The Real ID deadline is a month away. What to know about the travel requirement.
AI-assisted summary
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant document to fly domestically.
Acceptable documents include state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards with a Real ID marking, or alternative forms of identification like a passport.
Travelers can obtain a Real ID by visiting their local DMV or MVD office and providing required documentation.
A Real ID is all that's needed to avoid a potential travel delay come this time next month.
The Transportation Security Administration confirmed to USA TODAY that the agency still had plans to enforce the identification requirement for every adult traveler starting Wednesday, May 7.
"Every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant ID, which is a state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a U.S. passport" by May 7, 2025, the TSA said in a statement last month. "If you do not have a REAL ID by May 7, your air travel may be delayed."
All Real ID documents, including driver's licenses, have a stamp on the right-hand corner to indicate that it is federally compliant. Without the stamp, the identification document fails to adhere to the "minimum security standards" set by The Real ID Act of 2005, which prevents travelers from flying domestically and from entering certain federal facilities without meeting the new identification requirements.
The travel requirement was originally slated to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back until May 2025 over "backlogged transactions" at Motor Vehicle Division offices nationwide throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The mountains of paperwork, according to the department, impacted agencies' ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout.
But this time, the deadline is really real, which means federal agencies, including the TSA, will not accept driver's licenses and state-issued identification cards that are not Real ID-compliant.
Here's what to know about Real ID, including what it is and how to get one.
What is a Real ID?
The federal government was able to "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses," following a recommendation made to Congress in 2005 by the 9/11 Commission.
The Real ID Act established "minimum security standards" for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, prohibiting certain federal agencies from accepting official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Crossword
When do you need a Real ID to fly?
Any U.S. Citizen, or permanent resident over the age of 18, needs a Real ID to fly by May 7, 2025.
Any person who fails to procure a Real ID by the enforcement deadline may experience delays or be barred from flying domestically. If you already have another form of TSA-approved identification like an up-to-date passport, you probably do not need a Real ID.
What are some Real ID alternatives?
TSA-approved alternatives include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Real ID requirements
The best way to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a Real ID is by visiting your local DMV or MVD website.
But at a minimum, you will need to provide documentation with your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, proof of address of principal residence and lawful status.
Individual states may pose additional requirements, so contact your state's driver's licensing agency online, or in-person for additional information or assistance.
How to get a Real ID
Driver's licensing agencies in all states and Washington, D.C., are issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and IDs. It can take about two weeks, or 15 business days, to process the request at your local MVD office.
A stamp on the right-hand corner of the driver's license or identification card shows that it is federally compliant. The symbol stamped on your Real ID compliant-document will vary, depending on the state where it was issued.
Non-compliant cards, per TSA, have no star and include language such as "Not for Real ID purposes" or "Not for Federal ID."
"Legacy cards," issued before a state began to issue Real ID-compliant cards, have neither a star nor noncompliant language.
Additional information about Real ID can be found online or through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website.
