Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will be fully enforced, and if you’re planning on flying domestically in the U.S., you’ll need to make sure you’re carrying a REAL ID-compliant identification. With just over 100 days left until this rule takes effect, it’s time to make sure you’re prepared.
What is the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was a response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation for standardized identification. It requires U.S. citizens to present REAL ID-compliant IDs to board commercial flights within the country and access certain federal facilities.
As of May 7, 2025, your regular driver’s license or state-issued identification will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel unless it’s updated to meet federal security standards. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your REAL ID today to avoid travel disruptions.
How to Check if Your ID is REAL ID Compliant
REAL ID-compliant documents will feature a star at the top of the card. All 50 states and U.S. territories offer these updated IDs, but many travelers still don’t have the required documents. To check if your current driver’s license or state-issued ID is compliant, visit your state’s driver licensing agency website.
If you’re unsure whether your state has started issuing REAL ID-compliant IDs, don’t worry – the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working closely with states to ensure compliance by the deadline.
Alternatives to a REAL ID
If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, don’t panic – you can use a few alternative forms of identification, including:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card (valid only for domestic flights and certain border crossings)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (available in states like Michigan, Vermont, and New York)
- Other federally recognized identification cards like Global Entry, NEXUS, or military IDs
Why You Should Act Now
Although there’s still some time until the REAL ID enforcement begins, it’s important to start the process as soon as possible. Updating your driver’s license to meet REAL ID standards can take weeks, and you don’t want to be caught off guard when the new regulations go into effect.
If your state offers REAL ID-compliant IDs, expect the process to take two to three weeks, so it’s best to get started now. Even though you can still use your driver’s license for domestic flights for now, don’t risk travel delays in the future.
Do You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights?
No, you don’t need a passport for domestic flights – provided you have a REAL ID-compliant ID or another form of federally recognized ID, like a U.S. passport or passport card. However, your regular driver’s license will not be sufficient after May 7, 2025.
For more on the differences between a U.S. passport and a U.S. passport card, check out Passports vs Passport Cards.
What You Can Do Now
If your driver’s license isn’t REAL ID-compliant, or if you need to update your documents, consider applying for a U.S. passport. RushMyPassport offers fast, expedited services to help you get your passport as quickly as possible, in as little as 24 hours. We can help you avoid common mistakes that can delay the process, ensuring your documents are processed smoothly and without hassle.
Passport Service Timeframes
- Standard Service: 4-6 weeks + shipping time
- Expedited Service: 2-3 weeks + shipping time
- RushMyPassport Service: As fast as 24 hours!
Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or an international adventure, it’s a great idea to start updating your passport and ID now. By taking care of these details early, you can avoid any potential complications the REAL ID Act may cause for your travels.
As the May 7, 2025 deadline draws closer, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the REAL ID requirement. Whether you need to update your ID or get a passport, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you travel with confidence. Get started online today or head to your nearest FedEx location.