DUBAI: US travellers flying domestically face a major change from 7th May 2025, as the long-awaited Real ID Act is finally being enforced by federal agencies.
After nearly 20 years of delays and deadline extensions, this date marks a hard shift in what identification will be accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints across the United States.
From that date, standard state-issued driver’s licences or identification cards that do not meet Real ID requirements will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights. This change is the culmination of federal security legislation passed after the 9/11 terror attacks, designed to standardise ID verification nationwide and prevent the use of fraudulent documents.
Travellers without compliant ID may face delays, increased screening, or may be barred from boarding altogether. While alternative documents like a valid passport or permanent resident card are acceptable, the focus is now squarely on upgrading state-issued licences to meet Real ID criteria.
How prepared are travellers?
As of early 2025, approximately 81 percent of US air travellers already possess either a Real ID-compliant licence or an approved alternative, such as a US passport or Global Entry card. However, that still leaves millions potentially unprepared as the May deadline looms.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that only around 61 percent of all state-issued IDs are currently Real ID-compliant. Given that the requirement applies to every traveller aged 18 and over boarding a domestic flight, state authorities have reported a surge in demand for appointments to obtain the new identification.
In response, Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) in states like California, Illinois and New York have extended their hours and opened additional pop-up centres. Some American Automobile Association (AAA) branches are also offering processing support, although availability varies by location.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s licence or identification card that complies with federal security standards introduced in the Real ID Act of 2005. These standards require applicants to present specific documentation including:
- Proof of identity (e.g., US birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number (e.g., card or official tax document)
- Two proofs of state residency (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements)
The cards themselves are marked with a distinctive gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner. In California, a yellow bear symbol is used instead. Cards without these identifiers are not considered compliant.
Those needing access to federal buildings, military bases or nuclear power plants must also carry Real ID from 7 May onwards.
How will airports handle the change?
The TSA has confirmed that Real ID-compliant ID or an acceptable alternative is mandatory for passing through airport security checkpoints. Children under the age of 18 are exempt from this requirement for domestic travel.
For those still without the correct ID by the deadline, the TSA has hinted at a “phased enforcement” model, although specifics remain vague. According to a federal rule published earlier this year, the agency could take up to two years to fully implement enforcement, potentially issuing warnings instead of immediate denials to ease transition pressures.
However, the DHS has maintained that anyone lacking a Real ID or approved substitute “will not be permitted through the security checkpoint” from 7 May. Travellers may be subjected to extensive screening procedures, and the risk of being denied entry to flights remains high.
Are people being warned?
Federal and state officials have urged citizens not to wait until the last moment.
Signs and announcements have become common at airports and DMVs, while airlines such as Frontier have added reminders to their websites. TSA officers at major airports are distributing flyers with QR codes directing passengers to official Real ID information portals.
Many state websites allow residents to schedule appointments and find out what documents are required to apply. Some also provide tools to check whether existing licences are compliant.
What if I still don’t have one?
Travellers who cannot secure a Real ID before the deadline are not without options. The TSA lists several alternative documents that will be accepted for domestic travel, including:
- US passports or passport cards
- Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards)
- Enhanced Driver’s Licences (available in a few states)
- Department of Homeland Security trusted traveller cards (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- US military ID cards
- Tribal-issued photo IDs
These documents remain valid for domestic flights and will continue to be accepted at TSA checkpoints beyond the May 7 cut-off.
Notably, Real ID cards cannot be used for international travel. For that, a standard passport is still required. However, an enhanced ID – available in states like Michigan, New York, Vermont, and Washington – may be used for land and sea crossings to Canada or Mexico.
Why is this happening now?
The TSA and DHS have both emphasised that the Real ID implementation is a key step in strengthening airport security. By requiring more rigorous documentation and verification at the time of ID issuance, authorities aim to make it harder for criminals and potential terrorists to obtain fraudulent identification.