The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has once again pushed back the enforcement date for the REAL ID Act. U.S. travelers now have until May 7, 2025 to ensure they possess a REAL ID-compliant form of identification for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.
Originally passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, the REAL ID Act aims to enhance security by establishing minimum standards for state-issued identification cards. However, implementation has faced repeated delays, with the COVID-19 pandemic prompting the most recent postponements.
What This Means for Travelers?
Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card — or another acceptable form of ID (such as a passport) — to fly within the United States.
REAL ID Identification Features:
- A star at the top of the card
- Issued by your state’s DMV after verifying additional documentation (proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and two proofs of residence).
Acceptable Alternatives to REAL ID:
If you don’t want or need a REAL ID, you can still fly with one of the following:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card.
Deadline Recap:
Enforcement Begins: May 7, 2025
No extensions are expected beyond this date.
DHS Statement:
Secure identification is a critical component of our national security framework,” said DHS officials in the updated announcement. “The May 2025 enforcement date is final, and we strongly urge Americans to check with their local DMV and make the switch now.
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