TSA Just Confirmed REAL ID Deadline Is Final: What Travelers Need to Know by May 7

A few days ago, I wrote this article: REAL ID Deadline Looms: Here’s What You Need to Know, which followed an article from January titled What You Need to Know About Getting a REAL ID and Why You Might Not Need to Worry Yet. In that post, I mentioned I wasn’t concerned about the REAL ID deadline for two reasons: One, I always travel with my passport, and two, I was convinced the government would once again delay the deadline—as they’ve done for over a decade.

Well, it looks like I was wrong on that second point—so if you’re counting on the government to push the deadline again … don’t. Yesterday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed they will begin enforcing the requirement on May 7.

“Secretary Noem and the Trump administration are enforcing the 2005 REAL ID Act and regulations on May 7, as directed by Congress and the American people,” said Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator. “The Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. TSA will implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, continuing to ensure the safety and security of passengers while also working to minimize operational disruptions at airports.”

Beginning May 7, the TSA will stop accepting state-issued IDs that aren’t REAL ID compliant at airport security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 and older—including those with TSA PreCheck—must show either a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of identification, such as a passport. Non-citizens voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will still be allowed to board, even without a REAL ID.

“Passengers showing up with a non-compliant ID and no alternative (like a passport) should be prepared for delays, additional screening, and possibly being denied entry to the security checkpoint.” Here’s Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem’s video she shared on X:

Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!https://t.co/rmP0renGHs pic.twitter.com/f92iT0uygA

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 11, 2025

Acceptable forms of ID besides a state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License include: a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID (including dependent IDs), permanent resident card, border crossing card, and acceptable photo IDs from a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). Other valid options include an HSPD-12 PIV card, foreign government-issued passport, Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, and a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

According to the TSA, 81% of U.S. travelers currently present an acceptable ID at checkpoints, including REAL IDs. Since I don’t have a REAL ID, I just uploaded my passport to CLEAR and recommend you do the same—if you’re a CLEAR member.

To get a REAL ID, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends visiting your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to check what documents are required. At a minimum, you’ll need to provide documentation showing:

1. Full Legal Name

2. Date of Birth

3. Social Security Number

4. Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence

5. Lawful Status

More details are available at TSA.gov/real-id.

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