To support our members preparing their audiences for the implementation of REAL ID affecting travelers in the U.S., we have partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide key facts, resources and language for use in your communications.

This guide is designed as a member tool, offering the latest information to educate and inform your audiences on the REAL ID transition.

Whats Is REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. It looks like a regular license but includes a star or other marking, indicating compliance. Starting May 7, 2025, domestic travelers will need a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Visit your local DMV website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID.

Why Is REAL ID Required?

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to implement a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued IDs and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses or ID cards that don’t meet these standards for certain official purposes, including:

  • Accessing certain federal facilities
  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Entering nuclear power plants

When Does REAL ID Go Into Effect?

Key Enforcement Details

Beginning May 7, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will enforce these requirements, including at airport security checkpoints nationwide. Travelers who are 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable form of identification to board federally regulated commercial flights within the United States.

Travelers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID may face delays and additional screening—or be denied access to the checkpoint. Enforcement applies to all travelers 18 and older, including TSA PreCheck Trusted Travelers.

What Do Travelers Need?

To pass through TSA checkpoints, travelers must present:

  • A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card (typically marked with a star at the top)
  • OR an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as:

Does This Change How Travelers Get Screened at Airports?

TSA is enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints in a way that minimizes airport disruptions and gives each Federal Security Director (FSD)—the local TSA leader—flexibility to tailor checkpoint operations. FSDs may incorporate operational changes such as:

  • Unpredictable Screening Procedures (USP) for non-REAL ID compliant travelers, including enhanced screening like explosives trace detection swabbing of hands or baggage
  • Dedicated or blended lanes for travelers without compliant IDs
  • Overflow or queuing zones to prevent bottlenecks in security lines

TSA expects an estimated 2.2 million travelers when REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, increasing to 2.6 million per day in the following days.

Checkpoint Operations and Staffing

TSA is treating this transition like a peak holiday travel event—surging Transportation Security Officers (TSOs), inspectors, canine handlers, Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) and other staff to airports. All TSOs are receiving refresher training on ID compliance, de-escalation techniques and manual ID verification.

Communication Tools and Resources

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers comprehensive resources to help partners educate travelers, including messaging templates, videos, signage, FAQs and social media assets available in DHS’s Campaign Toolkit.

U.S. Travel has also compiled language below to incorporate into your materials as you educate your audiences on the REAL ID transition. Tune into our REAL ID Readiness webinar recording with TSA to hear directly from them.

Common Issues and Questions

  • Paper ID notices: Some states issue temporary paper credentials after REAL ID applications; travelers must carry an additional acceptable ID when flying. 
  • Lost or stolen ID: Travelers without ID may undergo TSA’s National Transportation Vetting Center (NTVC) identity verification process; delays expected.
  • Alternative IDs: Refer to TSA's ID Guidance for a full, updated list.
  • CLEAR and TSA PreCheck: All enrollments require a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative as of May 7.

Key Messages for Travelers

  • If you plan to fly on or after May 7, check your ID today to ensure compliance.
  • While TSA wait time goals remain the same—30 minutes or less for standard screening and 10 minutes or less for TSA PreCheck—TSA recommends travelers arrive 3 hours early to account for initial delays when enforcement takes place beginning May 7.
  • If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, make an appointment with your state DMV or bring an acceptable alternative when traveling.
KEY RESOURCES
REAL ID Act Background from DHS

TSA Acceptable Identification Documents

DHS REAL ID Campaign Toolkit

Travel REAL ID Member Webinar with TSA