Real ID to Be Mandatory Starting May 7 for U.S. Travelers

Real ID will be mandatory.

Requirement to travel within the US.

Migrants must stay informed.

Beginning May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 who wish to board domestic flights in the United States must present a Real ID-compliant form of identification.

This requirement is part of a federal mandate aimed at strengthening security at airports and other government facilities.

The Real ID is a credential with stricter security standards than traditional driver’s licenses.

Its implementation stems from a law passed by Congress in 2005 following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

New Requirement to Travel in the US: Real ID

Real ID will be mandatory for US travel – Photo: Shutterstock

Since then, states have been gradually transitioning to issue licenses and ID cards that meet this new standard.

The Real ID can be easily recognized by a gold star in the upper right-hand corner of the document.

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Only state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) are authorized to issue them.

Both US citizens and foreigners with verified legal presence in the country may apply for the Real ID.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), travelers who do not have a mandatory Real ID will not be allowed to use a standard driver’s license for domestic flights.

They will also be barred from entering federal government buildings, military installations, and nuclear facilities.

While traditional licenses will still be valid for driving, they will no longer be accepted for federally regulated purposes.

If someone does not obtain a Real ID, they can still present a valid passport or another form of TSA-approved identification.

However, this could be an inconvenience for those who don’t have such documents readily available when traveling.

Experts recommend beginning the application process as soon as possible, as the deadline is approaching and DMVs may experience delays due to high demand.

To apply for a Real ID, specific documents are required, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residence.

Each state has its own detailed requirements, so it is advisable to check the local DMV website before visiting in person.

International students, permanent residents, refugees, and other legal immigrants are also eligible if they can prove their lawful status.

For many, the new policy still causes confusion and raises questions about its impact on daily life.

However, federal authorities stress that the primary goal is to enhance security at the country’s most sensitive checkpoints.

The DHS has launched public awareness campaigns to remind citizens of the deadline and provide guidance on how to obtain the Real ID.

This is not the first time a deadline has been announced for Real ID implementation.

Originally, the mandate was to take effect in 2008, but it has been postponed multiple times due to technical difficulties and the COVID-19 pandemic.

This time, the federal government has reiterated that there will be no further extensions and the deadline is final.

Airlines and travel agencies are also working to inform their customers about the upcoming requirement.

Many airports now have signage and informational materials about the Real ID requirement.

In high-traffic cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, local authorities have launched campaigns to expedite document issuance.

The general recommendation is not to wait until the last minute to avoid crowds and delays.

As of May 2025, flying within the U.S. without a Real ID or another accepted document will no longer be possible for most adults, according to Uno TV Noticias.