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Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, Homeland Security REAL ID message. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Soon, any old driver’s license won’t be enough to get you onto your flight.
This week, after years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration announced that federal agencies will begin enforcement of REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025.
The backstory:
What’s called the REAL ID Act stems from a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission. It created minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and was passed by Congress way back in 2005. But because of a series of delays, including during the pandemic, REAL ID requirements have not previously been enforced.
"It’s been a series of different things that have affected the implementation of it," explained travel expert Troy Petenbrink.
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The Real ID requirement for U.S. air travel will start soon. Here’s what to know and how to apply.
Now though, it appears as though the delays are a thing of the past.
Why you should care:
"I would encourage everyone to go online, find out the requirements, check their ID and make sure they have one," said Petenbrink, who added, "a lot of folks are going to be missing flights, having to rebook flights."
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Americans have a little less than one year to get the Real ID they will need to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.
There will still be alternative forms of identification travelers can use to board a flight. For instance, you can use your passport instead.
More information about whether your identification is REAL ID compliant, can be found here.
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