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An airport security measure, 20 years in the making, will finally be put into effect next month.
Starting May 7, flyers in the United States will not be able to get on a domestic flight unless they have a Real ID.
After years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration will begin enforcing the Real ID Act, which was first introduced in 2005 after 9/11 to heighten air travel security.
The Department of Homeland Security repeatedly pushed back the deadline from its original 2008 date — but the May 2025 deadline is believed to be final.
“Anyone who’s planning to fly in the U.S. in the next few months should do everything they can to get a Real ID-compliant card by May 7 — or travel with their passport, even domestically,” Nick Ewen, senior editorial director at The Points Guy, told CNBC.
According to the DHS, if your state-issued ID or driver’s license has a star (and/or flag) or says “Enhanced,” you are Real ID ready to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
All travelers over the age of 18 will need a Real ID — unless they have another TSA-approved form of identification, such as:
U.S. passport
State-issued Enhanced driver’s license
DHS trusted traveler cards (GlobalEntry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID (including dependents’ IDs)
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
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
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
DMVs across the country are reportedly swamped with requests for appointments to get a Real ID.
“We’ve seen reports of limited appointments and longer lines,” Ewen said. “For example, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has an online appointment wizard — and for those not yet eligible for renewal in the next three months, there are exactly zero appointments.”
Those without a Real ID might have some trouble getting one before the May 7 deadline, but those lucky enough to get an appointment should be sure to arrive at their DMV prepared.
Each state has different requirements for what documents are needed, but the DHS has an online tool that will let travelers know if they are “Real ID ready,” as well as a map with details for each state. In most states, a Real ID won’t cost more than a license, though some do charge extra.
To apply for a Real ID in New York, travelers can visit their local DMV and submit their required documents: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and proof of lawful status.
After submission, New Yorkers can expect to receive their Real ID by mail within about two weeks.
