REAL ID Deadline: What You Need to Know About the New Flying ID Requirements

The REAL ID deadline has finally arrived after years of delays, and travelers are facing significant changes when it comes to flying domestically in the U.S. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require passengers to show a REAL ID or another approved form of identification at airport security checkpoints. If you’re not prepared, it could mean long delays or even being denied boarding. In this post, we’ll break down the key details about REAL ID, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re ready before your next flight.

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 following the September 11th attacks, was initially meant to be fully implemented by 2008. However, due to privacy concerns, logistical issues, and multiple delays, it took nearly two decades for the law to come to fruition. Now, with the May 7th deadline set in stone, travelers need to ensure they meet the new requirements or risk being delayed at the airport. According to TSA reports, as of mid-April, 81% of passengers already have compliant IDs, but that still leaves a large portion of the population unprepared for the change.

While many may think of REAL ID as just another government inconvenience, the law actually plays a key role in national security. Unlike a standard driver’s license, a REAL ID-compliant license also verifies a person's lawful status in the U.S., linking to a national database for more secure identity tracking. However, the new rules have faced backlash from civil rights groups who argue that REAL ID could lead to increased surveillance and privacy violations. Critics, including the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), warn that the act could infringe on individual freedoms by creating a national identification system that is linked to federal databases.

As for states’ compliance with the REAL ID Act, some are ready, while others are scrambling to catch up. States like Colorado, Florida, and Washington, D.C. have high compliance rates, while others like New Jersey and Illinois are facing significant backlogs. For example, in New Jersey, only 17% of IDs are REAL ID-compliant, leaving many residents racing to get their updated IDs before the deadline. DMV lines are reportedly out the door, and residents are checking appointment slots as early as midnight to secure a spot.

To get a REAL ID, you’ll need specific documentation, including proof of your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of state residency. If you're among the many still without one, it’s essential to act fast to avoid unnecessary airport stress. Visit your local DMV or check online for available appointments.

Understanding the REAL ID Process

The REAL ID Act is a crucial step in enhancing security across U.S. airports. Although it has faced delays and opposition over the years, the May 7, 2025, deadline is now official, and TSA will be enforcing it at all domestic flight checkpoints. If you don’t have a REAL ID or another approved form of identification, expect longer wait times and possibly being turned away.

As states vary in their level of compliance, it’s important to check your state’s status and ensure you’ve secured an appointment to update your ID before your next flight. Given the rush, many DMVs have extended hours or set up “super centers” to handle the volume of requests. Don’t wait until the last minute—prepare now to avoid the hassle.