Homeland Security finally requires U.S. travelers to carry REAL ID when traveling at domestic airports May 7, 2025.
If you’ve been to a U.S. airport in the past few years, you may have noticed signs near security checkpoints alerting passengers to changes in photo ID requirements as part of the REAL ID Act. The law was originally scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2020, but has been extended to 2021, 2023 and now 2025.
There is some confusion about the REAL ID Act, who it affects, and what you must do before traveling. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming REAL ID requirements to ensure your journey goes smoothly.
What is the REAL ID Act?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act on September 11, 2001, setting clearer standards for government-issued photo identification cards.
The law establishes a uniform set of security standards for driver’s licenses and other government-issued identification cards and prohibits government agencies from accepting identification that does not meet REAL ID Act standards.
One goal is to add an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents to get onto planes.
Government agencies require more documentation when issuing REAL IDs, and the cards are more advanced and therefore harder to counterfeit.
The law took more than a decade to implement because each state currently has different standards and processes for issuing photo IDs. Some states and the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the law, claiming it was an overreach by the federal government.
Real ID will officially take effect on May 7, 2025, and you will have less than a year to ensure you have a compliant Real ID, or plan to obtain one.
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How to tell if you have a compliant REAL ID
Since this law has been in place for a while, many states started issuing compliant REAL IDs before the federal government required them, which means you may already have a REAL ID, but there are a few easy ways to check.Generally speaking, ID cards with an asterisk or star pattern qualify as a REAL ID card
However, if your ID is missing an asterisk or says “Federal restrictions apply” or “Does not apply to federal identification,” you do not have a compliant REAL ID.
Compliant IDs are issued in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.
But just because you live in a state that issues REAL ID cards doesn’t mean you’ll automatically receive a REAL ID card. You may need to provide additional documentation, wait longer to receive your ID, or even pay higher processing fees.
This means you should double-check your ID to see if it is compliant.If you’re still unsure, the Department of Homeland Security has a brief message Take the quiz on their website Help you determine if your product is compliant.
What REAL ID means for airline passengers
After the REAL ID Act is enacted, passengers will be unable to pass through TSA checkpoints without a compliant REAL ID. If you don’t want to upgrade your driver’s license to a compliant version, you can still travel with your U.S. passport or any of the following TSA-approved forms of identification:
- US passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card (global access, relation, Sentryquickly)
- permanent resident card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID card
- transit card
- State-issued enhanced driver’s license
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Passport issued by a foreign government
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transport worker identification card
- USCIS Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Marine Seaman Certificate
Please note that travelers under 18 years old do not need to provide identification when traveling with a companion, and this does not change under the REAL ID Act.
If I take PreCheck or Global Entry, do I need a REAL ID?
Yes. While your Global Entry card will be considered valid ID, you will need to carry that card (or other eligible photo ID) with you when traveling, even if you are enrolled in one of the programs. Your TSA PreCheck card is not eligible.
Do I need a real ID?
If you never fly and don’t plan to visit a secure government facility, you don’t need a REAL ID and there’s no need to upgrade your ID. You can still vote, drive and visit medical facilities like hospitals with a non-compliant ID. However, if you plan to fly within the United States, you will need to provide a compliant REAL ID unless you plan to travel with a passport or other acceptable form of documentation at all times.
My state is REAL ID compliant. Does this mean my driver’s license is fine?
unnecessary. Just because your state issued a compliance ID, it doesn’t mean you received one. Check for stars or star patterns to confirm your ID meets the requirements.
The REAL ID statute requires states to recertify their compliance with the act on a rolling three-year basis, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
If I’m under 18, do I need REAL ID to fly?
No, minors traveling with companions do not need to show photo ID (although their companions do).
How much does it cost to get a REAL ID card?
Fees vary by state and range from approximately $10 to $85.
bottom line
If your driver’s license is already REAL ID compliant, there’s no need to worry as these upcoming changes won’t affect you. However, if your license does not meet REAL ID Act standards, you should strongly consider upgrading as soon as possible to avoid crowds and long wait times as next year’s deadline approaches.
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