REAL ID Enforcement Is Coming, Here’s What You Need To Know

According to a final rule published by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) earlier this week, federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements starting May 7, 2025. Once enacted, these regulations will require people to present a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the security requirements set in place by the REAL ID Act for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. According to the TSA, implementation of the REAL ID Act and its associated regulations will enhance security and aid in federal agencies ability to accurately verify an individual’s identity.

To avoid hiccups at airport security, the TSA is urging travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID, such as an active U.S. passport, before the May 7 deadline. The agency also noted that all 50 states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards which are easily identifiable thanks to their signature star, which will be gold or black, located in the upper-right-hand corner. 

"Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks," said David Pekoske, administrator of the TSA. "Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver's license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant. We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports."

In addition to being necessary to fly, a REAL ID will be required to access federal government facilities and military installations as well as for entering nuclear power plants.

To learn more about REAL ID, visit the TSA’s website.