Real ID Update: Requirements Issued by State Dept as Enforcement Date Nears

Billal Rahman, an immigration reporter based in London, U.K., specializes in immigration policy and border security. He has exposed allegations of misconduct among border agents and claims of abuse at ICE-run detention centers in the U.S. Rahman joined Newsweek in 2024 after working at The Independent. Originally from Glasgow, he studied Journalism in Edinburgh and worked for STV News before moving to London in 2022. For inquiries, contact Billal at b.rahman@newsweek.com.

As the May 7 deadline nears, the U.S. State Department is reminding Americans about the REAL ID Act’s requirements for domestic flight boarding. The deadline will impact millions needing to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. Starting on that date, travelers aged 18 and above must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an accepted alternative, like a U.S. passport book or card, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs, like driver’s licenses and ID cards. State-issued IDs complying with federal requirements typically display a star in the upper right corner. However, travelers can also use passport books or cards as REAL ID alternatives. If your current ID doesn’t meet the standards, you can apply for a REAL ID through your state’s DMV or consider obtaining a passport book or card. While the passport card isn’t valid for international air travel, it can be used domestically and fulfills the REAL ID requirement.

The act aims to enhance security by creating a standardized identification system across all states. Despite delays in its implementation, around 81% of travelers at airport security checkpoints are using a REAL ID-compliant license or passport as of April 2025. Those without compliant IDs risk facing a last-minute rush to meet the impending deadline on May 7, 2025.

A TSA spokesperson emphasized that noncompliant marked cards without a star or bearing phrases like “Not for REAL ID purposes” won’t be accepted. Temporary state-issued documents are also not valid at airport checkpoints, requiring passengers to carry an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.

If you lack a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative, like a U.S. passport book or card, you won’t be permitted to board domestic flights or access certain federal buildings starting from May 7, 2025.