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Buzz Feed
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27 US Experiences That Horrified Canadian Tourists
I have never felt more patriotic than I do at this moment in my life, and I know many Canadians can attest to the same sentiment. I'm yelling, "Elbows Up!" and putting maple syrup on everything. And although I'm an NYC girl in another life, I'm really lucky to be Canadian — especially after hearing some stories about visiting the States. So when Reddit user IPA-Breakfast asked, "What's the sketchiest scenario you've had while in the US?" I had to share some of the wild stories with you all. "I was visiting my partner in Missouri in 2021 and got sick. We had a ticket back to Canada in a week, so I went to one of the COVID testing clinics nearby and got tested. We hadn't even left the parking lot when they called and said I was all clear. So I went about it as if it wasn't COVID-19 and just a cold. I kept getting sicker, though. Then, at the airport, I got told I couldn't get on the plane because I had COVID. I had to stay in the US an additional 30 days and rebook all my flights. Later, on the news, we saw that the same clinic I had visited was being shut down, and the owner had been arrested for fraud. The clinic was talking money for the COVID testing program, but not actually testing anyone. They just called everyone and said their test was negative." "I was on vacation in North Carolina, a year into COVID. I walked into a store that had some cool-looking trinkets in the window. I was wearing an N95 mask, as was recommended in Canada. I wasn't a meter inside the door when the owner pulled out a Dirty Harry hand cannon and told me only thieves and liberals wear masks. Gave me to the count of five to leave. I was out in two." "I was in Myrtle Beach the week of July 4th a few years back. There were signs everywhere that fireworks were not allowed on the beach. There were also cops in golf carts everywhere. On the night of the 4th, my kids and I were on the beach by the Ferris wheel, enjoying the city fireworks display. You can see fireworks from other towns along the coast. It's magical until everyone around us starts setting off their own fireworks." "I got robbed when I was living in SF. Somebody just smashed me in the back of the head, woke up without a bag, in the hospital." "I was in Vegas in 2015 and saw a car hit a massive group of crossing pedestrians." "We went to a US vs Can hockey game in Buffalo. It wasn't even a real game, it was an exhibition match. My partner wore a Leafs jersey, so we were clearly Canadian. This was a mistake. After the American team won, the Americans in front of us stood up and literally screamed at us that we're losers and to go the fuck home, giving us the finger and laughing at us. Then, when we were leaving, people in the crowd were shoving and yelling at each other. By the time we made it outside there were multiple fist fights happening, cops drawing guns and all sorts of wild ass shit. We left as fast as we could." "So this happened to my friend in university. He and his dad went to a sports game in early 2008. After the game, they started driving home and got lost somewhere near the stadium. They got to a red light, and someone started shooting at their car. The bullets broke the rear window and windscreen. His dad just FLOORS it, peels out of there, slamming the manual transmission into gear like a rally driver taking off from the starting line, and doesn't stop for a single red for at least a mile." "A murder happened in our hotel lobby. And someone broke into our hotel room while my father was still in the bathroom." "We were parked for the night in a scenic Oregon campground with our trailer. We just finished supper after a great walk on the beach with our dogs. Suddenly, there was this HUGE explosion that rocked our trailer, the dogs were terrified, and we kind of froze in shock. We went outside to find our idiot neighbors had casually tossed one of those plastic propane canisters INTO THEIR FUCKING CAMPFIRE to get rid of it." "I got mugged in broad daylight right out front of our hotel in New Orleans. It was not a great vacation." "My childhood friend's mom was on the interstate, and some people in a car next to her started yelling and pointing that her car was on fire. She pulled over. They pulled over. Then they carjacked her." "Our U-Haul broke down on the highway, right next to a sign telling people who've broken down to call the police for assistance. The police arrived, and we slowly walked towards them and said, "Thank you for coming so fast," and they drew their weapons." "I witnessed a drive-by shooting once in downtown Houston." "I went shopping in North Dakota with a friend years ago. For some reason, the normal border crossing we used closed super early when we were trying to get home. I took a wrong turn trying to get to the next border crossing before they closed and wound