The federal government will begin enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports starting on May 7, requiring travelers to have a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification to pass through security before a domestic flight. The Transportation Security Administration reports that 81% of people approaching airport checkpoints already have Real ID-compliant identification, although availability may vary by state. Travelers are urged to make appointments at motor vehicle departments to update their licenses and other ID cards before the deadline, as availability has become scarce. Airlines are also reminding travelers of the new requirements through customer emails and other channels.
A Real ID is an identification card compliant with federal rules established after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, mandating standards for state IDs. ID cards must have a gold or black star, or in California, a yellow bear, to be considered Real ID-compliant. Travelers 18 or older need a Real ID or another accepted form of ID for U.S. domestic flights.
If travelers can’t obtain a Real ID by May 7, they can use a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a trusted traveler ID as alternatives. A Real ID cannot be used for international travel, but an enhanced ID that is also Real ID-compliant can be used to travel to Mexico and Canada. The TSA warns that travelers without Real ID or an accepted alternative could face delays and additional screening at security checkpoints, and recommends arriving at least three hours before domestic flights if lacking proper identification.
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