Domestic air travelers in the United States must now present identification compliant with the REAL ID Act to board flights. The requirement took effect Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Identity cards meeting REAL ID requirements are marked with a star in the upper right corner. These cards are federally compliant and necessary for accessing secure federal facilities in addition to boarding aircraft. The 20-year-old law stems from recommendations by the 9/11 Commission to enhance identification security standards.
While the requirement is now in place, travelers arriving without a compliant ID will not be turned away at airports. Transportation Security Administration officials indicated passengers without a REAL ID may face additional screening before being permitted to proceed to the gate. Other forms of identification remain acceptable for air travel, including a US passport or a permanent resident card..The effective date for enforcing the law was postponed multiple times before Wednesday's implementation. Approximately 19 percent of individuals flying nationwide did not possess a REAL ID before the requirement began, according to TSA data.
Meeting the REAL ID requirements involves presenting specific documentation to state agencies. These processes and the cost vary by state. States are managing varying workloads as residents seek compliant identification. The NYS REAL ID process, for example, has contributed to increased volume at Department of Motor Vehicles offices across New York State. State DMVs across the country are working to process requests. State Requirements Vary. Some states like Oklahoma advise applying several weeks before travel, noting temporary paper IDs are not accepted for flying..TSA advises travelers to prepare for possible changes in screening procedures. "Plan ahead, arrive early, and arrive prepared," the agency stated. TSA Statement on X. Agency staff are available at checkpoints to assist passengers. Airports may establish separate lines for travelers without compliant identification.
Officials emphasize the goal is compliance without preventing travel on the initial enforcement day.
Steve Lorincz, the TSA’s deputy executive assistant administrator for security operations, said travelers without a REAL ID will be processed. "We will process you (and you) will not be turned away," Lorincz said. "It might take some additional time, but we’re going to do it efficiently. We are fully staffed at all locations across the country."
