If you still haven’t updated your driver’s license to a REAL ID, you’re not alone, but time is officially running out with the deadline creeping up.
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license or an approved alternative to pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic flights in the U.S.
This long-anticipated change stems from the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law designed to increase security standards for state-issued identification. After years of delays (thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic), the final enforcement deadline is now just days away.
So, what does this mean for you? Here’s everything travelers need to know.
What Is a REAL ID, Exactly?
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets new federal security standards. You’ll know it’s compliant if it has a star marking at the top right corner. Without that star, your license won’t get you past airport security starting May 7.
You can get one by visiting your state’s DMV, but expect longer-than-usual wait times as the deadline approaches. Be prepared to bring several documents (such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency) to verify your identity and address.
What If You Don’t Have a REAL ID Yet?
Good news: A REAL ID isn’t the only acceptable form of identification. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can use any of the following instead:
- U.S. passport (book or card)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – available in select states like Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, Nevada, and Washington
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs issued to dependents)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Tribal-issued Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
So, if you have any of these documents, you can still fly domestically without needing a REAL ID before the deadline, though it’s still a good idea to get one if you travel often.
What About Kids?
Children under 18 years old do not need a REAL ID or any form of ID when flying domestically with an adult who has compliant identification. But for international travel, standard passport requirements still apply.
Is a Passport Enough?
Yes! If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can use it instead of a REAL ID. It remains your most universally accepted form of ID for both domestic and international flights.
What Makes Enhanced IDs Different?
Some states issue Enhanced IDs, which go above and beyond the REAL ID standard. These are particularly useful for travelers who frequently drive across U.S. borders into Canada or Mexico. Look for an American flag icon and the word “Enhanced” at the top of the card. Even though they don’t always include the REAL ID star, they are fully TSA-compliant.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait Until May 7
If you do plan to get a REAL ID, book your DMV appointment now. Some states are reporting waitlists of several weeks, and walk-ins are limited. The Department of Homeland Security has a state-by-state guide to help you through the process.
Missing the REAL ID deadline won’t stop you from traveling entirely, but it could mean delays, denied boarding, or extra headaches if you don’t have an alternate form of ID. So whether you’re flying to visit family or heading out on a summer vacation, plan ahead and check your wallet.
