04/30/2025
Heads up, travelers: The Real ID deadline is almost here!
Starting May 7, 2025, anyone 18 and older flying within the U.S. will need to show a Real ID–compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, like a valid U.S. passport, to pass through airport security.
If you’re not sure whether your license qualifies, check for a star in the upper corner—it’s the key indicator. Each state has its own version, and the process for getting a Real ID varies slightly.
• Generally, you’ll need to visit your local DMV in person with:
• Proof of identity (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security number (e.g., SSN card or W-2)
• Two documents proving state residency
You can’t apply online—this one requires a DMV visit.
If you show up at the airport after May 7 without the right ID, TSA says you may face delays, extra screening, or even be denied access to the security checkpoint. Even TSA PreCheck travelers aren’t exempt from this. They recommend arriving at least three hours early if you don’t have a Real ID or passport, in case you need to go through the identity verification process.
This shift is part of a nationwide effort to enhance security standards for travel, stemming from recommendations made after 9/11. All 50 states and U.S. territories are now issuing Real ID–compliant cards, but millions of Americans still don’t have one.
So here’s your friendly nudge:
Double-check your license, book that DMV appointment if needed, and avoid last-minute stress before your next trip.
For more information about Real ID guidelines, TSA has a helpful interactive online map ( https://www.dhs.gov/real-id) that allows you to click on your departure state to get details about how to get a Real ID there and the related travel requirements.
