What is REAL ID?

Congress passed a statute in 2005, in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, that set security statndards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. A REAL ID-compliant identification card requires the applicant to prove their identity with documentation that includes their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of residence and lawful immigration status.

So What? Haven’t we heard all of this before?

Well, yes, sort of. REAL ID compliance was originally set to be required by May 11, 2008, three years after the passage of the statute. But that deadline was extended multiple times. Many states complained about the time and cost to update their infrastructure to process compliant ID cards. And the COVID-19 pandemic led to additional implementation delays. But on January 14, 2025 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Final Enforcement Rule for REAL ID that held firm to the requirement that READ ID enforcement begin on May 7, 2025.

What does this mean for me?

While the DHS final rule refers to a “phased enforcement plan,” that does NOT mean any further delay in enforcement at airports. As the TSA website says, in bold print, “Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.” Passing through a TSA checkpoint in order to travel will require every adult passenger 18 years or older to show “valid identification.” A list of the documents that will be accepted as valid identification can be found on the TSA website. But the most common forms of ID on the list are a State-Issued Drivers License or State-Issued ID, a valid US Passport, a valid US Passport card, or a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). If the ID that you intend to use is a state-issued drivers license or state-issued ID card, starting May 7 of this year, it MUST be REAL ID compliant. (Note: International travel will still require a valid passport).

How do I know if my license is REAL ID-compliant?

Look in the upper right-hand corner of your license. If it IS a REAL ID-compliant ID, there will be a five-pointed star in that corner – it could be any of the five different designs included in the reference photo. If you don’t see a star, make plans to go to your state license bureau and get a new license, even if you’re not up for renewal yet. Children under 18, when traveling with a companion within the United States, are not required to provide identification. But the person accompanying the minor will need to provide compliant ID.