South Jersey Sun

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the official deadline for the Real ID requirement, which will soon be necessary for travelers to pass through airport security within the United States.

Starting May 7, 2025, passengers must present a state-issued driver's license or identification card with Real ID accreditation to clear TSA checkpoints. Those without a Real ID or an approved alternative form of identification will not be allowed entry.

Real ID-compliant identifications are being issued by all 50 U.S. states and territories including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. While there may be slight variations in appearance from state to state, these IDs generally feature a star or star cutout in one corner. Identifications labeled with "federal limits apply" or "not for federal identification" do not meet Real ID standards.

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress nearly two decades ago but faced delays at the state level due to varying regulations. The requirement for Real ID-compliant identification at domestic airport security checkpoints has been postponed several times since 2020 due to reasons such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although this deadline is approaching soon, full enforcement of this rule is scheduled to begin on May 5, 2027. TSA's administrator David Pekoske stated: “Identity verification is foundational to security... 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.”

Travelers can still use other forms of identification for air travel including a U.S. passport or passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards like Global Entry; Nexus; Sentri; Fast; permanent resident cards; acceptable photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations or Indian tribes; HSPD-12 PIV cards; or passports issued by foreign governments.