Real ID: What You Need to Know Before the May 2025 Deadline

Recent governmental shifts and workforce adjustments have sparked some confusion among Americans regarding the necessity of obtaining a Real ID. Despite these changes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reaffirmed that the Real ID enforcement deadline remains in effect. So, the short answer is yes, you still need a Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities.

The Deadline: May 7, 2025

Mark your calendars. On May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and older will be required to present a Real ID-compliant identification for security screenings at airports nationwide. This includes state-issued driver’s licenses, state-issued identification cards, and other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.

Why You Need a Real ID

Without a Real ID, or an acceptable alternative, your air travel may be significantly delayed, or even denied. Real ID compliant cards are easily identifiable by a star marking typically found on the front of the card. This star indicates that the identification document meets the minimum security standards established by the Real ID Act of 2005.

The Real ID Act was enacted in response to a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission to Congress. The act aims to enhance the security of identification documents and prevent individuals from using fraudulent or altered IDs to access sensitive areas, such as airports and federal buildings.

The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.

Delays and the Final Deadline

The Real ID travel requirement was originally scheduled to take effect in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting backlogs at Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offices across the country, the deadline was extended to May 2025. The large volumes of paperwork severely limited agencies’ ability to make significant progress on the Real ID rollout.

However, officials are emphasizing that this time, the deadline is firm. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will not accept driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards that do not comply with Real ID standards.

Who Needs a Real ID?

Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18 will need a Real ID by May 7, 2025, if they plan to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities. Failure to obtain a Real ID by the enforcement deadline may result in delays or being barred from flying domestically.

Alternatives to Real ID

If you already possess another form of TSA-approved identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, you may not need to obtain a Real ID. Other TSA-approved alternatives include:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS, SENTRI)
• U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border Crossing Card
• DHS-designated enhanced Driver’s License
• Federally Recognized, Tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV Card
• Foreign Government-Issued Passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

How to Get a Real ID

The best way to determine exactly what documentation is required to obtain a Real ID is to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

At a minimum, you will typically need to provide documentation that includes:

• Your full legal name
• Your date of birth
• Your Social Security number
• Proof of address of principal residence
• Proof of lawful status in the United States

Individual states may have additional requirements, so it is crucial to contact your state’s driver’s licensing agency online or in person for specific information and assistance.

Driver’s licensing agencies in all states and Washington, D.C., are currently issuing Real ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. The processing time for a Real ID request at your local MVD office is typically around two weeks, or 15 business days.

Identifying a Real ID

All Real IDs will feature a visible marking or stamp to indicate that they are federally compliant. The specific symbol stamped on your Real ID card may vary depending on the state in which it was issued.

Non-compliant cards, according to the TSA, will lack the star and may include language such as "Not for Real ID purposes" or "Not for Federal ID." "Legacy cards," which were issued before a state began issuing Real ID compliant cards, will have neither a star nor non-compliant language.

Don’t Delay

With the May 7, 2025 deadline approaching, it is essential to take action now to ensure that you have the necessary identification for air travel and access to federal facilities. Avoid potential delays and complications by obtaining a Real ID or confirming that you have an acceptable alternative form of identification. Visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website for detailed information and application procedures.