Can I still fly if I don’t have my Real ID by May 7? Here’s what to know as new air-travel rules go into effect today

The Real ID requirement goes into effect today (Wednesday May 7, 2025). The deadline has been 20 years in the making, and its implementation today could cause some headaches—or at least some confusion—for those trying to fly domestically.

Here’s what you need to know about today’s Real ID deadline and what it means for you.

What is Real ID?

A Real ID is the name given to an updated form of driver’s licenses and state IDs that have enhanced security measures. The federal government sets these standards, even though Real IDs are issued by individual states.

From May 7, a Real ID will be required in most circumstances to board a domestic flight in America, enter certain federal facilities in the country, or enter nuclear power plants.

However, while the Real ID requirements are going into effect today, the federal legislation mandating Real IDs was actually passed 20 years ago in 2005. The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aimed to strengthen the requirements needed to enter facilities or vehicles that terrorists were likely to target.

However, over the past 20 years, the Real ID requirement has been delayed multiple times. But those delays are now a thing of the past, and the Real ID requirement is now in effect.

How do I get a Real ID?

Though Real ID is a federal requirement, it is issued by individual states. A Real ID can take a few different forms, the most common one being a state driver’s license. However, it may also be another form of state identity card.

The usual way to get a Real ID is to go to your state’s driver’s license agency and apply for a new driver’s license. This new license will now be Real ID-compliant. And yes, though the Real ID deadline is today, you can still apply for one at any time in the future if you don’t already have one.

How do I know if I have a Real ID?

Some states have been issuing Real IDs for years. The easiest way to tell if you have a Real ID or not is to look at your identity document.

“REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card,” according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security FAQ.

You can view examples of Real ID stars here.

What is an Enhanced ID?

To make this situation more confusing, some states offer “enhanced IDs,” which are identified with a flag instead of a star. Both are considered Real ID compliant, according to DHS.

What if still I don’t have my Real ID?

Though the Real ID requirement was 20 years in the making and finally goes into effect today, the fact of the matter is that the federal government knows that many Americans still do not have a Real ID.

In April, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told CBS News that about 19% of travelers showing up at airports still did not have the new identification.

Most Americans who fly domestically are used to boarding the plane with nothing more than their driver’s license. But while technically the Real ID requirement goes into effect today, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, says people with non-Real ID driver’s licenses will still be able to use them to board a domestic flight.

Noem confirmed to a congressional committee that people without Real ID-compliant identification will still be able to fly—for now, reports the Associated Press. Noem said that those without a Real ID “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,” but added, “But people will be allowed to fly.”

“We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible,” Noem told lawmakers.

However, while non-Real ID holders will still be able to board flights with additional checks, it’s not clear how long this grace period will last.

That means that if you don’t have another acceptable form of identification that will get you on a domestic flight, it’s best not to delay getting your Read ID-compliant identification.

Are other forms of identity still valid for air travel in the United States?

While the Real ID requirement is now in effect to board a domestic flight, you don’t need a Real ID document to get through security as long as you have a valid passport.

Even if the flight is domestic only, you can still simply show a passport to board the plane in the United States. No other form of document is required—provided you have a passport—not even a Real ID. 

According to the AP, Noem also told lawmakers that tribal identification will be accepted at security checkpoints.

Can I use a Real ID to travel internationally?

One important thing to note is that while you can board domestic flights with your passport, things don’t work the other way around.

That is, you cannot use your Real ID to board an international flight. While a Real ID will allow you to get around via plane within America’s borders, other nations will still require a passport to enter their country.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that the Department of Homeland Security has a lengthy FAQ answering dozens of questions about the transition to Real ID, which is worth checking out.

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