The REAL ID enforcement goes into effect on May 7, 2025. Starting that date, the federal government, including the TSA, will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or another federally approved form of ID, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities such as military bases and federal courthouses. States and territories are required to issue identification cards that meet these security standards by that deadline. If an ID is not REAL ID-compliant after May 7, 2025, it will not be accepted for these federal purposes.
Background
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 to improve security standards for state- issued identification after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The enforcement date was originally set earlier but has been delayed multiple times due to opposition and pandemic-related impacts before finally being set for May 7, 2025.
What the Enforcement Means Starting May 7, 2025
- Domestic air travelers must present a REAL ID or another federally accepted document (e.g., a U.S. passport).
- Access to secure federal buildings and military bases will require REAL ID-compliant identification.
- IDs without the REAL ID designation (usually a gold star marking) will be rejected for these federal activities.
In summary, the official REAL ID enforcement date is May 7, 2025. After this date, a REAL ID-compliant document is mandatory for most federal identification needs like boarding U.S. domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities.
