Less than 2 days until Real ID requirement for airport security goes into effect
Editor's Note
Real ID enforcement is almost here.
The much-delayed rollout of new security standards for driver's licenses and state identification cards will go into effect May 7. Travelers' identification cards will have to meet Real ID standards in order to be used for federal purposes, including passing through airport security checkpoints.
"On May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older is expected to have a Real ID-compliant state-issued identification credential, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a U.S. passport," a Transportation Security Administration spokesperson told TPG.
There have been long lines at Department of Motor Vehicles offices across the country as the deadline approaches, and people are struggling to find last-minute appointments.
Some cities, like Chicago, have opened pop-up Real ID centers, which have also seen long lines as people rush to become compliant.
While the new requirements will be in place soon, there will still be wiggle room for ID verification until full enforcement takes effect in 2027.
Looming May 7 deadline for Real ID
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said its latest May 7 deadline to officially implement the Real ID requirement for domestic air travel is locked in. However, according to a statement published in the Federal Register, the government is allowing for some flexibility.
"Under this rule, agencies may implement the card-based enforcement provisions through a phased enforcement plan if they determine it is appropriate upon consideration of relevant factors, including security, operational feasibility, and public impact," the statement says.
Upon reading the fine print signed by former TSA Administrator David Pekoske when the rule was first unveiled, it's clear that local authorities will have up to two years to fully implement the new requirements. That means some states may be able to give people a little more time to obtain the correct documentation for entry to government offices and to pass through security at airports.
"[T]his proposal would give federal agencies the flexibility to enforce Real ID," a TSA spokesperson said about the rule. The spokesperson added that it would "prevent travelers (in particular) from being turned away."
Another loophole exists: The new rule will also allow states to get a waiver from the TSA to use mobile driver's licenses.
The TSA has published a map detailing where mobile driver's licenses are currently approved for federal acceptance.
Phased implementation would still allow travelers to enter secure areas under certain conditions during the rollout, and mobile licenses provide more options for the ID component. However, the deadline for the overall requirements to kick into effect is holding firm.
Are you Real ID-compliant?
The good news is that you may already be compliant. You can tell if your driver's license or ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for the star in the upper right or left corner, as shown in the image below.
If you don't see a star on your ID or it says something like "Not for federal identification" or "Not for federal purposes" in fine print, then it is not Real ID-approved.
You can use this tool to figure out if you are compliant. It will ask you a series of questions to determine if you are OK to travel with your ID. Remember that a U.S. passport qualifies as a Real ID in all cases.
If you need to get a new state-issued, Real ID-approved license or identification card, it may be as simple as renewing your current ID — just be sure to make it clear that you want the Real ID-approved version(s). Some states still issue standard licenses or IDs that don't include Real ID provisions.
"To obtain a state-issued REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address for their principal residence and proof of their lawful status," the TSA told TPG. "States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state's driver's licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance."
Note, too, that even if you have Clear or TSA PreCheck, you still need an ID that matches the new Real ID requirements.
Related: Real ID hack: Clear offering a workaround for those who miss the May 7 deadline
In the case of Clear, you can upload your passport in the Clear app to use the Clear lanes if you don't have a Real ID-approved driver's license or other state ID.
Beyond a U.S. passport or passport card, some other alternatives to a state-issued, Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card include:
- DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, Nexus, SENTRI and Fast)
- Permanent resident card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Border-crossing card
- State-issued enhanced driver's license
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 personal identity verification card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766)
- U.S. merchant mariner credential
TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.
Bottom line
After years of delays, the federal government is sticking to a May 7 deadline for instituting new ID requirements for security at airports and other government facilities. However, the new rules will have some wiggle room to give local authorities more time to fully comply with them.
You should check to see if your state-issued ID is Real ID-compliant now. If it's not, it's time to make a plan to fix it, as the government is finally getting serious about implementing a law that passed decades ago in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Related reading:
- Real ID vs. driver's license: Everything you need to know
- Best credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck
- Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?
- Travelers can now enroll in TSA PreCheck via Clear at 13 US airports
- 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
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