Real ID is finally coming on May 7, but with a phased rollout plan

This time it’s real.

Real ID is coming. It’s time to get serious about making sure your ID is up to date.

The Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation (DOT) have just published a notice in the Federal Register on the implementation of new security standards that state driver’s licenses and identification cards must meet in order to be used for federal purposes, including passing through airport security checkpoints, beginning in the spring of 2025.

But there is a problem: full implementation will not take effect until 2027.

After multiple delaysDHS now says its latest deadline, May 7, 2025, is set to officially implement the Real ID Requirement for domestic air travel. The rule will become official after a public comment period.

Beginning May 7, 2025, those presenting a driver’s license or state-issued ID card at the airport will be required to present a Real ID-compliant card. Passengers without a compliant ID may face delays in identity verification; while the phased rollout would still allow them to enter secure areas under certain conditions during launch, the deadline for normal requirements is set, a DHS spokesperson told TPG.

The proposed new rules add some flexibility to full implementation, a TSA spokesperson said. “…[T]His proposal would give federal agencies the flexibility to enforce the REAL ID law” and “… to prevent travelers (in particular) from being turned away.”

If you read the fine print signed by Trustee David P. Pekoske, local officials will have up to two years to fully implement the new requirements:

“This proposed rule recognizes these concerns and would provide flexibility by allowing agencies, for a period of up to 2 years, to implement REAL ID card enforcement using a phased approach tailored to their specific operations.”

This means some states may give people a little more time to obtain the correct documentation to enter government offices and go through security at airports.

Are you Real ID compliant?

The good news is that you may already qualify. You can tell if your driver’s license or ID meets Real ID requirements by looking for the star in the upper right or left corner, as shown in the photo below.

Below are some examples of supported identification symbols.

If you don’t see a star on your ID or it says something in fine print on the document like “Not for Federal Identification” or “Not for Federal Purposes,” then it is not Real ID approved.

You can use This tool to determine if you qualify. You will be asked a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to travel. Please note that a U.S. passport is valid as a Real ID in all cases.

If you need to get a new state-issued Real ID-approved license or ID card, it may be as simple as renewing your current ID. Just be sure to make it clear that you want the Real ID-approved versions. Some states still issue standard licenses or IDs that do not include Real ID provisions.

Please also note that even if you have Clear or TSA PreCheckYou still need an ID that matches the new Real ID requirements.

When the Real ID Act is fully implemented, you will not be allowed through TSA checkpoints without Real ID-compliant identification.

These are alternatives to a state-issued Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card:

• US Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global EntryNexus, SENTRI, FAST)
• Permanent Resident Card
• United States Department of Defense Identification
• Border crossing card
• Enhanced state-issued driver’s license
• Federally recognized tribal issued photo identification
• PIV HSPD-12 Card
• Passport issued by a foreign government
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Card
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• United States Merchant Mariner Credential