Prime Highlights
- Domestic U.S. travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification will be allowed to continue flying after May 7, 2025, but may be subject to extra security screening.
- Citizens are urged by the Department of Homeland Security to obtain REAL IDs to improve national security and avoid travel inconvenience.
Key Facts
- The REAL ID Act mandates federal identification standards for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings.
- Around 81% of the nation’s domestic air travelers now possess REAL ID-accepted identification.
Key Background:
The REAL ID Act of 2005 was created to create more secure practices as mandated by the 9/11 Commission. The act compels driver’s licenses and state IDs to become compliant with federal standards before such identification would be acceptable for government applications such as boarding aircraft in the United States or accessing secure federal facilities. It was intended to have a single standard for identity verification for all U.S. states.
Enactment of the REAL ID program has been marred by ongoing delays year after year, the most recent deadline being May 7, 2025. Irrespective of the deadline, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently stated that foreign visitors carrying non-REAL ID-compliant IDs will still be allowed on domestic flights after this date. But they will be risking exposure to increased security screening by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the penalty for which is longer wait times and inconvenience.
This adjustment is meant to prevent serious disruption to travel without deterring full compliance with the REAL ID standards. The DHS seeks a balance where it ensures national security and does not inconvenience travelers who have yet to acquire the new identification. Officials continue to urge individuals to obtain their REAL IDs in advance in an effort to prevent hassle and enhance travel efficiency in general.
The issue has further implications in the 19 states issuing driver’s licenses to illegal aliens, since the licenses might be noncompliant with the new federal requirement. The DHS has also noted the need for shifting to compliant identification, especially as airport screening procedures tighten up.
With less than one year left before enforcement, federal agencies are ramping up public outreach to encourage citizens to obtain the new IDs. Travelers should check the status of their existing identification and take necessary action to become compliant on a timely basis to avoid last-minute issues.
