With the Real ID deadline looming on May 7, 2025, travelers across the U.S. are scrambling to get their documents in order. The federal rule, tied to the 2005 Real ID Act, means you’ll need a compliant driver’s license or ID to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. After years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to enforce this, and it’s got millions buzzing-only 61.2% of licenses are compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security.
A Real ID-compliant license sports a star in the top corner-check yours now. If it’s missing, you’ll need to hit the DMV with documents like your Social Security card, birth certificate, and two proofs of address, though requirements vary by state. “Make your appointments now as quick as possible,” urged John Essig, TSA’s security director for NYC-area airports, noting DMV backlogs are real.
In New Jersey, for example, appointments are near-impossible, with some states like Illinois seeing “unprecedented” traffic. Processing can take weeks, so don’t wait-temporary paper IDs won’t cut it at TSA checkpoints.
Don’t have a Real ID? No sweat if you’ve got a passport, military ID, or Global Entry card-those work too. “Travelers without a Real ID or other accepted document could experience delays,” a TSA spokesperson warned, hinting at extra screening or even being barred from security.
Why you need a Real ID soon for domestic flights
Kids under 18 don’t need one, but adults over 18 must show compliant ID for domestic flights. Enhanced driver’s licenses from states like Michigan or New York also pass muster and double for Canada or Mexico trips. The TSA’s “phased enforcement” plan might ease the transition-think warnings before full crackdowns by May 2027-but don’t bank on wiggle room.
“It’s crunch time,” said Nick Ewen of The Points Guy, stressing that 81% of travelers already show compliant IDs at checkpoints. Posts on X show panic, with some calling DMVs a “nightmare” as slots vanish. Pennsylvania’s DMV chief, Michael Carroll, noted wait times hitting an hour, up from pre-Real ID days, with only 26% of residents compliant.
You can still drive or vote with a non-compliant ID, but for flying, it’s Real ID or bust come May 7. Airports like LaGuardia are handing out flyers, and airlines are emailing reminders. With 2-3 million people hitting TSA daily, planning ahead is your best bet to avoid a travel headache.
This news was originally published on this post .
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