experts recommend starting the process early, especially if you need to update your name or other documents. Waiting until the last minute could mean missing important travel or work opportunities.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, many people are still unaware of the REAL ID deadline and what it means for their daily lives. The site suggests checking your ID now and making a plan to get a compliant one before the rush.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the Future
The government plans to keep improving ID security and technology. The flexible enforcement period until May 5, 2027, gives people more time to adjust, but the goal is full compliance. States are updating their systems, and the TSA is rolling out better ways to check IDs.
It’s possible that more types of IDs will be updated or replaced in the future as technology changes. For now, the most important thing is to have a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID by May 7, 2025.
Where to Get More Help and Information
If you need more details or want to start your REAL ID application, visit the official DHS REAL ID page. This site has up-to-date information, answers to common questions, and links to your state’s DMV.
For questions about work documents, see the USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents page.
If you need legal help with name changes or other documentation, contact a qualified immigration or family law attorney in your area.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check your current ID now to see if it’s REAL ID-compliant.
- Gather your documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, address, and name change documents) before going to the DMV.
- Apply for a REAL ID as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- Use a valid passport or other accepted ID if you need to travel or access federal buildings before you get your REAL ID.
- Keep your employment documents current and check with your employer if you have questions.
- Stay informed by visiting official government websites for the latest updates.
By taking these steps, you’ll be ready for the new rules and avoid problems with travel, work, or government services after May 7, 2025. The changes may seem complicated, but with a little preparation, you can make sure you have the legal identification you need for any situation.
Learn Today
REAL ID Act → Federal law setting higher security standards for state-issued IDs, effective May 7, 2025.
Driver’s License → Official card granting permission to drive, must be REAL ID-compliant for federal use after 2025.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → Work permit issued by USCIS, must have updated security features for federal acceptance.
Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) → TSA’s new system to verify IDs quickly and detect fake or expired documents.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) → Identification card for lawful permanent residents, accepted as valid federal ID.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant IDs, passports, or military cards are valid for domestic flights and federal buildings. Non-compliant IDs will be rejected, so check yours now and apply early at your DMV to avoid delays and ensure smooth travel and access for all federal purposes.
— By VisaVerge.com
