If you’re looking to travel anywhere domestically soon, it’s going to be very important to ensure you have the right form of identification. According to the Department of Homeland Security, all Americans will need a Real ID by May 7, 2025 to board a domestic flight. Nonetheless, a new proposal suggests pushing the deadline back, as only 56% of state-issued IDs were Real ID-compliant as of January 2024.
What do I need to fly in the U.S.?
All Americans will be required to have a REAL ID in order to fly anywhere domestically by May 7, 2025.
What is a REAL ID?
REAL IDs are a security standard for state-issued driver’s licenses following the Congressional passing of the Real ID Act in 2005 to strengthen national security, while setting a minimum standard for proving identification across each state in the U.S.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a federally compliant identification card that is most easily identifiable by the star in the right hand corner. Though both a REAL ID and standard license let you drive in the U.S., only a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents will let you board a domestic flight or enter various federal facilities upon a certain date.
Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?
No. Travelers with a valid passport will not need a REAL ID. However, they will then need to show proof of passport while traveling domestically starting May 7th, 2025. This is because a passport book and card are both REAL ID compliant.
How do I get a REAL ID?
- Gather your documents: minimum documentation includes full legal name, DOB, social security number, two proofs of address and lawful status (necessary documentation may vary by state so check your local driver’s licensing agency website)
- Schedule a DMV appointment
- Submit your application at the DMV
A REAL ID takes about two weeks to come in the mail. Note that a REAL ID in New York does not cost more than the normal transaction fees that apply.
Will the REAL ID deadline be pushed back?
On January 13, 2025, TSA published the final rule on federal agency phased enforcement to begin REAL ID requirements as of May 7th, 2025. From that date forward, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that comply with the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be valid for boarding a commercial aircraft.
“The final rule provides necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact. Federal agencies that use a phased enforcement approach must also coordinate their enforcement plans with TSA and make them publicly available on agency websites,” wrote the press release. Learn more on TSA.gov.
What are REAL ID-compliant documents?
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) will be accepted as a REAL ID alternative if issued from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont, shared the DHS. As answered before, passports are also another REAL ID-compliant document. TSA has listed additional acceptable forms of identification online.
What else should I know?
More info on REAL IDs can be found on the DHS website.
A similar initiative is being implemented for international travel, which will soon require all U.S. passport holders to obtain an ETIAS to enter into about 30 European countries.