up in some tiny, sketchy little town. Every building on the main street looked abandoned, except for the bar. People suddenly started slowly walking out of the bar towards my car. The look on their faces was not friendly, and it felt like the start of a horror movie, so I got out of there ASAP. My friend and I still talk about how creepy the whole thing was." When I first arrived in the US for grad school, one of the local students took me aside and said 'You're not white; if you get pulled over by the cops for anything, you keep your hands on the steering wheel and ask for permission before you do anything, including rolling down the window.' "I was getting a haircut in Estes Park, Colorado, in 2014. The barber said to me, "For all I know, you could be a Muslim." I told him that I am. He told me that Muslims wanted to kill all non-Muslims, and that I must have been raised with that ideology. He said no one could take over the US, since there were more guns there than people. And he asked me to guess what had happened to people who had previously tried to take over his town. "They're dead," he said. "And they say their bodies have never been found." Then he got a phone call. I undid my towel, left him my payment on the counter and walked out. Fortunately, the haircut had mostly been completed." "Years ago, I worked for a Canadian subsidiary of a large American engineering company. While visiting the mother ship in Kansas, I was taken aback by having to go through a metal detector, similar to those at the airport. Turns out, years before, an employee came to work and shot his supervisor three times. That supervisor still works there!" "Having my ID requested to purchase a Call of Duty game when I was in my 30s. The guy in front of me purchased a firearm with no ID." "We went to a Tex-Mex family restaurant for lunch in Houston. Next door was a motel, where a bunch of cop cars with lights on were parked. It reminded me of the scene in No Country for Old Men. Halfway through my huevos rancheros, shots rang out, and we saw the cops had kicked in the door of the room they were surrounding. Seconds later, they pulled the guy's body out. This was crazy enough, but what blew my mind was that nobody in the restaurant freaked out or even reacted much at all, even the tables with kids! My buddy said it's not unusual to hear gunshots, and that you just get used to it after a while. I doubt I ever would." "2016 at JFK on my way to a conference. While waiting for colleagues arriving on a different flight, a fellow asked me where I was going, and on realizing I wasn't American, he proceeded to tell me about several topics:" "Walked into a Cracker Barrel with my half-Japanese wife, and the entire restaurant went quiet and stared. This was in 2015." "We were driving from Orlando to Atlanta, and we desperately needed gas and a pee break. We pulled over at a gas station…to find the store attached to the station was covered in Confederate flags. Covered. Like wallpapered with it. I looked at my best friend and told her I'd rather piss my pants than step inside that place." "Friends of mine camped in their van in LA overnight one time. They picked a spot that looked decent and not too sketchy. They were woken up in the night by the sound of gunfire and eventual sirens. Directly across the street from them, like 20 feet away, there was a gang conflict during the night, and a guy was murdered. They found a bullet hole in the side of their van in the morning." "In 1981, my parents and I took a day trip across the border to Seattle. I was 11 years old and had saved my own money to purchase souvenirs. I tried to pay with a couple of $2 bills (obviously, this was before the Toonie), and the cashier freaked out. She started going on about how disrespectful it was to pay with a $2 bill in the US. She claimed that since they had gotten rid of the American $2 bill, they were considered bad luck. Apparently, I was putting a curse on her by paying with Canadian money." "One time, I was at my partner's house and we heard fireworks. An hour later, we heard a helicopter. We looked outside and saw 10 cop cars. Someone had been shooting and then was trying to escape the cops by running through all the backyards." "First time in LA. from Vancouver, we pulled into a Taco Bell for a piss and a taco. While standing in the parking lot for all of two minutes, we were approached by a small gang. When we asked, "Hey, what's up?" the main guy answered, "We're here to beat the fuck out of somebody." We got back in our car and have never returned to LA." And lastly: "My favourite part of visiting the USA is when we leave. It feels as good as walking out of Thanksgiving dinner because your whole family is full of unhinged, violent racists." In the comments, tell me the craziest thing that you've witnessed while visiting the US. I need icebreakers for my next party. And make sure you follow BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more!
