After years of delays, people who address flights in the country in the United States must present real identification forms that meet the identification in airports in an important change for travelers throughout the country.
Until Wednesday, certain standard driving licenses and other identification cards will no longer comply with federal standards for people who seek to fly within the United States and to access some federal facilities, according to the National Security Department.
Residents have rushed to motorized vehicles offices throughout the country to improve their ID to meet the deadline, and state officials have warned about overcrowding and long lines.
As politics will enter into force this week, this is what you need to know about real ID.
What is a real identification?
A real identification is a driving license with improved and issued by the State, learning permit or non -internal identification card
“As of May 7, 2025, each state resident and territory will need to present a real IDS license/identification, or another acceptable form of identification, to access federal facilities, enter nuclear centrals and address commercial airplanes,” according to the DHS website. “The card, in itself, must be a real identification unless the resident is using an acceptable alternative document, such as a passport or a passport card, or an improved driver’s license issued by the State.”
“As of May 7, 2025, a driver’s license issued by the State or an identification that does not meet a real identification will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification in airports,” said the TSA on its website.
The identification cards that comply with real IDs are marked with a star in the upper right corner. The star is usually black or golden and can vary according to the State.
When was the real identification law introduced?
The Congress approved the Royal ID Law in 2005 to improve security as part of the recommendations of the September 11 commission that the Federal Government “establishes standards for the issuance of identification sources, such as driving licenses,” according to DHS.
The law changed the minimum security standards, and prohibits federal agencies as DHS and the transportation of transport security of accepting certain identification cards that do not comply with identification and do not comply with the standards of the law.
How is a real identification obtained?
People can obtain real identifications of driver licenses agencies of their states and should consult the websites of agencies to find out the exact requirements, according to the DHS.
DHS said on its website that at least, people must provide documentation that shows: full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two management tests and legal immigration status.
Certain states can impose additional requirements, so it is important to verify the website of the conductor licenses of its status before going in person.
Will the TSA accept a temporary paper card for real identification?
According to the TSA website, you can take up to three weeks to obtain your real identification by mail and the agency “will not accept the temporary paper card given in the DMV.”
What happens if I do not bring a real identification that complies with ID to the airport?
If people have an identification that does not comply with real ID at TSA control points and also has alternative and acceptable ways of identification, such as passports or improvement ID, “they can go to a separate area and can receive an additional evaluation. This includes TSA Precheck passengers,” the TSA said on its website.
A TSA officer can ask those passengers to complete a process of identity verification and “if their identity is confirmed, it will be allowed to enter the detection control point, where it can be subject to additional detection.”
“You will not be allowed to enter the security control point if you choose not to provide an acceptable identification, it is denied to cooperate with the identity verification process or its identity cannot be confirmed,” said the TSA.
Do I need a passport if I have a real identification?
A passport for adults and children who travel internationally is still necessary, but to travel nationwide, adults will need a valid form of identification, such as real identification or a passport.
Do minors need real identifications?
No. For domestic trips, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with colleagues. Companions have to present an acceptable identification form, according to DHS. Children will still need passports for international trips.
Are there alternatives or exceptions to real identification?
Yes. According to DHS, other forms of acceptable identification for national trips include improved passports and identification cards.
