Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers from Washington, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas, and every other state across the United States will be required to show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities. This federal mandate, part of the Real ID Act, is being enforced to strengthen national security and standardize ID requirements across the country. If your current ID doesn’t have a star in the corner, it may not meet the new federal standards, meaning you won’t be able to fly within the US or access places like military bases or certain federal buildings without a Real ID or approved alternative such as a passport. That’s why millions of Americans—including travelers from these key states—must upgrade their IDs to stay travel-ready starting this May.
This requirement is part of the Real ID Act, a federal law passed in 2005 to enhance national security by establishing stricter standards for state-issued IDs. A Real ID looks similar to your regular driver’s license but includes a star symbol in the top corner, signifying it meets federal requirements.
While the May 2025 deadline is getting national attention, the road to Real ID enforcement has been long and delayed.
The Real ID Act initially called for full implementation by 2008, but the deadline has been pushed back multiple times over the years. Early resistance from state governments and later complications from the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread delays. In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the enforcement date to May 7, 2025. However, in 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) proposed holding off on full enforcement until May 5, 2027, even while maintaining the 2025 deadline.
As of March 2025, the official deadline remains May 7, 2025, but full enforcement across all federal checkpoints is not expected until May 5, 2027.
Despite this phased approach, travelers are strongly encouraged to get their Real ID now. Without it—or an approved alternative such as a valid passport—you won’t be able to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal sites, including military bases and facilities operated by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).
Acceptable alternatives include US or foreign passports, Department of Defense-issued Common Access Cards, military retiree or dependent IDs, Veteran’s Health Identification Cards, Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC), or Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) cards.
To obtain a Real ID, you’ll need to visit your local DMV in person. Be prepared to show proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), your Social Security number, and two documents proving your state residency. Some states offer online pre-checks or appointments to speed up the process, but walk-ins may face longer wait times.
It’s important to note that a Real ID is not required for every activity. You can still drive, vote, receive federal benefits, and travel internationally with your passport. But for air travel within the US or access to secure federal buildings, the Real ID—or a qualifying alternative—will soon be essential.
Because starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID or approved ID will be required to fly within the US or enter federal facilities, and travelers from states like Washington, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, and Texas must comply to avoid being turned away. The change enforces long-delayed federal security standards under the Real ID Act.
If you’re planning a trip after May 7, don’t wait until the last minute. This national shift in ID requirements affects millions of people, and updating your ID now ensures you’re ready for hassle-free travel.
