REAL ID Enforcement Is Less Than a Month Away

U.S. travelers are less than a month away from one of the most significant changes to airport security procedures in the past two decades: REAL ID enforcement.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing the REAL ID Act on May 7. Starting that day, all passengers 18 and older using a driver’s license or other state-issued ID at TSA checkpoints must ensure it is REAL ID compliant.

Being compliant means applying for, and receiving, a new REAL ID driver’s license through a state DMV. Requirements vary by state but typically include documents proving lawful status, full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of address (full state-by-state guidelines can be found here).

“Secretary Noem and the Trump administration are enforcing the 2005 REAL ID Act and regulations on May 7, as directed by Congress and the American people,” said Adam Stahl, TSA senior official performing the duties of the administrator, on Friday.

“The REAL ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports,” he added.

REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards typically have a marking—most often a star—on the top portion of the card to signify compliance.

Travelers may still use a valid U.S. passport at checkpoints. Those without a REAL ID or passport could face delays, additional screening, or even be denied entry at TSA checkpoints.

According to the TSA, about 81% of travelers currently present an acceptable form of ID. However, that number is expected to drop once full enforcement begins.

The TSA has spent years preparing the public for the change. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was born out of recommendations by the 9/11 Commission and established minimum security standards for state-issued identification.

The law set stricter standards for IDs used to board domestic flights, access federal facilities, or enter nuclear power plants. The goal is to ensure states can better verify the identity of ID holders—particularly for air travel.