Domestic flights in the US now demand 'Real ID' compliance: Application deadline approaches in a week
Domestic Flight Travel in the USA
Starting May 7, 2025, passengers in the United States headed for domestic flights will need a Real ID or a valid passport. That's according to The New York Post. Non-compliant state-issued IDs could lead to delays, additional screening, or denied access past the security checkpoint, as per the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
What Is a Real ID?
As per the DHS, a driver's license or state ID is Real ID-compliant if it carries a star, a flag, or is marked "Enhanced". These IDs are mandatory not just for domestic flights but also for accessing select federal facilities.
For travelers aged 18 and above, a Real ID is necessary unless they hold an approved identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), such as:
- US passport
- State-issued Enhanced driver's license
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defence ID (including dependent IDs)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Border Crossing Card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's licence or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- USCIS Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Obtaining a Real ID
To apply, visit your state's driver licensing agency's website to check the specific documentation requirements. Typically, expect to bring:
- Proof of identity: US birth certificate, valid US passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
- Proof of Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 form, or recent pay stub.
- Proof of residency: Lease agreement, utility bill, mortgage statement, bank statement, or deed.
States might have slight variations in requirements, so it's best to check online before heading to a local office to avoid delays.
After May 7, 2025, you might find yourself barred from boarding a domestic flight in the US if you don't have a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification.
Insights:
- To identify a Real ID-compliant credential, look for a gold star in the upper right corner. If your current ID does not have this mark, it is not Real ID compliant.
- Planning ahead is crucial; apply for your Real ID well before May 7, 2025, as processing times may vary among states.
- If you cannot obtain a Real ID, a US passport will also be accepted for domestic air travel.
Starting from May 7, 2025, a Real ID or a valid passport will be mandatory for domestic flight travel in the USA, as per The New York Post and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). By 2025, travelers aged 18 and above may need a Real ID unless they hold an approved identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), such as a US passport. After May 7, 2025, failing to present a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification might result in being barred from boarding a domestic flight in the US.
