REAL ID deadline nears: What US travelers need to know before May 7

Come May 7, it will be mandatory for US travellers to show Real ID cards at airports, even for domestic flights. After years of delayed roll-out, the Real ID Act would kick in. The law raises the minimum security standard for driver's licenses or state identification cards issued by a state agency. It prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting ID cards that don't meet the minimum standard.

Besides presenting it at airports, the residents would also be asked to show Real ID to access other federal facilities or entering nuclear power plants.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on its website states, "Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver’s license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers traveling after this enforcement deadline should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV (department of motor vehicles) offices."

Air travellers who do not have their REAL ID or another Transportation Security Administration (TSA) acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint.

With barely eight days left to get REAL ID-compliant identification document, here is how you can get your Real ID.

You may visit your state's driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. For getting the much-needed card you must provide documents to show the following:

1. Full Legal Name
2. Date of Birth
3. Social Security Number
4. Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and
5. Lawful Status.

All states, the District of Columbia, and the five US territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.

How to find out if your driving license or other IDs are Real ID compliant?

As per Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Real ID-compliant cards bear a star mark on the top of the card. A card not having such marking won't be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.

Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Enhanced Identification cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board flights.

Do minors also need to have Real IDs to board a flight?

No. Children below 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the US. The companion will however need to have mandated identification.

Can passports be used in lieu of Real ID?

Yes. Passports are alternative acceptable documents in case a traveller does not have a REAL ID compliant license/ID. The DHS has listed out a number of documents that would be considered a valid document in the absence of Real ID. They include the US passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, US Department of Defense ID including IDs issued to dependents, permanent resident card, border crossing card and veteran health identification card (VHIC).




Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here