(UNITED STATES) Travelers across the country who still do not have REAL IDs are likely to face tougher checks at airport security next year, as the Transportation Security Administration moves toward full enforcement of federal identity rules and tests a new biometric kiosk system that would give some passengers a last‑minute way to verify who they are.
Deadline and what it means for travelers
Under a federal deadline of May 7, 2025, the TSA will require most adults flying within the United States to show a REAL ID‑compliant document or another form of acceptable federal identification at security checkpoints. REAL IDs are marked with a small star on the top of the card and meet minimum security standards set by federal law.
Without a REAL ID or another accepted federal ID, many travelers may be:
– Pushed into extra screening
– Delayed
– Or turned away from their flights altogether
A standard state driver’s license that is not REAL ID‑compliant will no longer be sufficient for domestic air travel. Some alternatives—such as Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs/EIDs)—already meet federal rules. Licenses marked with “Federal Limits Apply” on the front, however, will not be accepted for boarding commercial flights within the country.
TSA’s proposed biometric kiosk system
To avoid mass denials at checkpoints, the TSA has proposed a biometric kiosk system intended to help travelers who arrive without REAL IDs or other accepted federal documents.
Key features of the proposal:
– Travelers could pay a user fee at a kiosk.
– They would verify their identity using biometric checks.
– If cleared, they receive permission to enter the secure, or “sterile,” side of the airport for a limited period.
Important limitations:
– The biometric verification would not replace REAL IDs in general life or create a long‑term identity document.
– Each payment and identity check at the kiosk would be valid for 10 days at a time.
– The TSA has not specified the exact fee in the released materials.
How the 10‑day kiosk access would work
- Each kiosk clearance grants up to 10 days of access to the sterile area.
- That could cover a round trip or several short flights.
- After 10 days, the traveler would have to pay again to receive another clearance.
This design is intended to provide a time‑limited alternative for last‑minute travelers, not a permanent substitute for obtaining a REAL ID.
Concerns and arguments from both sides
Traveler advocates warn:
– Low‑income passengers, people who struggle to gather required paperwork, and those far from motor vehicle offices could be forced to pay extra just to fly.
– There’s a risk of creating economic barriers to air travel for vulnerable groups.
Supporters argue:
– The kiosk system could prevent families from missing flights.
– It gives the TSA a structured, auditable process for verifying identity at checkpoints.
What it takes to get a REAL ID
Under current state rules, applicants usually must appear in person at a state Department of Motor Vehicles or similar agency and present several documents:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of lawful presence
- Proof of Social Security number (in most cases)
- Documents showing current residency
States then issue upgraded licenses or ID cards that carry the star marking indicating REAL ID compliance. Licenses that do not meet the standard are clearly labeled to show they are not valid for federal purposes such as air travel or entering some federal buildings.
Why many people struggle to get REAL IDs
The in‑person visit is often the main barrier. People impacted include:
– Workers with limited time off
– Older immigrants who cannot find original records
– Students living away from home
– People who recently moved
Confusion about the process has already been reported; for example, VisaVerge.com notes travelers who assumed any driver’s license would suffice and only discovered otherwise at the airport.
What happens at security checkpoints after enforcement begins
Once full enforcement starts, TSA officers will direct travelers without REAL IDs or other accepted identification into separate screening areas where they may experience:
– More questions
– Longer waits
– Identity‑focused checks rather than the faster process for compliant documents
If officers cannot confirm identity satisfactorily, a traveler might not be allowed to enter the sterile area or board a domestic flight.
Don’t rely on the kiosk as a guaranteed fix: there are fees, 10-day limits, and possible unavailability at some airports. You could still face delays or denial if your ID isn’t REAL ID compliant.
Purpose of the kiosk in checkpoint procedures
The biometric kiosk is designed to offer a structured option instead of ad‑hoc screening:
1. Traveler chooses to use the kiosk.
2. Traveler pays the fee.
3. Traveler submits biometric information.
4. If cleared, traveler receives permission to travel for up to 10 days.
This provides a clear record of the traveler’s presence and a standardized verification method that can reduce disputes at the checkpoint.
Long‑term implications
- The 10‑day validity makes the kiosk a short‑term fix, not a replacement for REAL IDs.
- Frequent flyers would need to repeatedly pay fees unless they obtain compliant documents, encouraging eventual REAL ID applications.
- The change also affects access to some federal facilities: non‑compliant IDs marked “Federal Limits Apply” may no longer work for visits to certain federal offices or secure buildings.
Equity and access concerns
For immigrants and mixed‑status families, the new rules may complicate basic tasks—such as attending meetings at federal agencies—even if they rarely travel by air. Advocates worry the policy could disproportionately burden those who already face obstacles to getting required documentation.
Practical steps for travelers
Federal officials urge the public to:
– Check current licenses and ID cards to see whether they already have REAL IDs.
– Many states have offered upgraded cards for years, so some drivers may already be compliant.
– Others—especially people who renewed by mail during the pandemic or chose cheaper options—may still carry non‑compliant cards.
For more details on federal standards and acceptable documents, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page: dhs.gov/real-id.
Possible effects on airports and travel lines
As the deadline approaches, airports could see:
– Increased use of separate screening areas
– More detailed identity questions
– Rollout of biometric kiosks
All of these could slow security lines, particularly during holiday and summer travel peaks. Even travelers with REAL IDs or passports may face longer waits if checkpoints back up with last‑minute identity problems.
Key takeaway: After May 7, 2025, do not assume a regular state driver’s license will get you through domestic airport security. The TSA’s biometric kiosk may offer a temporary option, but it comes with fees, time limits, and no guarantee of availability at every airport. Travelers — including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders — should check the small symbols on their licenses well before traveling.
The TSA will require REAL ID‑compliant documents or other accepted federal IDs for most domestic flights beginning May 7, 2025. Travelers without compliant IDs risk extra screening, delays, or being denied boarding. To reduce checkpoint denials, the TSA proposes paid biometric kiosks offering up to 10 days of sterile‑area access per verification, but kiosks are temporary, fee‑based, and do not replace REAL IDs. Advocates raise equity and privacy concerns; officials recommend confirming ID status and applying early for REAL ID.
