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REAL ID Deadline Is Fast Approaching. Are You Ready?
The May 7, 2025 deadline for meeting REAL ID requirements—ensuring your driver's license or ID is compliant—is finally approaching after numerous delays. And while TSA says 81% of travelers approaching airport checkpoints already have REAL ID, there are still plenty of travelers who need it. Do you have everything you need to avoid any travel complications once this new regulation takes effect? Keep reading.
WHAT IS REAL ID?
You've likely heard about REAL ID by now, but in case you haven't ... a little refresher: Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.
Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion, however, will need acceptable identification.
Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities—including TSA airport security checkpoints—if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes (most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable).
HOW DO YOU GET A REAL ID?
To get a REAL ID, you'll need to visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.
WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YET?
If you don't have a REAL ID yet, that doesn't necessarily mean you're out of luck. You could still travel with any of TSA's acceptable forms of ID. But you'll want to visit your state's driver's licensing agency as soon as possible to get the ball rolling, as some are offering extended hours or even facing setbacks which could affect when you're able to get your new ID.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T HAVE A COMPLAINT LICENSE?
Unless you've got another acceptable form of ID (like a passport), expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
The May 7, 2025 deadline for meeting REAL ID requirements—ensuring your driver's license or ID is compliant—is finally approaching after numerous delays. And while TSA says 81% of travelers approaching airport checkpoints already have REAL ID, there are still plenty of travelers who need it. Do you have everything you need to avoid any travel complications once this new regulation takes effect? Keep reading.
WHAT IS REAL ID?
You've likely heard about REAL ID by now, but in case you haven't ... a little refresher: Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be.
Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion, however, will need acceptable identification.
Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities—including TSA airport security checkpoints—if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes (most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable).
HOW DO YOU GET A REAL ID?
To get a REAL ID, you'll need to visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.
WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE YET?
If you don't have a REAL ID yet, that doesn't necessarily mean you're out of luck. You could still travel with any of TSA's acceptable forms of ID. But you'll want to visit your state's driver's licensing agency as soon as possible to get the ball rolling, as some are offering extended hours or even facing setbacks which could affect when you're able to get your new ID.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T HAVE A COMPLAINT LICENSE?
Unless you've got another acceptable form of ID (like a passport), expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
We've compiled a collection of links to relevant websites that can help prepare you for your voyage.
Be ready to travel by spending some time researching what's necessary in the country you wish to visit, best practices for safe travel and items like traveling with pets.
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