when is real id required to fly

Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. passengers aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted form of ID (such as a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights within the United States. This requirement comes from the REAL ID Act, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards to be accepted by federal agencies like the TSA. If your state-issued ID does not have the REAL ID star (a black or gold star in the upper-right corner), or if your ID says "Federal Limits Apply," then it will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights starting on that date unless you have an alternative acceptable ID. In summary, a REAL ID or equivalent federally accepted ID will be required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.