The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing REAL ID rules nationwide starting May 7, 2025. All airline passengers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport, when passing through TSA security checkpoints at airports across the United States.
This upcoming change stems from the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, aimed at improving national security and preventing the use of fraudulent identification. After years of extensions and delays, enforcement is finally set to begin, and travelers who are not prepared could face serious disruptions.
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top, indicating that the holder has met stricter security standards for issuing identification. IDs without this mark will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel starting on the enforcement date. According to TSA, about 81% of travelers currently present an acceptable form of ID, including REAL IDs, at checkpoints. That leaves a significant number of passengers at risk of delays or denial of entry if they do not obtain the necessary documentation in time.
Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, emphasized the importance of the REAL ID requirement in protecting national security. He stated that the new rules will make it harder for criminals and terrorists to forge IDs, and that TSA is committed to implementing the changes smoothly while minimizing disruptions at airports.
Passengers who arrive at the airport without a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative such as a passport can expect to face delays and additional screening. In some cases, they may not be allowed to proceed through security at all, which could result in missed flights. Even travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck® will not be exempt from the requirement.
Importantly, the enforcement does not affect noncitizens who are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights. They will still be permitted to board, even without a REAL ID.
For travelers who are unsure whether their license is compliant, now is the time to check. Most state DMVs offer information online about whether their IDs meet federal standards. Those who need to upgrade their license should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid long wait times closer to the deadline.
Why This Matters for Spring and Summer Travel
With the busy summer travel season just around the corner, May 7 could become a critical pressure point at U.S. airports. Travelers planning vacations, business trips, or family visits in late spring and beyond should double-check their IDs and make necessary updates. Failing to do so could lead to unexpected delays or even being turned away at the gate.
While TSA anticipates that the percentage of travelers with compliant IDs will continue to rise, the agency is prepared to maintain additional screening procedures for those without a REAL ID until it is no longer a security risk. However, the agency is encouraging everyone to be ready by the deadline to ensure smoother travel for all passengers.
Those seeking more details about REAL ID requirements can visit the official TSA website at TSA.gov/real-id. The site includes information about acceptable IDs, how to get a REAL ID, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, the message is clear: without a REAL ID, you might not get past security. Don’t wait until it’s too late—check your ID now and plan accordingly.
