The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the introduction of a new travel regulation that will take effect on May 7, 2025, impacting millions of domestic air travelers across the U.S.

Known as the Real ID policy, this new regulation requires all state-issued identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and identification cards, to have a Real ID seal to meet the minimum security standards outlined in the Real ID Act.

The Real ID Act, which was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005, bars domestic travelers from flying locally and accessing certain services from federal agencies' offices without the Real ID seal on their identification documents.

Designed to set minimum security standards for domestic travelers flying across the US, the policy aims to prevent the use of counterfeit identification documents and to access sensitive federal facilities, including airports.

Since its formulation and enactment into law, the Real ID policy has faced multiple pushbacks, with the latest being on May 3, 2023, when it was supposed to take effect but pushed back to May 2025.

In 2020, the rollout of the Real IDs hit a snag due to stay-at-home orders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant backlog. This prevented the Motor Vehicle Division offices from making significant progress.

Impact of the Real ID Act

Starting on May 7, 2025, all travelers above the age of 18 will be required to have Real ID-complaint identification documents to pass through Airports’ security checkpoints, according to the requirements outlined in the Real ID Act of 2005.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, air travelers who would not have Real ID-compliant identification documents after May 7 are likely to face delays as their documents are subjected to a rigorous verification process to confirm their authenticity.

Those with non-compliant identification documents may also not be allowed to access some federal facilities, with federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, not accepting the unverified documents.

Therefore, those planning to travel after May 7 should ensure their identification documents are Real-ID compliant for a smooth security check and travel experience.

Is Real ID a Mandatory Requirement for Domestic Air Travel?

While a Real ID seal is proof of the Identification document’s authenticity, it’s only mandatory for domestic air travelers who do not have any other form of TSA-approved identification. Therefore, travelers with different forms of TSA-approved identifications, such as passports, do not need a Real ID to travel.

Other Real ID alternatives include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, and DHS-authorized traveler cards such as FAST, Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS. Travelers can also use U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including those issued to dependants, border crossing cards, HSPD-12 PIV cards, foreign government-issued passports, Canadian provincial driver's licenses, U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), U.S. Citizenship card, transportation worker identification credential, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), and An acceptable photo ID issued by Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe recognized by the U.S federal government.

Real ID Requirements, Applications and Issuance

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, those looking to apply for a Real ID should check their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out what’s required for the documents to be certified as Real ID compliant.

Generally, those seeking Real ID will be required to provide at least documentation with official names, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and proof of address of their principal residence in the U.S. However, individual states may request additional requirements.

You can obtain your Real ID at your state’s driver’s licensing agency within 15 working days. Therefore, it’s recommended you apply early to avoid headaches from last-minute applications. The ID will feature a stamp on the right corner showing it’s Real ID-compliant, allowing you to pass through security checks at US airports.

While the U.S. government views the introduction of Real ID as a measure to streamline the identification process and enhance national security, critics are concerned about personal data privacy and a possible extended bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, the DHS plans to conduct an extensive public awareness campaign in the coming months to inform the public about the Real ID, its benefits, and how to obtain it.