REAL ID
It is finally really here. After so many delays the federal government is going to begin enforcing the Real REAL ID. I thought I would try and explain it for you.
Passed back in 2005, the REAL ID Act requires new federal standards for state-issued forms of identification like a driver’s license or state ID. The idea was to make ID harder to copy and give a single standard for all states to follow. So starting May 7, 2025 in order to board domestic flights you will be required to either present a REAL ID compliant driver’s license/state id or a federally accepted alternative. These includes U.S. passports(go ahead and get one, you will thank us), U.S. passport cards, and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry (really get this! you will definitely thank us), NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
A recent study found 44% of Americans do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID. Add to this that most Americans do not have passports and you have a bit of a problem.
If you show up at the airport and at TSA present a state-issued ID that is not REAL ID compliant and don’t have an acceptable alternative, you will be subject to additional screening. You might be directed to a separate area for additional screening (taking up more time), or you may be denied entry to the security checkpoint. (This means no flight for you 😢)
If you have gotten a Drivers License/state ID in last few year check the top right corner to see if it has a star. If it does then you have a Real ID.
If not you either will need to go to the DMV and get a Real ID compliant License or go ahead and get your passport so you can start exploring the world 😁.
For additional information you can check out this website:
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
And for information on the Global entry that you definitely should get check out this article.
