In case you were expecting the Real ID enforcement date—currently set for May 7, 2025—to be pushed back yet again, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have made it clear that such a delay is not in the cards.
This week, the federal agencies announced a final rule regarding the implementation of Real ID enforcement at airports. Crucially, the enforcement date remains unchanged from May 7, 2025, and the rule formalizes a two-year phased period during which agencies may begin card-based enforcement provisions. Which means, even though it starts May 7, 2025 you could have until 2027 to be compliant.
What is the Real ID Act?
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. The idea is that it establishes minimum security standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It aims to enhance the reliability and accuracy of these documents to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. Or at least that was the idea. I find this pretty bogus though as I recall getting my first drivers license and having to submit my birth certificate. And even now many states which offer other types of ID other than REAL IDs require several documents to prove who you are.
Why Does This Matter for Air Travel?
The law really effects those who are flying. As Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or another form of TSA-approved identification (passport, Global Entry Card, military ID, etc) to board flights. Non-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. Which means you need to get our Real ID asap.
Real ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star or a flag or say “enhanced” on the upper portion of the card. Without this specific Real ID marking or an alternative form of identification, travelers can be denied access to TSA checkpoints and unable to board their flights.
Per the TSA website
Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly.The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.
TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.
Current Compliance Levels
Current statistics on Real-ID remain low. Approximately 56% of driver’s licenses in circulation nationally are Real ID-compliant. Meaning nearly 1/2 the country is not ready for this law. Compliance rates vary significantly by state, with 34 states reporting less than 60% of IDs in circulation meeting Real ID standards, and 22 of those states falling below 40%.
DHS has expressed concern that travelers may not feel a sense of urgency to obtain a Real ID-compliant license due to the history of deadline extensions. After all, we’ve seen the warning each year for years now, with DHS only further pushing the date until later.
Yet this time, the date is firm, May 7, 2025. Well shorta. As TSA and DHS have implemented a two-year phased enforcement process. This will allow agencies, particularly airports, to tailor their enforcement plans to suit specific operational needs. Agencies using this phased approach must publish their plans online, and DHS will maintain a public list of agencies participating in phased enforcement. The TSA has yet to publish their plan, but expect it to come shortly. This could mean things like no access to TSA Pre-check without a REAL ID. Wait and find out.
Bottom Line
The May 7, 2025, deadline is firm and the Real ID requirements are coming darn soon. Barring an act of Congress—which is unlikely—this date does not appear as though it will be delayed again. Travelers are strongly encouraged to check their driver’s licenses and take action now if they do not have a Real ID-compliant form of identification. Are you Real ID-compliant? Do you think this date will actually stick?
