Will REAL ID Help Avoid Delays And Boost Airport Security?

Travelers without the necessary REAL ID may face delays at airport security when new TSA requirements are enforced.

Key Insights

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, passport, or approved alternative ID will be required for domestic flights.
REAL ID cards are identified by a gold or black star, issued by state DMVs.
The initiative aims to enhance security by preventing ID forgery.
Travelers should arrive early at airports to accommodate longer verification processes.

REAL ID Requirement and Compliance

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will, beginning May 7, 2025, enforce the mandate that all travelers in the United States present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an acceptable alternative identification, such as a passport, for domestic air travel. The new requirement aims to strengthen security by preventing the use of counterfeit IDs, which poses a threat to national security.

The REAL ID Act, passed after the 9/11 attacks, is intended to establish federal standards for state-issued IDs. Compliance requires travelers to present a REAL ID, marked with a distinct star in the top-right corner, at airport checkpoints. This initiative stems from recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission to enhance the identification process and ensure that all IDs used for air travel meet rigorous security criteria.

lol my sister in New York said she can’t even get an appointment https://t.co/JjFvDFe46y

— former giants fan (@718_nell) April 11, 2025

Travelers Preparing for Change

To comply with REAL ID requirements, individuals must visit their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with proofs of identity and residency. Although all U.S. states are issuing compliant IDs, delays in obtaining one could result from the need to present specific documents. With temporary licenses deemed unacceptable, travelers must plan accordingly to avoid travel disruptions.

“The REAL ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists,” said Adam Stahl, acting TSA Senior Administrator.

The TSA acknowledges that those without a REAL ID might face more extensive screening processes, though they would still be allowed to board flights. Suggestions include arriving earlier—at least three hours before a domestic departure—to accommodate the increased screening duration. Adam Stahl emphasizes that despite concerns about increased government oversight, the intention is solely to boost mobilization security.

Standby for videos of people losing their minds when they discover they can’t fly with their old ID? https://t.co/R7rKRoPxtm

— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) May 7, 2025

Mitigating Traveler Concerns

The TSA reassures the public that its main focus is preserving the well-being of travelers without the creation of a national surveillance database. Additionally, efforts to make the transition to REAL ID as smooth as possible are underway, with officials working to minimize disruptions at airport checkpoints. Enhanced IDs from specific states, including Michigan and New York, offer travelers alternative options.

With the rollout delayed previously due to COVID-19 and state opposition, DHS Trusted Traveler cards, military IDs, and additional IDs are also viable for flight embarkation. TSA Administrator Adam Stahl confirms that upcoming changes are devised to make the system more efficient without sacrificing the foundational security principles initiated post-9/11. Ensuring public safety while facilitating travel continues to be paramount.