The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a final rule outlining the phased enforcement of REAL ID requirements.
Starting 7 May 2025, federal agencies, including TSA, will enforce the requirement for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet REAL ID security standards for official purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft.
The rule provides flexibility for federal agencies to implement enforcement plans while considering security, operational risks, and public impact.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets enhanced security standards established by the REAL ID Act of 2005. The Act, passed by Congress in response to the security vulnerabilities identified after the 9/11 attacks, sets federal requirements for the issuance of IDs that federal agencies can accept for official purposes.
REAL IDs are designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or fraud. They include specific security features such as machine-readable technology and advanced anti-forgery measures.
Although REAL IDs are issued by state governments, they must comply with federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A REAL ID-compliant card typically has a star symbol on the top as a marker of compliance.
From 7 May 2025, travellers in the United States must have a REAL ID or another form of TSA-accepted identification (such as a passport) to board domestic flights. Prior to this deadline, passengers have been able to use a broader range of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards for boarding domestic flights.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005, but its enforcement has been delayed multiple times to allow states to issue compliant documents and give individuals sufficient time to transition.
The TSA’s final rule now reaffirms the 7 May 2025 enforcement deadline, encouraging public preparedness and coordination with state licensing authorities. TSA advises travellers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable form of identification by the 7 May deadline to avoid disruptions at airport security checkpoints.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske said:Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks. Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant. We are committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, which this rule supports.
