This is it, says TSA — no more postponements will be granted
May 5, 2025
-
New Rules Take Effect May 7: U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly domestically starting May 7, 2025.
-
No More Delays Expected: After years of postponements, officials say this deadline is firm, with no further extensions anticipated.
-
What You Need to Do: Travelers without a REAL ID must act now or prepare alternative identification like a passport to avoid disruptions.
The long-anticipated enforcement of the REAL ID Act is finally here, and for millions of Americans, time is running out to meet the new requirements. Starting May 7, all travelers flying domestically will need a REAL ID-compliant drivers license or ID card to board a flight or access certain federal buildings.
Originally passed in 2005 as part of a post-9/11 security initiative, the REAL ID Act establishes national standards for state-issued IDs to enhance security and prevent fraud. The laws rollout has faced numerous delays, primarily due to state-level implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials have now made it clear: no more grace periods will be granted.
How to check if youre ready
Many travelers may already have a REAL ID without realizing it. Look for a star in the upper corner of your ID carda hallmark of REAL ID compliance. Residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington may have an enhanced ID instead, which allows land and sea crossings into Canada and Mexico but wont suffice for air travel outside the U.S.
What happens if youre not compliant?
If you dont have a REAL ID by the deadline and attempt to board a domestic flight, youll need an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved document. Without it, you could face extensive screening delaysor be denied boarding entirely.
Next steps for travelers
To obtain a REAL ID, youll need to check your states DMV website for the specific process and required documentation, which generally includes proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. Appointments may be required in some states, so experts urge travelers not to wait until the last minute.
Travel and security officials stress the importance of acting now to ensure a smooth experience come May 7, when the new rules are set to take effect nationwide.
Newsletter
Sign up below for The Daily Consumer, our newsletter on the latest consumer news, including recalls, scams, lawsuits and more.
.newsletter-form {
display: flex;
max-width: 400px;
margin: 20px auto;
background: #f8f9fa;
padding: 10px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
}
.newsletter-input {
flex: 1;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 5px 0 0 5px;
font-size: 16px;
outline: none;
}
.newsletter-input:focus {
border-color: #007bff;
}
.newsletter-button {
background: #2976D1;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 10px 15px;
font-size: 16px;
border-radius: 0 5px 5px 0;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background 0.3s ease;
}
.newsletter-button:hover {
background: #0056b3;
}
#REAL #deadline #hand #travelers