As you prepare for upcoming travel plans in 2025, it’s crucial to ensure that your identification meets the requirements set forth by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID compliant identification card, state-issued license, or another acceptable form of photo ID to board domestic flights within the United States.
This change means that regular driver’s licenses alone will no longer suffice for verifying identity at TSA security checkpoints. Simply put, if you don’t have a compliant ID, you risk delays and complications that could severely impact your travel experience.
So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It stems from a federal law aimed at enhancing security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card, you must provide documentation proving your identity and legal residency in the United States.
The TSA has specified a list of acceptable forms of identification under the REAL ID guidelines. Among these are enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL), enhanced identification cards (EID), U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, permanent resident cards, foreign passports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization cards, federally recognized Tribal-issued photo IDs, and border crossing cards.
Are you unsure if you have the correct identification? Washington State residents can take advantage of a quiz offered by the Washington State Department of Licensing to determine if their ID meets the necessary requirements for air travel.
For those looking to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID in Washington, the process involves a few straightforward steps. First, review the documents required for obtaining an EDL or EID. Next, make an appointment with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
If you don’t possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification by the enforcement date, prepare for possible complications when passing through TSA checkpoints. It’s important to note that starting on May 7, 2025, there will be no exceptions made for Non-REAL ID identifiers at security checks. Expect heightened scrutiny, additional screening, or potentially being denied entry to the security area if you lack the required ID.
Parents traveling with children should also be aware that kids under 17 are not required to have identification for domestic flights. However, for international travel, all travelers, regardless of age, need to carry a valid passport. It’s advisable to verify specific ID needs directly with your airline when traveling with minors.
What if flying isn’t in your immediate plans? Regular driver’s licenses and ID cards will continue to be accepted for other forms of travel within the U.S., including driving within your state, crossing state lines, or riding trains. Additionally, programs like the SEA Visitor Pass don’t require REAL ID unless commercial flight is involved.
Stay informed and reduce travel headaches by reviewing the available resources about REAL ID requirements. For more information, you can visit REAL ID Washington or the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page. Also, consider subscribing to Fly SEA for the latest airport news and updates.
image source from：https://www.portseattle.org/blog/be-real-id-ready-travel
