Deadline Approaches for REAL ID Requirement at U.S. Airports

WASHINGTON — With the deadline fast approaching, all airline passengers must prepare for a significant change in travel regulations. Starting May 7, 2025, non-compliant state-level identification, such as driver’s licenses, will no longer be accepted at U.S. airports and federal buildings for security purposes.

This transition is part of the federal REAL ID Act, enacted in response to heightened security measures following the September 11 attacks. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has emphasized that only REAL ID-compliant documents will be accepted for federal identification.

“Everybody is responsible for presenting the proper travel documents when they come to the checkpoint,” said Patricia Mancha, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Real IDs are marked by a star in the upper right corner of the card. In Texas, the star is gold; other states may use different symbols, such as a bear in California. If a state-issued ID does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant.

Travelers can obtain a REAL ID by visiting their local DMV and providing specific documentation, such as proof of identity and residency. The impending deadline has already prompted a surge in requests, and officials are concerned that many will not secure their IDs in time.

“DHS anticipates that a significant number of individuals seeking to use their driver’s licenses for federal purposes on and after May 7, 2025, may not have a compliant ID,” the TSA noted in its recent proposal.

Though regular driver’s licenses remain valid for non-federal purposes, those wishing to travel domestically or enter federal properties will need to ensure they have a REAL ID. International travelers will continue to require a passport, as REAL IDs do not suffice for travel outside of the United States.

For families traveling with minors, children under 18 are not required to provide identification, but their accompanying adult must have a REAL ID to pass through security checkpoints.

The timeline for implementing the REAL ID requirement has shifted multiple times in the past. Despite initial goals to enforce it earlier, various delays—largely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic—have led to the final deadline now being just a month away.

Officials are urging everyone to act promptly. “There’s going to be a phased approach to enforcement, but people may experience travel delays,” Mancha advised.

As the deadline nears, travelers are encouraged to check their identification and apply for a REAL ID if needed. More information on compliant documents can be found on the DHS website.