Key Takeaways
• REAL ID enforcement for U.S. airports began May 7, 2025; TSA now requires compliant identification for domestic flights.
• Acceptable IDs include REAL ID cards, passports, trusted traveler cards, military IDs, and approved DHS documents at TSA checkpoints.
• Travelers without compliant ID cannot complete airport check-in or board; children under 18 exempt when traveling with a documented adult.
Travelers heading to airports across the United States 🇺🇸 are facing a new set of rules as the deadline for REAL ID enforcement arrived on May 7, 2025. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) now requires most adult travelers to show a REAL ID-compliant document or another accepted form of identification for airport check-in and security screening. This change, rooted in a law passed almost two decades ago, comes after years of delays and warnings. But as of today, there are no reports—positive or negative—about how this change is playing out in real time, because enforcement only began last week.
Understanding what this shift means, why it’s happening now, and what you need to do next can be confusing. This article carefully breaks down everything you need to know about TSA, REAL ID, and the new requirements for airport check-in, using only information that’s publicly available up to today.
What is REAL ID and Why Does it Matter Now?
The REAL ID Act became law in 2005. It set new rules for what kinds of identification (ID) are considered secure and acceptable for federal purposes, like boarding domestic flights in the United States 🇺🇸. Congress passed the act because of security concerns after the September 11 attacks.
A REAL ID is not a separate document but a standard for certain state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standard IDs have extra security features, like machine-readable strips and specific markings (usually a star in the upper corner). Starting now, if your ID does not meet these REAL ID requirements, you will not be able to use it alone for airport check-in and boarding domestic flights.
This rule affects millions of Americans and foreign nationals living or traveling in the United States 🇺🇸. If you’re flying within the country, you need to make sure you have the right documents in hand.
TSA’s Role in REAL ID Enforcement
The TSA is tasked with checking IDs as travelers move through airport security. Before May 7, 2025, TSA agents accepted a wide range of IDs from states and territories, even if those IDs didn’t meet the new federal REAL ID standards. Starting on the deadline, the TSA is only accepting IDs that are REAL ID-compliant or other forms allowed by the federal government.
So why is TSA doing this? The aim is to make sure that everyone entering secure areas of the airport has been carefully screened by their state or the federal government. The United States 🇺🇸 Department of Homeland Security, which oversees TSA, says this will stop people from using fake or unsafe IDs for flights.
Although TSA carefully prepared for this day, training officers and offering public advice, there is not yet any feedback or official report on how the first week of enforcement has gone. As reported by VisaVerge.com, officials previously warned of possible confusion or longer lines, especially in the early weeks as people adjust to the new requirements.
Key Dates and Everything Leading Up to May 7, 2025
The REAL ID enforcement deadline has moved several times. Originally, the government planned for the rule to kick in much sooner, but delays stacked up. Reasons included slow progress by some states in issuing the new IDs, technical issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed offices and kept people at home.
By 2023, Department of Homeland Security set the new firm date as May 7, 2025. States worked hard to alert residents and increase the number of REAL ID-compliant credentials issued. TSA and Department of Homeland Security both provided regular updates to the public, urging everyone to check their documents before traveling.
Despite these warnings, many travelers across the United States 🇺🇸 waited until the last minute—or still haven’t applied. This means airports could see travelers caught off-guard, unable to get through the airport check-in process if they lack the right ID.
What Documents Will TSA Accept for Airport Check-in?
With the new rules in place, here’s a simple list of documents you can use at airport check-in when passing through TSA security:
- A REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or identification card (usually with a star at the top)
- A valid U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- A DHS trusted traveler ID (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI cards)
- A Department of Defense ID (including IDs for spouses and dependents)
- A secure tribal ID recognized by the federal government
- Permanent resident cards (Green Cards)
- Foreign passports that are valid
- Other official documents approved by Department of Homeland Security
If you have questions about acceptable identification documents, you can visit the TSA’s official identification page for clear details.
If you show up with only an old-style driver’s license or non-compliant state ID, TSA will not let you complete airport check-in or pass through security. In most cases, this means you’ll have to miss your flight.
Who is Affected by the REAL ID Change?
Almost everyone who uses airports in the United States 🇺🇸 is affected:
- U.S. citizens: If you use a regular state-issued driver’s license, it must now be REAL ID-compliant to fly domestically. If not, you need another accepted document.
Lawful permanent residents: You can use your Green Card, but if you have a driver’s license, check if it’s REAL ID-ready.
Foreign visitors: A valid passport from your home country is still accepted by TSA for airport check-in. If you have a U.S.-issued driver’s license, make sure it meets REAL ID standards.
Children: In most cases, children under 18 years old do not need to show ID for domestic flights if traveling with a guardian, but the adult must have an accepted form of identification.
Non-immigrants (students, workers): If you’re in the United States 🇺🇸 on a visa, your foreign passport paired with your U.S. visa documents is generally accepted by TSA.
Special rules may apply for travelers from U.S. territories, or for those on official government orders.
How to Tell if Your ID is REAL ID-Compliant
Most states place a star in the upper corner of the REAL ID-compliant cards. The TSA suggests you check both the front and back of your card. If you’re unsure, check your state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) website or look for an explanation about the marking on your card. Cards without the star are usually not REAL ID-compliant unless the state has special permission from the federal government.
