REAL ID Deadline Is Coming: What Travelers Need to Know Before May 7, 2025
If you plan to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025, you’ll need more than just a standard driver’s license. Under the federal REAL ID Act, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal buildings. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared.
What Is REAL ID?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards. These enhanced IDs are marked with a star at the top of the card. Without one, you will not be permitted through TSA checkpoints for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025.
What Counts as REAL ID?
A REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license or identification card qualifies, as does any of the following:
- A valid U.S. passport
- A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- A U.S. military ID
- An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) from states that offer them
How to Get a REAL ID
To get a REAL ID, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with original versions (not photocopies) of the following:
- Proof of identity (e.g., a valid passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of your Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2)
- Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills or mortgage statements)
- Proof of lawful status
Requirements may vary slightly by state, so check your state’s DMV website before your appointment.
Why This Matters for Travelers
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will not be able to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. If you show up at the airport with only a standard driver’s license, you may be denied boarding.
This change is especially important for travelers who do not routinely use a passport for domestic travel. If you rely solely on your driver’s license when flying within the U.S., it’s critical to ensure it’s REAL ID-compliant before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until the last minute. As the deadline nears, DMV appointment slots are expected to fill quickly. Take the time now to gather your documents and make an appointment so your future travel plans won’t be disrupted.
For full details, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official REAL ID page:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI, or ChatGPT. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40
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