Washington, D.C. — After nearly two decades of delays, extensions, and mounting anticipation, the United States is finally moving forward with the enforcement of the Real ID Act. Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a Real ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that this date will not be postponed again.
What Is Real ID?
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with the goal of enhancing security standards for state-issued identification cards. It sets federal requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards, ensuring they meet uniform criteria for authenticity and security.
The law mandates that individuals must present specific documents to verify their identity, Social Security number, legal presence in the U.S., and proof of state residency. Only after verification can a state issue a Real ID-compliant card, which is typically marked by a star in the upper right corner.
What Happens on May 7, 2025?
On this date, anyone who wishes to board a domestic commercial flight or enter certain federal facilities—such as military bases or nuclear power plants—must present a Real ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification.
Acceptable alternatives include:
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
For most Americans, however, the easiest path to compliance is through their state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency by obtaining a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card.
Why the Long Delay?
Originally slated for enforcement in 2008, the Real ID deadline has been pushed back multiple times due to logistical challenges, pushback from states, privacy concerns, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. States needed time to update their systems, and many Americans were unaware of the requirement or lacked the necessary documentation.
In 2020, amid the pandemic, the DHS postponed the deadline to October 2021, and then again to May 3, 2023, before announcing the final extension to May 7, 2025. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the new date allows sufficient time for remaining Americans to obtain compliant identification while acknowledging the backlogs and staffing issues many DMVs continue to face.
Are Americans Ready?
As of early 2025, DHS estimates that only around 60% of Americans with state-issued IDs have obtained a Real ID-compliant card. With less than a month to go, DMVs across the country are urging residents to schedule appointments as soon as possible, as demand is expected to surge in the coming weeks.
“We are encouraging everyone to check their current driver’s license,” said Elaine Peters, spokesperson for the California DMV. “If it does not have a gold or black star in the corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You will not be allowed through TSA security at airports without compliant ID after the deadline.”
What You Need to Apply
To apply for a Real ID, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity: Valid passport or birth certificate
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card or W-2 form
- Two proofs of residency: Utility bills, lease agreements, or mortgage statements
- Proof of legal name change, if applicable (e.g., marriage certificate)
Requirements can vary slightly by state, so it’s important to check your state DMV’s website for the most accurate and updated list.
Implications for Travel
For air travelers, the Real ID requirement will significantly impact airport security procedures. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated it will strictly enforce the rule and turn away passengers who do not present compliant identification.
Airlines and travel groups are also sounding the alarm. The U.S. Travel Association has warned that non-compliance could lead to “significant disruptions at airport checkpoints” and has urged a national public awareness campaign in the final stretch.
“If travelers arrive at the airport on May 7, 2025, without the right ID, they will not be allowed through security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “This is a federal mandate. There will be no grace period.”
Public Concerns and Privacy
Despite its security rationale, the Real ID program has not been without controversy. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about data sharing, centralized databases, and potential surveillance. While DHS insists that Real ID does not create a federal database of driver information, critics remain skeptical.
Some states, including Oregon and Oklahoma, initially resisted implementing Real ID due to these concerns, but all 50 states and territories are now compliant and issuing Real ID cards.
What to Do Now
With the final deadline fast approaching, DHS and state DMVs are urging Americans to act now:
- Check your current ID for the Real ID star.
- Visit your state DMV website to make an appointment and see required documents.
- Consider alternative IDs like a passport if you don’t want to upgrade your license.
This deadline marks a turning point in how Americans move through airports and interact with federal facilities. While long delayed, the arrival of Real ID is now real—and just around the corner.