If your card says “Not for Federal Identification” or “Federal Limits Apply,” it won’t be enough for airport check-in, even if it’s valid as a regular driver’s license.
How to Get a REAL ID
If you don’t yet have a REAL ID, you need to go to your state’s DMV and bring:
- Proof of your identity (like a birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof you live in your state (like a utility bill or lease)
- Any legal name change documents, if your current name is different from your birth certificate
Processing times can vary by state. Some places allow you to start the application online. You’ll need to apply in person the first time you get a REAL ID; you can’t do everything by mail or online.
It’s wise to start early, as appointments for DMV offices may be booked out, especially now that enforcement has started.
What if You Don’t Have a REAL ID Yet?
If you still don’t have a REAL ID, you are not out of options for airport check-in. TSA will accept other forms of ID, such as a passport. But if you do not have any accepted document, you will not be able to pass through security and board your domestic flight.
For many people, getting a REAL ID is seen as the simplest, most long-term solution. It avoids the need to bring a passport every time you fly within the United States 🇺🇸.
Stated Goals and Government Warnings
The main aim for the REAL ID Act is to fight identity fraud and make it harder for people to get on a plane using fake documents. Officials believe this helps keep airports safer.
In the last few months before the deadline, TSA and Department of Homeland Security spokespeople repeatedly urged people to check their ID status. According to tsa.gov/real-id, over half of state-issued driver’s licenses are already REAL ID-compliant, but millions still are not.
Some TSA officials have warned that, especially in the early days of enforcement, travelers may be surprised, causing slow lines and frustration at airport check-in. That’s why public announcements and reminders are set to continue for several months, as the transition settles in.
Expectations After May 7, 2025
Although there’s no official feedback yet on how the first days of enforcement have gone, experience from other countries and past changes suggests:
- Some travelers will be turned away at airport check-in for not having the right ID.
- Lines may move more slowly as people ask questions or try to use old IDs.
- TSA officers will likely spend more time at the airport check-in desk explaining the rules.
Airlines, travel agents, and airport staff have also been given training materials. Most expect things will settle into a new routine once people get used to the changes.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you have a trip planned soon, check your ID today—don’t wait for the day of your flight. Here are clear steps to prepare:
- Look for a star or marking on your driver’s license or state ID.
- Visit your state DMV’s website for REAL ID details or to make an appointment.
- If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, bring a valid passport or another accepted document to the airport for check-in.
- Share this information with family and friends who may not know about the new requirement.
- Keep an eye on updates from TSA and your airline.
If you have special questions as an immigrant, student, or visitor, contact TSA or check their official resources (tsa.gov/real-id) for the most accurate and current information.
Common Questions About REAL ID and Airport Check-in
What happens if I forget my REAL ID or an accepted form of ID?
TSA may try to verify your identity using other means, but there is no guarantee you’ll be allowed through security. You could miss your flight.
Can I use a mobile driver’s license?
Some states now offer digital driver’s licenses on your smartphone, but not all of these are accepted at every airport. Check with TSA’s list of approved IDs before you travel.
Do children need REAL ID?
Children under 18 traveling with an adult with an accepted ID usually do not need REAL ID for domestic flights.
What if my state does not issue REAL ID?
All states are now able to issue REAL ID-compliant cards, but check with your local DMV for any local exceptions.
Looking Ahead
The next few weeks and months will show how smoothly the transition to REAL ID enforcement goes for airports, the TSA, and millions of travelers. As people become more familiar with these changes, problems at airport check-in should become less common.
In the meantime, the best way to avoid stress and keep your travel plans on track is to check your documents before you head to the airport. Keeping in touch with announcements from TSA and your airline will help you stay prepared.
Summary: The United States 🇺🇸 today fully enforces the REAL ID Act at airport check-in. To pass through TSA security, most adults now need a REAL ID card or another accepted identification document. With no reports yet of major problems or successes, it’s up to each traveler to make sure they have the right papers for a smooth airport check-in experience. For more information, keep checking updates from the TSA and trusted sources like VisaVerge.com as enforcement moves forward.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A driver’s license or state ID that meets strict federal security standards, required for domestic flights within the U.S. after May 7, 2025.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) → A federal agency overseeing transportation security, including checking identification at U.S. airport checkpoints for all travelers.
DHS Trusted Traveler ID → Special identification cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI) issued by DHS for expedited screening at borders and airports.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) → An identification card showing lawful permanent resident status, accepted as valid ID at TSA security for domestic flights.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) → State-level government offices responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, REAL IDs, and vehicle registrations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA strictly requires a REAL ID or other federally accepted identification for domestic airport check-in. Travelers without compliant documents risk being turned away. Acting now ensures smooth passage through airport security. Check ID status and prepare in advance to avoid disruptions or missed flights.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• REAL ID often comes with no extra fee compared to a standard license
• Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients can get REAL ID
• REAL ID not valid for Canada or Mexico land and sea border crossings
• REAL ID: What Counts as Proof of Identity for Your Application
• Permanent Resident Card remains valid for US flights after REAL ID rule
