The federal government has announced that it will finally begin enforcing the national Real ID law starting on May 7, marking a significant moment after nearly two decades of delays.
For many, this new enforcement is particularly important for boarding domestic flights, as non-Real ID driver’s licenses and identification cards will no longer be accepted at U.S. airport security checkpoints once the law is fully enforced.
But the question remains whether the millions of daily U.S. airline passengers, as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials responsible for screening, are ready for this changeover.
In recent years, the federal government has repeatedly set and delayed deadlines for Real ID enforcement after recognizing that a significant number of Americans would not be sufficiently prepared with compliant documents.
Kyle Potter, executive editor of the travel website Thrifty Traveler, explained, “So they extend [the deadline] again and they push it out another two or three years, but then there’s no more urgency.
So this problem just keeps happening and happening and happening.”
As the latest Real ID deadline approaches—less than a month away—here’s what travelers need to know.
What’s happening on May 7?
On May 7, federal agencies, including the TSA, have stated that they will only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that meet Real ID requirements.
These requirements include providing certain identifying information such as Social Security numbers when applying for a Real ID.
It is important to clarify that while you will need a Real ID or an approved form of identification to board domestic flights, you still have options.
Travelers can still utilize passports, passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses (issued by some states), permanent resident cards, or other forms of ID permitted by the TSA.
Additionally, children under the age of 18 do not require any form of identification to fly within the United States.
However, beginning May 7, state-issued driver’s licenses that are not Real ID-compliant will no longer be accepted by the TSA.
According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, approximately 81% of current U.S. travelers already possess a Real ID license or an accepted alternative form of identification, such as a passport.
Will I get turned away at the airport if I don’t have a Real ID?
As of now, it remains unclear whether travelers presenting non-Real ID licenses will be turned away at security checkpoints or face additional scrutiny from law enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security indicated in an FAQ that beginning May 7, 2025, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.
Nevertheless, the TSA has announced plans to implement “phased enforcement” starting May 7, though they have not yet disclosed details regarding what that will entail.
A federal rule published this year notes that the TSA could adopt a “phased approach” to enforcement over two years, allowing them to issue warnings to individuals who lack Real ID to avert “serious risks of operational disruption, negative public impact, and potential security vulnerabilities.”
A different TSA spokesperson informed member station KUT that security officers might implement extra screening measures for travelers with non-Real ID licenses.
According to Potter, the travel editor, the TSA and federal government seem to be attempting to strike a balance by alerting the public to the Real ID situation while providing some leeway to prevent mass disruptions in air travel, which nobody desires.
How do I get a Real ID?
First, check whether you already possess a Real ID.
Your driver’s license or ID card will be compliant with the new regulations if it has a star marking located in one of the top corners.
If your ID does not have this marking, check with your state’s motor vehicle agency to find out how to acquire a Real ID.
The Department of Homeland Security states that you will be required to provide documentation proving your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status, and two proofs of address.
However, federal officials advise confirming with your state to ensure you understand the necessary documents and any additional requirements your state may have beyond the minimum federal Real ID guidelines.
The fast-approaching deadline has triggered a surge of applications at state DMVs from regions like Oregon to Pennsylvania, as individuals hurry to obtain compliant licenses.
Why is all this happening, anyway?
The Real ID Act was signed into law in 2005, primarily in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, which highlighted the challenges in obtaining a driver’s license across the United States.
However, getting all 50 states and U.S. territories to adopt the new requirements and start issuing Real IDs has presented obstacles, with the federal government estimating in 2007 that the implementation would cost states around $11 billion.
In addition, complications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have caused further delays.
It was not until 2020, fifteen years after the Real ID Act was enacted, that all 50 states achieved compliance with its licensing requirements.
Alongside airports, individuals will also be required to present a Real ID when entering certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants, as stated by the Department of Homeland Security.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/04/10/nx-s1-5355902/real-id-enforcement-may-7
