Starting on May 7, 2025, all travelers in the United States will be required to present an essential document—either a driver’s license or identification card compliant with the REAL ID Act—to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. This measure aims to strengthen identity verification security for the country’s residents and citizens.
- What is the REAL ID Act and what is its purpose?
- Who is required to obtain a REAL ID?
- Requirements for obtaining a REAL ID in the U.S.
- Can immigrants with TPS obtain a REAL ID?
- Alternative documents accepted by the TSA
- What happens if a REAL ID is not obtained before May 2025?
- How to apply for or renew a REAL ID
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, sets minimum security standards for state-issued identification. Its implementation has been delayed several times, but starting in 2025, it will become a mandatory requirement across the United States.
Citizens, legal residents, and beneficiaries of immigration programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) must ensure they have an identification that meets these standards to avoid issues with travel and official procedures.
What is the REAL ID Act and what is its purpose?
The REAL ID Act was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to enhance personal identification security. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), this law requires state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to meet certain verification requirements before being issued.
The main goal of the REAL ID is to standardize identification processes across states, reducing the risk of fraud and strengthening security at airports, military bases, and federal buildings. It also aims to unify verification criteria to prevent the use of counterfeit documents in illegal activities.
Who is required to obtain a REAL ID?
Starting on May 7, 2025, all individuals aged 18 and older must present an identification compatible with REAL ID for:
- Boarding domestic flights in the U.S.
- Accessing secure federal facilities, such as government buildings and nuclear power plants.
- Entering military bases.
Current identifications will remain valid for other uses, such as driving and verifying identity with state authorities. However, the Department of Homeland Security recommends that all citizens and residents ensure they have a REAL ID before the deadline.
Requirements for obtaining a REAL ID in the U.S.
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), applicants for a REAL ID must present the following documents at their corresponding state office:
- Proof of identity: U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card.
- Social Security number: Social Security card or an official document containing it.
- Proof of residency: Two documents confirming current address, such as utility bills or bank statements.
Each state may establish additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the local authority before starting the process. Some DMV offices may require an appointment for the application.
Can immigrants with TPS obtain a REAL ID?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries may apply for a REAL ID if they meet identity and residency verification requirements. However, the validity of their identification will be linked to the authorized period of their immigration status.
The Department of Homeland Security states that if a TPS applicant’s status has a defined expiration date, the issued REAL ID will have the same validity period. If the TPS is renewed, the identification can be updated.
Alternative documents accepted by the TSA
If a person does not have a REAL ID, they may present other valid documents to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to board flights and access federal buildings. Some of these include:
- Valid U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- Trusted traveler cards issued by DHS (Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI).
- Permanent resident card.
- Identification issued by the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Driver’s license issued by a REAL ID-compliant state.
Travelers are advised to verify document acceptance before their flight.
REAL ID applicants must present proof of identity, Social Security, and residency at their state DMV. (U.S. DHS)
What happens if a REAL ID is not obtained before May 2025?
Individuals who do not have a REAL ID or another valid document after May 7, 2025 will not be able to:
- Board domestic flights in the U.S.
- Access restricted federal buildings.
To avoid issues, the DHS recommends starting the application process in advance.
How to apply for or renew a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, it is necessary to visit a DMV office in person with the required documents. It is recommended to:
- Check if the current identification already meets REAL ID requirements.
- Gather the necessary documentation before visiting the office.
- Schedule an appointment in advance to avoid delays.
Demand for REAL IDs may increase as the deadline approaches, so it is advised to complete the process as soon as possible.
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