Buzz Feed
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33 Travel Products You'll Use For Every Summer Trip
A packing checklist so you can be super prepared, no matter the length of your trip. From clothing to toiletries to random accessories, this will make the packing process totally mindless so you can spend your time planning other things — like what the first brunch spot will be. A tri-fold travel wallet you will be SO grateful to have, whether you're going through TSA or just grabbing some fast-food deliciousness after a long day of driving. There are specific spots for your passport, ID, and boarding pass, so no more digging around in your backpack and holding up the entire line. Oh, and it has RFID-blocking technology so your info will be safe and secure! A reusable gel lint roller that's a major upgrade from the traditional sticky rolls that require approximately 10 sheets just to clean one shirt. Just pop open the cover and roll it over any garments that need a good sprucing up, then give it a quick rinse, and it'll be ready to use again! A pack of four Apple AirTags, which will quickly become your #1 must-have on all upcoming trips. Place one of these in your luggage (or wallet!) and you'll be able to track its location using the accompanying app. This will be a lifesaver when you accidentally leave your backpack in a taxi, or your wallet at the bar you took said taxi from. An electric travel toothbrush that takes up way less space than the one your dentist is always trying to convince you to buy. You'll still get a nice vibrating effect and a helpful two-minute timer, but it's about the same size as a normal toothbrush! A travel-size Bounce wrinkle release spray, because who has time to iron while traveling?! There's also no telling if that dusty hotel iron is actually going to work. All you have to do is spray, tug the fabric a few times, then smooth the wrinkles away with your hand. It's also perfect for refreshing any clothes you plan to wear a few times during your trip, thanks to the fresh scent. 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I do not relate to you, but I respect you. A stash scrunchie that's perfect for anyone who doesn't feel like lugging around a tote bag or backpack while galavanting around on vacay. There's a helpful little zipper pouch so you can stash some cash, keys, lip balm, or the other travel essentials you always leave behind. This also means you can actually pack that dress with no pockets — this spacious scrunchie has you covered! A 16-piece travel toiletries set so you can bring the perfect portions of all your creams, lotions, shampoos, and other beauty goo you can't imagine being without. You'll get everything you need to decant your faves (including spatulas and a tiny funnel!), and it all comes in a TSA-friendly travel bag. And yes, some of us do need 10 containers of skincare for a three-day trip!!! Or a set of travel bottles with pumps that's extremely perfect for bringing your go-to shampoo and conditioner without wasting unnecessary space. They sit side by side in their own case so that a) they won't get lonely 😢 and b) you won't have to rummage around in your toiletry bag to find them. A jewelry organizer so you can bring your collection of rings, necklaces, and bracelets without them ending up in a tangled pile at the bottom of your bag. There's even an earring grid and small pouches for hairpins and other random accessories, and it folds up into a super compact pouch for easy portability! A travel backpack that opens like a carry-on and has enough space to fit a few days' worth of clothes in its main compartment. You'll also get special compartments for your laptop and a pair of shoes, and the front pocket is lined with waterproof material so you can keep wet items like towels or rain-soaked clothes in a separate spot. Or!! A convertible daypack you'll want by your side, whether you're taking a short weekend road trip or a long-haul flight. 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Yosemite National Park Makes Big Summer Announcement After Uncertainty, Budget Cuts
The summer season is bringing a reason to celebrate—finally—at Yosemite National Park. Following several years of challenges, beginning in 2020 with closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing through to record-low budget cuts that have caused massive staff shortages, California's most visited national park has some good news for visitors. For the first time in six years, all 13 of Yosemite's campgrounds will be open to the public this summer, adding approximately 500 additional campsites for overnight visitors.'We're very excited to have these campgrounds open to the public as we enter the busy summer season,' said Ray McPadden, Yosemite's Acting Superintendent, in a statement released on Wednesday. 'Camping in this park is truly a magical experience, and we want to provide the opportunity for as many visitors as possible.' In order to secure a spot, reservations must be made online via The opening schedule will work as follows: June 20: White Wolf Campground June 23: Tamarack Flat Campground July 1: Yosemite Creek Campground Opening dates for the Bridalveil Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows Campgrounds 'will be announced soon,' according to the NPS. Park guests are advised to view the details of each campground, as drinking water is not available at several of them while others only offer portable toilets. In order to pack appropriately, and know what to expect, visit the Yosemite National Park website. News of the campground reopenings comes amidst months of uncertainty, both at Yosemite and within the National Park Service in general. Earlier this year, the government proposed more than $1 billion worth of cuts to the NPS' budget, and proposed transferring oversight for some of the nation's parks to the state level. As SFGATE's Madilynne Medina writes, 'The openings come in step with an order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that national parks 'remain open and accessible' despite a massive staffing shortage and the lowest proposed National Park Service budget in history.' As a result of these budget cuts, Yosemite was initially in a standstill as far as hiring summer staffers. Which meant that 'Yosemite employees including scientists, information technology workers, and even the leadership team had to take on campground bathroom cleaning shifts to make up for the custodial staff shortage moving into the park's busiest season,' wrote Medina. Yosemite National Park Makes Big Summer Announcement After Uncertainty, Budget Cuts first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
