New ID Requirements for Domestic Travel Announced
In a move that has likely left many Americans scurrying to check their wallets, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has declared that starting May 7, 2025, all adult U.S. citizens must present a REAL ID-compliant identification or a valid passport to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
This new enforcement signals the culmination of the REAL ID Act, a piece of legislation that emerged in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations aimed at bolstering the integrity and security of state-issued IDs.
President Trump further modified the act on December 17, 2018, by signing the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, Public Law 115-323.
“If you plan to travel, we need your cooperation to avoid delays and to verify your identity. Secure yourself a REAL ID. Starting May 7th, it will be essential for air travel or visiting federal buildings within the United States,” Noem emphasized in a recent video announcement.
“These IDs are pivotal in safeguarding our nation, as they act as a deterrent to fraud and enhance security protocols. Please take action today—don’t procrastinate,” she urged.
Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!https://t.co/rmP0renGHs pic.twitter.com/f92iT0uygA
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 11, 2025
Real ID Examples and Other Acceptable Identifications
As a visual aid, here are examples of REAL IDs:
In addition to REAL IDs, travelers can utilize several other identification forms for air travel. The TSA lists the following acceptable IDs:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Traveling with Minors and the Unprepared
Children: Notably, TSA does not mandate identification for children under 18 when traveling domestically. Parents are encouraged to check with their airlines regarding specific requirements for minor travelers.
Forgot Your ID? If you find yourself at the airport without an acceptable form of identification—be it lost, stolen, or forgotten—you may still be granted access to your flight. However, prepare for some additional scrutiny; TSA officers may require you to undergo an identity verification process. This could involve providing personal information to confirm your identity. If cleared, you will be allowed to proceed to screening, albeit with the possibility of further checks.
On the other hand, should you refuse to cooperate with the verification process or if your identity cannot be confirmed, entry to the security checkpoint will be denied. TSA recommends that those without proper identification arrive at least three hours before their flight.
Travelers are urged to verify their identification status for REAL ID compliance and, if necessary, obtain an acceptable alternative ID ahead of the deadline to sidestep any travel hiccups.
