The REAL ID requirement takes effect on May 7, 2025. This regulation will transform how you navigate airports and federal facilities across the country. We’ve heard a lot about REAL ID. What is it? Who’s it for? Why’s it important?
I’ve got you covered.
I hope to inform travelers regarding seamless experiences because I want you to journey with confidence. This update is a biggie, if you travel a lot domestically.
What Is REAL ID?
The Department of Homeland Security established the REAL ID program to enhance security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. After May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights within the United States.
How to Identify a REAL ID
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top of the card. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives and will display an American flag or the word “Enhanced” rather than a star.
What if I don’t have a REAL ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently stated in a CBS News article they are seeing about 81% of travelers are presenting REAL IDs or passports at airport checkpoints. That means nearly 2 out of every 10 people passing through a security checkpoint at an airport do not have the proper documents that will soon be needed.
TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha said in a CBS News interview, “Everybody is responsible for presenting the proper travel documents when they come to the checkpoint.” When asked what happens if there is non-compliance after the deadline, Mancha explained, “there’s going to be a phased approach of enforcement, but people may experience travel delays.”
TSA has not announced what phased enforcement will look like, but valid passports or military IDs are valid documentation at TSA checkpoints.
Even with the May 7 deadline, It’s important to ask if you truly need a REAL ID. Many state DMVs are overwhelmed with REAL ID appointments and are encouraging constituents to evaluate if now’s the time, or if they can wait.
If you have a valid U.S. Passport, valid Military I.D., or other acceptable identification, you do not need to have a REAL ID to fly…for now.
Are You REAL ID Ready?
TSA checkpoints will require a REAL ID or alternative acceptable identification for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025. This deadline matters for everyone who flies within the United States, including our adventure seekers and cultural explorers planning domestic connections to international destinations.
Take a moment to check your current driver’s license or state ID. Do you see a star in the upper portion of the card? If yes, congratulations—you already have a REAL ID-compliant identification.
If not, you need to plan ahead.
Alternatives to REAL ID
You’re probably asking if this is necessary…at all. And the answer is, “Maybe.” For frequent international travelers, your U.S. passport serves as an excellent alternative to a REAL ID. TSA also accepts several other forms of identification, including:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
If you don’t have any of these items, you’ll need a REAL ID to get on domestic flights after the deadline.
For the LGBTQ+ community and others who may face challenges with identification documents, knowing these alternatives provides important flexibility. Ensure you’re prepared before leaving for the airport.
Why This Matters for Luxury Travelers
Even if you primarily travel internationally, domestic flights often connect you to international gateways. Without proper identification after the deadline, you might miss that connection to your Italian villa or Costa Rican eco-lodge.
For spontaneous travelers who embrace last-minute getaways, ensure your identification meets the minimum requirements now. Nothing dampens the thrill of travel more than TSA turning you away.
Mobile Driver’s Licenses
The Department of Homeland Security notes that through May 6, 2025, TSA will continue accepting non-compliant mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs). However, after the enforcement date, these digital IDs must also meet REAL ID standards.
How to Obtain a REAL ID
The process requires visiting your state’s driver’s licensing agency in person. You’ll need to bring specific documentation proving:
- Identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security Number
- Current address (two documents)
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Each state’s requirements may vary slightly, so check your state DMV website for specific documentation needs before your visit.
Plan Ahead: Avoid the Rush
As the deadline approaches, DMV offices will likely experience increased wait times. We recommend obtaining your REAL ID well before the May 2025 enforcement date, especially if you have travel planned around that time.
For our clients who maintain busy professional schedules, setting aside time now for this administrative task ensures uninterrupted travel experiences later.
The Breakout Travel Perspective
At Breakout Travel Co., we believe preparation enhances freedom. While new requirements might seem cumbersome, they ultimately protect the travel experiences we cherish. Our commitment to creating transformative journeys extends to helping you navigate changing travel regulations with confidence.
Take Action
- Check your current ID for the star indicating REAL ID compliance
- If your ID isn’t compliant, schedule an appointment with your state’s DMV
- If you don’t have a passport, consider applying for one as an alternative
- Visit the official Department of Homeland Security website at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id for complete information
Don’t let identification requirements ground your travel dreams. Prepare now, and continue exploring the world’s most extraordinary destinations with Breakout Travel Co., where every journey transforms ordinary vacations into extraordinary memories.
Remember: May 7, 2025, will arrive sooner than you think. Ensure your identification is ready to fly.