TSA Updates ID Requirements as Real ID Deadline Approaches

CALIFORNIA, USA — With just 17 days left until the Real ID deadline on May 7, 2025, travelers are encouraged to confirm their identification status before heading to the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reiterated that while a Real ID-compliant identification will be required for domestic flights, there are alternative forms of ID accepted at checkpoints.

Beginning May 7, all airline passengers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or another federally recognized form of identification to board domestic flights. This deadline comes as a result of the Real ID Act, enacted in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, aimed at enhancing national security by standardizing identification requirements across states.

According to the TSA, expired identification may still be accepted for up to one year after expiration, as long as the form of ID is among those listed by the agency. Children under 18 are exempt from ID requirements for domestic flights; however, it is advisable to check with airlines for specific procedures.

“The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which involves providing information like your name and current address to confirm your identity,” the TSA stated on its website. If verified, travelers can proceed through security, but those unable to provide acceptable identification may face delays or be barred from entering the security checkpoint.

Travelers planning to fly without proper ID are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their flight to accommodate for additional verification processes. The TSA has made it clear that individuals who do not possess an acceptable form of ID or choose not to cooperate will not be allowed through security.

Chris Orrock, a spokesperson for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, expressed the urgency for individuals to obtain a Real ID before the deadline. “If you’re planning to travel by air, or need access to federal facilities after May 7, you should get a Real ID and not wait,” Orrock said. Many travelers might be unaware that they already possess a compliant form of ID if they have recently updated their licenses.

Notably, Real ID-compliant cards are marked by a star in the upper right corner. Those seeing the message “Federal Limits Apply” on their licenses need to take action, as these cards will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints starting May 7.

For those in need of a Real ID, the application process involves a visit to the DMV where applicants must provide documents validating their identity, Social Security Number, and residency. The California DMV has encouraged early scheduling of appointments as demand will likely increase as the deadline approaches.

In January, the TSA indicated a phased approach towards implementing these requirements to give travelers time to adjust, but according to Lorie Dankers, a TSA spokeswoman, delays in the process could still occur, especially for those unprepared.

“The chances of missing your flight after May 7 could be high if you don’t have a Real ID-compliant form of identification,” Dankers warned. Historically, the TSA estimates that up to 19% of travelers are not yet prepared for these changes, which could equate to approximately 500,000 individuals this season alone.

As the May 7 implementation date nears, the TSA urges travelers to reassess their identification and make necessary arrangements to ensure compliance. This includes not only standard licenses but also passports, military IDs, or tribal IDs as acceptable alternatives.