The Real Id Deadline Is Almost Here: What Travelers Need To Know Before Takeoff

Social media faces reality of long Real ID lines as deadline looms

Department of Motor Vehicles offices are overwhelmed as people scramble to get their Real ID before the deadline on May 7.

The long-awaited REAL ID deadline will be here in just five days.

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification – such as a passport – to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. This change, nearly two decades in the making, stems from the 2005 REAL ID Act, which aimed to enhance national security following the 9/11 attacks. Implementation faced multiple delays due to state compliance challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must apply in person at their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), providing documentation that verifies their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful residence status. While some states offer online pre-application processes, most require an in-person visit to finalize the application.

Processing times can vary, with some applicants experiencing waits of up to 45 days, especially as demand surges ahead of the deadline.

For those who haven’t secured a REAL ID by the deadline, alternative forms of identification – such as a valid U.S. passport, military ID or Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler card – will still be accepted at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. However, travelers lacking compliant identification should anticipate potential delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry at security checkpoints. 

As the enforcement date approaches, travelers are encouraged to verify their identification documents and plan accordingly to ensure smooth travel experiences.

According to DHS, Real ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the “top portion of the card.”

In states like California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear, while in other states, a simple golden star is added to Real IDs.