The clock is ticking on the Real ID deadline that Congress has repeatedly delayed for nearly two decades. Mark your calendar for May 7, 2025. That’s when federal agencies will begin enforcing Real ID requirements for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal facilities. If you’re still carrying around a standard driver’s license without that little star in the corner, you might want to keep reading.
The Real ID Deadline Countdown Has Begun
The government has extended the compliance deadline multiple times since Congress passed the law in 2005 following 9/11 Commission recommendations. Currently, about 81% of travelers are already using compliant identification or acceptable alternatives when flying, according to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. “So they extend [the deadline] again and they push it out another two or three years, but then there’s no more urgency,” said Kyle Potter, executive editor of travel website Thrifty Traveler. Patricia Mancha, a TSA spokeswoman, confirmed the federal government will not change the deadline again.
How Do You Know If Your ID Is Already Compliant?
Not sure if your current license meets the requirements? It’s simple to check. Compliant licenses and ID cards have a star marking in one of the top corners. For example, the Arizona Travel ID features a gold or black star in the top right corner. “I want to recommend to everyone that you get that magic star on your Arizona driver’s license as soon as possible,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego advised residents. If your license doesn’t have that star, it’s not compliant with federal standards and TSA agents won’t accept it at airport security checkpoints after the Real ID deadline passes.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Real ID Deadline by May 7?
The Department of Homeland Security states that travelers without “a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.” However, the TSA has indicated it plans to begin “phased enforcement” on May 7. According to federal officials, passengers without approved identification could face additional screening procedures, potential delays at security checkpoints, and possible denial of boarding if TSA agents cannot verify their identity. TSA screeners will ask questions to validate the person’s identity and inspect their luggage more thoroughly.
Do You Need a Star-Marked ID to Fly?
Not necessarily. There are alternatives to a state-issued compliant license that will still allow you to board domestic flights after the Real ID deadline passes. These alternatives provide options for travelers who haven’t obtained updated identification by the May 7 enforcement date. Remember that even a star-marked license isn’t sufficient for international travel. You’ll still need a passport for trips abroad. You can still board domestic flights with:
- A valid passport or passport card
- Military ID
- Global Entry card
- Tribal nation and Indian tribe IDs
Read More: New Trump Store Item Raises Eyebrows Over Possible Constitutional Violation
Preparing for the Real ID Deadline: How to Get Your Updated License
If you need to update your identification, you’ll need to gather specific documentation and visit your local motor vehicle agency. Requirements vary slightly by state, but generally, you’ll need documentation proving your identity, Social Security number, current address, and any name changes if applicable. For Arizona residents, ADOT requires one document for proof of birth, two documents for proof of address, and a Social Security number. Acceptable proof includes certified birth certificates, U.S. passports, and for address verification, documents like utility bills or bank statements that include your name and residential address.
Beating the Rush: Get Your Real ID Now
State DMVs across the country are already seeing surges in applications as the May 7 deadline approaches. From Oregon to Pennsylvania, people are rushing to get compliant licenses before the cutoff date. Bill Lamoreaux, an Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman, noted this urgency firsthand. In recent weeks,about 75% of Arizonans getting licenses chose the Arizona Travel ID instead of the standard credential. While appointments aren’t required in some states like Arizona, the wait time will likely increase as the Real ID deadline gets closer. It takes about two weeks after an appointment for a new Travel ID to arrive in the mail.
Why These Changes? The Background Story
President George W. Bush signed the Real ID Act into law in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission warned that people could too easily obtain a driver’s license in the United States. The law established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. The federal government initially estimated in 2007 that states would need to spend $11 billion to implement the new requirements. All 50 states finally became compliant with the licensing requirements in 2020, 15 years after Congress passed the law. The COVID-19 pandemic caused additional delays in enforcement. Now, after nearly two decades of extensions, the new identification requirements will finally take effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About New ID Requirements
Many travelers still have questions about the upcoming Real ID deadline and how it might affect their travel plans. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about federal identification requirements for domestic air travel starting May 7.
- Do I need a compliant license if I have TSA PreCheck? Yes. TSA PreCheck is not a substitute for federally approved identification.
- Can I use Global Entry instead? Yes. Global Entry counts as an acceptable alternative.
- Can I get a star-marked license after the May 7 deadline? Yes, but you’ll face challenges at airport security without one.
- Do children need compliant identification? No. Children under 18 don’t need identification to fly within the United States.
Don’t Wait Until the Real ID Deadline
With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time to check if your license is compliant and take action if it’s not. The consequences of not having proper identification after May 7 could range from minor inconveniences to missing flights entirely. Take the time now to ensure you have the proper documents for air travel and access to federal facilities when the new requirements finally take effect after nearly 20 years of preparation. You don’t want TSA agents turning you away at the airport security checkpoint because your ID doesn’t meet federal standards.
Read More: Trump’s Latest Approval Ratings Suggest Surprising Support for a Third Term
