NY Gov. Hochul Urges REAL ID Readiness Before May 7 Deadline

NEW YORK — New York Governor Kathy Hochul is urging travelers to prepare their REAL IDs ahead of a policy change that takes effect on May 7, 2025.

The deadline is fast approaching after years of delays. Starting next week, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant identification to fly domestically in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security states that a REAL ID provides a more secure form of identification.

“REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards,” said John Essig, the Transportation Security Administration’s Security Director for airports in the New York City region, in a press release on April 3. He noted that these improvements aim to limit terrorists’ ability to evade detection using fraudulent IDs.

The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, yet its rollout has faced multiple setbacks since 2008, primarily due to state implementation issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Nina Ruggiero, senior editorial director for Travel + Leisure.

Ruggiero explains that varying state processes and changing deadlines may have caused travelers to underestimate the importance of complying with REAL ID requirements. “Some people who have recently renewed their license may already have a compliant ID and not know it,” she said.

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license typically features a star symbol in the top corner. Residents of states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington may possess an “enhanced ID,” allowing cross-border travel into Canada and Mexico but not for flights.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals should check their state’s driver’s licensing agency website for specific requirements and documentation needed. In the absence of a REAL ID by May 7, travelers will need an alternative TSA-approved ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. “Without a REAL ID, travelers could face delays and additional screening at security checkpoints,” warned TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

In mid-April, a group of Kentucky state senators requested a delay in the implementation of the REAL ID requirements due to limited appointment availability. However, TSA spokesperson Dan Velez confirmed that there would be no more delays.

As of late April, 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints were using acceptable forms of ID, including state-issued REAL IDs, according to DHS.