REAL ID Enforcement Begins, Travelers Urged to Prepare Ahead

LOS ANGELES, CA — The enforcement of the REAL ID Act took effect on May 7, 2025, requiring travelers to present a REAL ID-compliant identification when boarding domestic flights. The change comes after a long rollout period during which many people scrambled to secure appointments at their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

As air travel across the United States resumed for the busy holiday season, officials noted that while 81% of travelers had a compliant ID, many states still reported low compliance rates. Travelers without a REAL ID faced the possibility of enhanced screening at airport security lines.

“The traveling public was great, they responded, they were prepared, and everything went as well as it could be expected,” said Gerardo Spero, the Transportation Security Administration’s federal security director for Pennsylvania and Delaware.

At major airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson and Charlotte Douglas in North Carolina, passengers mostly moved smoothly through security, while some airports eliminated separate checkpoints for non-compliant travelers as compliance was higher than expected.

Despite the organized response at airports, many individuals still found themselves rushing to obtain a REAL ID ahead of the summer travel season. Jana Tidwell from AAA Mid-Atlantic emphasized the urgency for travelers without REAL IDs to take action soon, noting the upcoming Memorial Day weekend is a peak travel time.

States with significantly lower REAL ID compliance rates, such as Illinois and Alabama, found themselves facing larger crowds at DMV offices as residents sought compliance. Illinois reported less than 50% compliance, while Alabama stood at only 33%.

Although travelers can still board flights without a REAL ID by presenting alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, officials encourage individuals to secure a REAL ID to avoid potential delays during heightened scrutiny.

The REAL ID Act was enacted in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and requires all state-issued driver’s licenses to meet specific federal security standards. It aims to bolster travel security while streamlining the identification process at airports.

A TSA spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts with states and airlines to achieve nearly 100% compliance and noted, “REAL ID is here, and it’s important for passengers and travelers to obtain one.”