I just returned from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Together, the airport and TSA held a press conference to discuss today’s REAL ID deadline. It was eye-opening because there’s been so much talk about what would happen when enforcement day finally came.
The Real ID Act is a federal law that sets stricter security standards for state-issued IDs like driver’s licenses. It was passed after 9/11 to help improve national security but enforcement kept getting delayed. But it’s now officially here.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “81% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant.” If you don’t have a REAL ID or an enhanced acceptable form of identification, don’t sweat it just yet. Acceptable forms of ID include U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, and DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST). Here’s the full list.
LAX and other airports have been reporting smooth sailing and I witnessed it with my own eyes; see the photo above of the general security line at LAX’s Terminal 7 (United Airlines). Here’s a report from across the country at Reagan International:
Today is the first day that @TSA is enforcing REAL ID. Things are going smoothly here at @Reagan_Airport with the majority of travelers in compliance with REAL ID. pic.twitter.com/Byyw1hoNiI
— Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) May 7, 2025
I spoke to multiple TSA officers including TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers, who told me that the TSA is not turning anyone away (see video embedded above).
She said most people have a compliant ID and if they don’t, they’re handed a red card (pictured above), which means they might have to go through additional screening. One officer told me the screenings might change each time and another wouldn’t tell me what the additional screening entailed. But it wasn’t anything major so at this point, it seems there’s no need to go to the airport extra early like many predicted.
According to ABC News, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, “told a congressional panel that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements. She said security checkpoints will also be accepting passports and tribal identification when the deadline hits Wednesday.”
Those who still lack an identification that complies with the REAL ID law “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” Noem said.
“But people will be allowed to fly,” she said. “We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible.”
But just to be safe, it’s a smart idea to get either a REAL ID or a passport as soon as possible because they will start cracking down — it’s just a question of when.
KEEP READING:
- 12 passport tips that will save you time, money and headaches
- The most important thing I do when I travel internationally is …
- Rick Steves got pickpocketed in Paris: Here’s what he wants you to know
- The most important thing for travelers to do according to a safety expert
- What you need to know about renewing or getting an emergency passport in the U.S.
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TSA has untill the end of 2027 to get this done. There may be other, non-related reasons for pushing it now – like immigration.
This is such a timely and practical guide—exactly what travelers need amid the REAL ID confusion! Your clear breakdown of deadlines, state-by-state differences, and TSA alternatives (like passports) cuts through the noise perfectly. I especially appreciated the reminder to check for hidden requirements (like original documents), which could save readers last-minute headaches. As someone who’s been procrastinating, this lights a fire under me to finally upgrade my license. Sharing this with all my friends before our next domestic flight!