REAL ID Enforcement Begins, But Travelers Without It Can Still Fly — For Now
U.S. air travelers without a REAL ID will still be allowed to board flights starting Wednesday, though they may face additional security screening, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Tuesday • Read More
Speaking before a U.S. House hearing, Noem clarified the policy as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) begins enforcing the long-delayed REAL ID Act, which mandates stricter federal identification standards originally recommended by the 9/11 Commission and passed by Congress in 2005.
“If it’s not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly,” Noem said. She emphasized that the policy is a security measure, not a travel ban.
The TSA had previously warned that travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification — or an alternative such as a valid passport — could be denied access to flights. As of last month, 81% of passengers at TSA checkpoints presented acceptable IDs.
Starting Wednesday, REAL ID-compliant identification will also be required to access federal buildings.
Despite the official enforcement date, the Biden administration had previously floated the possibility of a grace period with multiple warnings before denying boarding. REAL ID implementation has already been delayed several times, with the most recent extension pushing the deadline to May 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security says the move is part of a broader effort to tighten identification standards in the post-9/11 era while balancing accessibility and national security.
What is REAL ID and How Do You Get It?
REAL ID is a federally mandated identification standard for U.S. driver’s licenses and ID cards, created to enhance security after the 9/11 attacks. Starting May 2025, Americans will need a REAL ID—or another TSA-accepted form of identification like a passport—to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings.
A REAL ID card looks like a regular driver’s license but includes a star symbol in the top corner. To get one, you must visit your local DMV in person and bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and state residency (such as a birth certificate or passport, Social Security card, and a utility bill). Requirements can vary slightly by state, so it’s best to check your state DMV’s website before your visit.
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