New requirement for travel to the United States in 2025: mandatory use of REAL ID goes into effect

Beginning May 7, 2025, all passengers over the age of 18 who wish to travel to the United States by air within the country will be required to present valid identification under REAL ID standards. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will strictly enforce this measure at all airports in the United States.

The regulation responds to the implementation of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 as part of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to strengthen identity controls in federal spaces, commercial flights and nuclear plants.

For travel to the United States on domestic flights, traditional driver’s licenses will no longer be valid if they do not meet these standards.

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What is REAL ID and what does it entail?

REAL ID is not a new ID, but an updated version of existing documents, such as driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards. These documents must contain one of five official marks that identify them as valid:

• Five-pointed gold star.
• Five-pointed black star.
• White star within a gold circle.
• White star inside a black circle.
• Figure of a golden bear with a white star.

Travelers who do not present compatible identification will not be allowed to board domestic flights. The TSA has advised that no exceptions will be allowed, so it is recommended that you check in advance to see if your document meets the requirements.

How to obtain a valid ID

To obtain a REAL ID, go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for the state of residence. The process may include the presentation of:

• Full name and date of birth.
• Social security number.
• Proof of residency.
• Legal immigration status.

Each state may require additional documents. The process ends with the delivery of a new valid REAL ID card.

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Requirements for travel to the U.S. starting in May

As of May 7, 2025, travel to the United States on domestic flights will require a compatible ID. This does not replace a passport, which will continue to be required for international travel. REAL IDs are not permitted to cross borders with Canada or Mexico or to replace travel documents on international routes.

So-called enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) issued in Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont will also be accepted. These licenses allow travel to the United States by land from neighboring countries, in addition to complying with the requirements of internal federal controls.

Other forms of identification accepted

The TSA has published a list of documents valid for passing through airport security checkpoints beginning May 2025. Among them:

• U.S. passport or passport card.
• Trusted traveler credentials such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST.
• Department of Defense military ID.
• Permanent Resident Card.
• Canadian provincial driver’s license.
• Indian Affairs Canada card.
• Merchant Mariner’s or Transport Worker’s Credential.
• Veterans Health Insurance Card (VHIC).

The complete list is available at www.tsa.gov/real-id.

Consequences of not complying with the requirement

Individuals attempting to travel to the United States on domestic flights without a valid REAL ID or accepted alternative document will not be allowed to board. Authorities have warned that this situation could lead to congestion at airports and delays at security checkpoints.

The Department of Homeland Security has reiterated that the implementation of the REAL ID seeks to ensure that only properly verified individuals can access sensitive areas. The measure, according to TSA spokespersons, is intended to comply with a more stringent screening policy that will be enforced without exceptions.

Airports have begun installing visible signage to inform passengers of the new regulations. Those planning to travel to the United States within the country should check whether their current ID is compatible. If not, they should apply for a new one well in advance of the deadline.

Travel to the United States will involve a new ID standard beginning in 2025. Failure to comply may result in the inability to complete the trip, even if the ticket was purchased in advance.