After May 7, 2025, traditional driver’s licenses will no longer be eligible to fly within the United States. That’s according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which will require a REAL I or some other federally approved form of identification. This article breaks down the most important keys to help you comply with the new requirements and avoid travel disappointment.
Understand how the REAL ID Act affects identification in the U.S. and its relationship to national security
The REAL ID Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in October 2005 as a “response to the 9/11 attacks,” aims to establish a common standard for state-issued IDs to improve the reliability and security of IDs and make it more difficult to use counterfeit documents. Below is a list of the goals of the REAL ID Act and the new security measures for travel on domestic flights:
- Unified standards — All states must meet the same requirements for issuing IDs.
- Identity verification: Validation of personal information, such as Social Security number and immigration status, is required.
- Fraud protection: IDs must incorporate physical and digital features to prevent tampering and counterfeiting.
This regulation reinforces national security and contributes to making airports safer spaces for travelers.
Everything you need to know about the May 7, 2025 deadline for REAL ID compliance in the U.S.
For everyone over 18 taking airline flights in the United States on May 7, 2025, there will be a fundamental change: from that day on, it will be mandatory to present a REAL ID card or an ID that is accepted by the TSA to pass through security checkpoints. It is natural to wonder what happens to passengers flying on domestic flights knowing they do not have a REAL ID before the deadline arrives?
Passengers attempting to fly with a standard license card will be turned away at security checkpoints. With no exceptions and no moratoriums, this policy shift will apply to millions of passengers who, based on Department of Homeland Security statistics, make up more than 30% of Americans who have not exchanged their driver’s licenses for a REAL ID.
How to identify if your driver’s license meets REAL ID standards and what the most common visual indicators are
To check if your driver’s license is REAL ID compliant, simply check if it has a star-shaped symbol in the upper right area. Finally, the design of the driver’s license may vary by state. Below is a list of the differences between the design of a REAL ID in each of the states of the United States of America, and how to verify that you are compliant:
- California: The symbol includes a golden bear with a star.
- New York and Michigan: They also offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), which are valid for crossing land borders with Canada and Mexico.
- Florida and Texas: They use a standard star on a white or gold background.
If you are unsure, check directly with your state DMV.
Steps to obtain a REAL ID in the U.S. and what documents are needed to meet the requirements
Obtaining a REAL ID requires an in-person visit to the DMV and the submission of several documents. It is important to prepare yourself so that the process is fast and efficient. List of required documents to apply for a REAL ID in the United States:
- Proof of identity: U.S. passport, birth certificate or permanent resident card.
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 or tax return.
- Proof of residency: Utility bills, lease, or mortgage with your current address.
- Proof of legal immigration status: Documents proving citizenship or legal residency.
List of common mistakes when applying for REAL ID and how to avoid them to meet federal standards:
- Name discrepancies: If your name has changed due to marriage or other reason, bring documents to support the change.
- Incomplete documents: Make sure all papers presented are originals or certified copies.
Alternatives to REAL ID for travel in the U.S. and which IDs are accepted by the TSA
If you choose not to obtain a REAL ID, there are other forms of identification accepted by the TSA for domestic flights. However, not all of them are practical for everyday use. You can check the different forms of identification alternatives to REAL ID that you can use for domestic flights in this list:
- U.S. passport or passport card.
- DHS Trusted Traveler program cards (such as Global Entry or SENTRI).
- Military ID cards issued by the Department of Defense.
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses available in some states, such as New York and Washington.
It is critical to note that these options are specific and cannot replace REAL ID in other everyday situations, such as access to federal buildings.
Security and privacy measures built into REAL ID cards to prevent fraud and protect your personal information
REAL ID cards are equipped with advanced security features (holograms, ultraviolet images and machine-readable zones) to make the process of impersonation difficult and to ensure that the dates are correct.
Despite certain myths that circulate, REAL ID cards do not contain microchips or tracking mechanisms. They only incorporate the information shown on the document, while complying with certain federal privacy regulations. There are no unified databases, but states manage the data as they see fit.
Impact of not complying with REAL ID requirements in 2025 and how to avoid problems when traveling on domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, individuals who do not possess a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification will not be allowed to fly on domestic flights. The reason for this change lies in improved security, but at the same time, it may lead to delays or complications for those who were not aware. To help you meet the new REAL ID required thresholds and travel safely in the United States, some final tips that may be helpful are:
- Check ahead of time to see if your current ID is valid.
- Schedule an appointment at the DMV as soon as possible to avoid crowds.
- Check in detail the required documents to avoid issues in the process.
For more information, visit the official Department of Homeland Security website or check with your state DMV. With proper planning, you will ensure that your domestic travel remains safe and smooth under the new requirements.
