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REAL ID at TSA.GOV/REAL-ID

TSA Issues Final Rule for REAL ID Enforcement

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced a final rule that provided a framework for the federal agency's phased enforcement of REAL ID requirements.

Federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin REAL ID enforcement on the deadline, which is May 7, 2025.

Starting that day, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be permitted for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft for a domestic flight. Valid Passports will also be accepted for identification purposes for boarding commercial aircraft for a domestic flight.

A REAL ID compliant license features a star in the upper right corner.

The United States government said the final rule provides the necessary flexibility for federal agencies to begin enforcement in a “manner that takes into account security, operational risk and public impact.”  

“Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification, directly in response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the 9/11 attacks,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.  

“Identity verification is foundational to security. I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft for domestic flights, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant,” Pekoske continued. “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, which this rule supports.”

To help travelers with the change, the TSA and other agencies will use a phased enforcement approach that will be explained in detail on government websites. All states are currently issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

The TSA continues to urge travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID before May 7 to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints. 

Visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id for details.

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