A major security shift is coming in May 2025.
With the latest details updated on May 3, travelers across the United States should be on high alert: starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. This shift affects airports in cities such as Boston, New York, Florida, San Francisco, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, and Houston, among many others. If your current ID doesn’t meet federal standards, you could be denied access to the security checkpoint.
If you’re asking yourself, “Is my ID compliant?” you’re not alone
Many passengers remain unsure whether their driver’s license or state-issued ID meets REAL ID criteria. Feeling slightly panicked? You’re in good company. The upcoming rule aims to tighten airport security, but it also means that travelers not carrying acceptable documentation may face unexpected headaches.
- Deadline: After May 7, those without a REAL ID, passport, or enhanced driver’s license may be turned away at TSA checkpoints.
- Wide impact: Major hubs like Los Angeles International (LAX), Miami International, and Chicago O’Hare will strictly enforce these measures.
- Alternative IDs: Passports remain valid for domestic flights if you prefer not to update your license.
- Federal building access: REAL ID isn’t just for airports—some government facilities will also require it.
Need a quick way to see which IDs pass the test? Check the table below:
| Acceptable Forms of ID | Not Acceptable |
|---|---|
| REAL ID-compliant driver’s license | Standard driver’s license (non-compliant) |
| U.S. passport | Expired passport or expired ID |
| Enhanced driver’s license | Temporary paper IDs |
Before you dismiss these changes as just another layer of airport fuss, consider the possibility of being stopped right at the gate. Could anything be worse than missing a flight because of a simple oversight?
How to ensure smooth travel with these new TSA identification requirements starting in May 2025
The upcoming enforcement date leaves a bit of time to prepare, but don’t wait until the last minute. Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to upgrade your license, or make sure your passport is up to date well before summer travel season. Officials warn that lines may grow longer as the deadline approaches, so plan your application or renewal early.
Staying proactive can spare you from cancellations, extended airport waits, or stressful last-minute ID fixes. Get your REAL ID or an alternative form of identification soon, and you’ll avoid unnecessary disruptions when May 7, 2025, arrives.