05/06/2025
Starting tomorrow, American Citizens will need a new form of identification in order to fly domestically.
This week, the US government is set to implement a major change to its air travel policy that has been nearly 20 years in the making.
Starting 7 May, US citizens and residents will no longer be able to use a standard driver's license or state ID to board domestic flights. Instead, travellers will need to present a Real ID, passport or other acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
Here's what you need to know.
What is a Real ID?
The new Real ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued license or non-driver ID that meets the security standards set forth by the 2005 Real ID Act. The new IDs will be recognisable by the star or flag located in the top right corner.
"The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists," Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator explained in a statement. "TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimise operational disruptions at airports."
Who needs a Real ID?
All American travellers over the age of 18 will be required to present a Real ID or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or permanent resident card, in order to board domestic flights anywhere in the US and its territories.
Even travellers with TSA PreCheck, are not exempt from these requirements, however, children under the age of 18 are still allowed to fly domestically without identification.
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