Since May 7, 2025, non‑compliant state driver’s licenses are no longer valid for domestic flights, certain federal buildings, or nuclear facilities—so travelers and visitors need to check their wallets fast.
The nationwide rollout of the REAL ID Act has finally arrived. Congress first approved the measure in 2005, but the key provision kicked in on May 7 of this year. From airports to high‑security government sites, adults must now present either a REAL ID‑compliant credential or another approved photo ID. If your card lacks the specified security symbol, plan on additional paperwork—or a canceled trip.
The three federal situations where an outdated driver’s license now gets rejected
First, every TSA checkpoint for a commercial domestic flight requires compliant identification for passengers 18 and older. Minors can still travel with no ID, though airlines may set their own rules—always double‑check.
Second, entry to nuclear power plants now demands REAL ID‑level security to curb internal threats.
Third, many federal facilities—think military bases, federal courthouses, and some agency headquarters—will turn you away without a compliant credential. Feeling uneasy yet?
Simple ways to confirm your driver’s license or state ID meets REAL ID rules
Flip the card and glance at the upper‑right corner. A gold or black star, a bear‑and‑star (California), or similar state‑specific icon signals compliance. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont also pass muster; they feature a small U.S. flag and the word “Enhanced.” Still seeing a plain corner? Time to book an appointment. Here you have the approved alternative identification you can show at airports and secure federal facilities today:
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military or dependent ID
- Permanent resident or border‑crossing card
- Federally recognized tribal photo ID
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Employment Authorization Card (I‑766)
- Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)
TSA will even accept any of the above up to two years past the printed expiration date—handy if yours lapsed last summer.
What to do next if you missed the deadline and still need a compliant card
First, visit your state motor‑vehicle website and review the document checklist: usually a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security, and two residency proofs. Second, schedule an in‑person visit—walk‑ins rarely work post‑May 7. Finally, mark your calendar: most DMVs mail new cards within two weeks, but busy offices may stretch longer. Why risk a surprise at the gate?
Bottom line: REAL ID is no longer a distant requirement; it’s the security norm. Verify your current credential, gather the right papers, and upgrade if necessary. After all, that summer getaway—or the next courthouse appointment—shouldn’t hinge on a tiny star you forgot to notice.