TSA Issues Warning: Passengers Required to Have Real ID for Domestic Flights Soon
The agency plans to commence the long-awaited enforcement of REAL ID regulations at airports across the country starting on May 7.
Within a month, Americans lacking a star on their driver’s license might experience delays or could even be denied boarding on domestic flights, according to federal officials.
On Friday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it will enforce the long-postponed REAL ID regulations at airports nationwide as of May 7. Once these regulations are in full effect, state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not conform to the new criteria will be unable to pass through security checkpoints.
“The Real ID mandate enhances safety by making it more difficult to forge fake IDs, disrupting the plans of potential criminals and terrorists,” stated Adam Stahl, the acting administrator of the TSA. “TSA is committed to implementing REAL ID in a manner that is both effective and efficient, while prioritizing passenger safety and minimizing operational disruptions at airports.”
What Changes on May 7?
Beginning that date, the TSA will only accept identification licenses and cards that fulfill federal REAL ID criteria, which require applicants to provide specific identifying details such as Social Security numbers and proof of legal residency.
Minors under the age of 18 do not need any form of identification to fly domestically.
Travelers who possess only a non-compliant driver’s license without any approved alternative may encounter delays, additional screening, or, in the worst-case scenario, could be barred from accessing the security checkpoint, warned the TSA in a statement released on Friday.
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How to Obtain a REAL ID?
As per the TSA, approximately 81% of domestic travelers already utilize a Real ID or an approved alternative. A state-issued, REAL ID-compliant license can be recognized by a star marking in one of its upper corners.
While these are the federal minimum requirements, some states may request additional information. The DHS advises individuals to consult with local authorities for the most accurate guidance.
Why Is This Being Implemented?
The REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It established baseline security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards to ensure that individuals presenting them are indeed who they claim to be.
The enforcement timeline has faced several delays, primarily due to interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially slated for October 1, 2021, the deadline was pushed to May 3, 2023, and subsequently to May 7, 2025, to offer states and residents additional time to prepare.
In addition to airports, Real IDs are required for entry into certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants, as stated by the DHS.