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What to Know About Flying Without a REAL ID After the May 2025 Deadline

Learn what happens if you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, and discover your options and alternatives for domestic air travel in the United States.

By Medha deb

Created on Jun 14, 2025

What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025?

Starting on May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license—or a select alternative federally-accepted identification—will be required to board any commercial domestic flight in the United States. If you do not possess a REAL ID by this deadline, you must present another form of acceptable ID for airport security screening or risk being turned away at TSA checkpoints.

Understanding the REAL ID Act and Its Significance

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established rigorous federal security standards for the issuance of state driver’s licenses and identification cards. Its primary purpose is to help prevent fraudulent identification and enhance the security of federal facilities, including airports. After numerous pandemic-related delays, the enforcement date is now set for May 7, 2025, after which standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s licenses and state IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights.

The new rules apply to all travelers aged 18 and over at TSA airport checkpoints.
Children under 18 do not need identification when traveling with an adult companion, but their accompanying adult must comply with the ID requirements.

How to Recognize a REAL ID

A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card usually features a star marking in the top right corner. Some states, such as those issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), meet REAL ID requirements but may use a different marking. To check your compliance:

Look for a gold, black, or white star in the upper right of your license or ID.
Some states provide EDLs without a star but with a flag or other state-specific symbol that also meets federal standards.
Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing authority website for confirmation.

What Counts as an Acceptable ID at Airports After May 2025?

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or card, you can still fly domestically if you present one of the following:

Valid U.S. passport book or passport card
Military ID (active duty, retiree, or reservist)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, etc.)
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo IDs
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential (for merchant mariners)
Foreign government-issued passport (for non-U.S. citizens)

Review the TSA’s list of acceptable identification before your next trip to be sure you have an approved document in your possession.

Who Needs a REAL ID?

The REAL ID requirement applies to all U.S. travelers aged 18 or older boarding domestic flights. If you plan to use your driver’s license or state-issued ID as your primary identification at TSA checkpoints, it must be a REAL ID-compliant one from May 7, 2025, onward. You will also need REAL ID or another approved federal ID to access certain federal buildings and military bases.

Exceptions exist for driving, voting, or other situations where a government-issued photo ID is required, but not for air travel security checks.

Steps to Get a REAL ID

The process for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card involves visiting your state’s motor vehicle agency (DMV or equivalent) and providing specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency.

In-person application: Most states require an in-person visit for your initial REAL ID application or upgrade.
Document checklist: You will typically need:

An original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport
Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, tax form, or pay stub)
Two documents proving residency in your state (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, etc.)
Documentation of name change, if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)

Some states offer online renewal or pre-application tools. Check your DMV’s website for specifics.

Allow ample time for processing, as issuing a REAL ID may take days to weeks depending on your state’s system and current demand.

Can You Fly Without a REAL ID?

Yes, you can still fly within the U.S. without a REAL ID—but only if you provide another accepted form of federal identification, such as a valid passport, trusted traveler card, or military ID. Without one of these, TSA will deny you boarding for any commercial flight departing from a U.S. airport on or after May 7, 2025.

Non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state IDs will continue to be valid for driving or other non-federal purposes (like age verification or banking), but not for airport security or federal facility access.

What If You Show Up at the Airport Without a REAL ID or Another Accepted Form of ID?

If you arrive at a U.S. airport without a REAL ID or another federally accepted identification after the deadline:

The TSA will not allow you to pass through security or board your flight, regardless of prior travel history or extenuating circumstances.
In rare circumstances—if you lost your ID while traveling or have another qualifying emergency—you may be allowed to undergo additional screening and verification at TSA’s discretion, but this is not guaranteed and could result in significant delays or denied access.
The easiest solution is to bring a valid U.S. passport book or card as a backup if your REAL ID status is in doubt.

State-by-State Differences and Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

While REAL ID implementation is federally mandated, each state has some leeway in how it issues compliant documents. Some states and territories also offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) that comply with REAL ID and provide additional features, such as land and sea border crossing with Canada and Mexico. These generally carry a special marking other than the star.

State ID Type	REAL ID Compliant?	Special Marking	Additional Use
Standard Driver’s License	No	None	Driving, non-federal ID only
REAL ID Driver’s License/ID	Yes	Star in top right corner	Federal use, air travel, facilities
Enhanced Driver’s License	Yes	Flag or state icon, no star	Border crossing (land/sea), air travel

Why Has the REAL ID Implementation Been Delayed?

The REAL ID enforcement deadline has been delayed multiple times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting backlog at DMVs. The federal government and Department of Homeland Security have extended the timeline to allow more people adequate time to upgrade their licenses and for states to meet compliance standards.

The current enforcement date is now fixed at May 7, 2025.

Do You Have to Get a REAL ID?

You are not required by law to obtain a REAL ID. However, if you want to use your state driver’s license or ID as your main identification at U.S. airport security checkpoints, you must upgrade by the deadline. If you plan to travel using your U.S. passport, military ID, or another acceptable form, a REAL ID is optional. Even after May 2025, standard licenses will remain valid as driver’s licenses and for other non-federal identification purposes within your state.

Common Misconceptions About REAL ID

REAL ID is not a national ID card: While REAL ID establishes national standards, every state continues to issue its own driver’s licenses and IDs.
Not required for all domestic travel: Interstate bus, train, and private vehicle travel do not currently require a REAL ID. It is primarily for airport security and certain federal facility access.
Children do not need REAL ID to fly: Minors under 18 traveling with compliant adults do not need REAL ID or other identification for domestic flights.

How to Prepare for the May 2025 Deadline

Check your license or state ID for the REAL ID star or marking. If uncertain, contact your DMV before your next flight.
Gather your documentation and visit your local DMV to apply for a REAL ID-compliant license if you wish to use your license at airports.
If planning imminent travel and you do not have—or cannot obtain—a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, ensure you have a valid and accepted federal identification like a passport.
Monitor updates from TSA, the Department of Homeland Security, and your state DMV for any late changes or guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About REAL ID

Q: Can I still use my standard driver’s license for purposes other than flying?

A: Yes, standard licenses and IDs are valid for driving, age verification, voting, and state purposes. They will, however, be rejected at TSA airport checkpoints for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Q: If my current license expires after the deadline and is not REAL ID, am I still allowed to fly?

A: No. Expiration date is irrelevant—if your license is not REAL ID-compliant, it cannot be used to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025. You will need another TSA-accepted ID or to upgrade to a REAL ID license.

Q: Can I use my passport card instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights?

A: Yes, a valid U.S. passport card is an acceptable form of federal identification for domestic flights and can be used instead of a REAL ID.

Q: Do children need REAL ID-compliant documents to fly?

A: No. Minors under 18 traveling with a compliant adult do not need identification for domestic flights, but the adult accompanying them must present a REAL ID or other accepted identification.

Q: What should I do if I can’t get a REAL ID before I need to fly?

A: Use another form of acceptable identification, such as your valid U.S. passport book or card, trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry), or U.S. military ID to board your flight.

Resources for More Information

U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page: For federal policy and compliance rules
TSA REAL ID information: Accepted IDs and travel preparedness
Your state DMV or licensing agency: Application guidance, locations, and document checklists

Being REAL ID ready ensures that you remain clear for takeoff beyond May 2025. Check your status today so you can take to the skies without interruption, and remember—when in doubt, carry your passport or another federally accepted form of ID for peace of mind.