REAL ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025—Are You Ready to Travel?
Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. state and territory residents will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, to:
-
Board federally regulated commercial aircraft,
-
Enter certain federal buildings, and
-
Access nuclear facilities.
What Is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card is issued by your state’s driver’s licensing agency and meets the federal security standards established by the REAL ID Act. These cards are marked with a star in the upper portion of the card. If your current driver’s license or ID does not have this star, it is not compliant.
Acceptable Alternatives
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you may still use any of the following to board a commercial flight:
-
U.S. Passport
-
U.S. Passport Card
-
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
These are marked with a U.S. flag and the word “Enhanced.”
What Happens if You Arrive Unprepared?
Travelers who arrive at TSA security checkpoints without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative form of identification can expect:
-
Delays due to additional screening,
-
And in some cases, denial of entry beyond the security checkpoint.
To avoid disruptions to your travel plans, check your ID today. If you need to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant card, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing agency as soon as possible.
Learn More
For a full list of acceptable identification documents and more information about the REAL ID program, please visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification