What happens if you show up at the airport without a REAL ID on May 7? Will you be able to fly? Here's what Americans need to take note
What Happens If You Show Up Without One?-
In just 15 days, the long-awaited REAL ID deadline hits—and if you don't have the right identification, you might be in for a rough time at the airport. Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the U.S. will need a REAL ID-compliant license or an
acceptable federal ID
, like a passport, to get past security.
#Pahalgam Terrorist Attack
A Chinese shadow falls on Pahalgam terror attack case probe
How India can use water to pressure Pakistan
Buzzkill: How India can dissolve the Pakistan problem, not just swat it
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is firm on this:
No REAL ID, no boarding
. But recent updates from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reveal some wiggle room.
What if you don't have a REAL ID at the airport?
According to the official DHS statement, if your driver's license isn't REAL ID-compliant and you don't have a backup like a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card, you may be blocked from entering TSA checkpoints altogether.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Play War Thunder now for free
War Thunder
Play Now
The TSA website includes a clause that contradicts DHS's strict tone. It states:
This suggests there's a slim chance of getting through security without a REAL ID, but only if TSA can verify your identity through additional methods. If that happens, you'll likely receive the dreaded SSSS stamp—Secondary Security Screening Selection. This means longer waits, in-depth bag checks, and possibly invasive questioning.
Live Events
Will travelers with REAL ID still face delays?
Yes, and that's what's causing concern across the travel industry.
Even if your paperwork is perfect, you could still get stuck in long lines. Why? Because TSA officers might be pulled away from regular duties to handle passengers without compliant IDs. This trickle-down effect means more delays for everyone, especially during peak hours at major airports like LAX, O'Hare, and JFK.
Travel experts warn that May 7 could be a 'trial-by-fire' for TSA agents and travelers alike. Protocols are still unclear, and airports are bracing for a chaotic transition.
What can you use instead of a REAL ID to fly?
If you don't have a REAL ID yet, you still have options—but they're limited. Here's what the TSA accepts as valid ID at security checkpoints:
U.S. passport or passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards
(Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. military ID (active duty or retired)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
DHS Employment Authorization Card
Tribal-issued photo ID
Border crossing card
How should you prepare for the REAL ID deadline?
Arrive earlier than you normally would—even if you have TSA Pre Check or CLEAR.
Double-check your license. Look for a gold star in the top right corner—that means it's REAL ID-compliant.
Bring a backup form of ID, like a passport, just in case.
Avoid assumptions. Some states still issue both compliant and non-compliant licenses, so check carefully.
Stay updated through TSA.gov or your airline's official channels in the days leading up to your flight.
Why is this such a big deal now?
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation to tighten security. After multiple delays, the final enforcement date is now locked in for May 7, 2025. It's been 20 years in the making.
And yet, a survey by the U.S. Travel Association found that as of late 2024, over 60% of Americans still didn't have a REAL ID. That means millions of passengers could show up unprepared, clogging airport lines and causing widespread delays.
Is it worth risking travel without a REAL ID?
Honestly? No.
While there's a small chance TSA may let you through with extra screening, it's not something to rely on. You could miss your flight. And even if you do get cleared, the stress, time, and hassle may ruin your trip before it begins.
So play it safe. You'll save yourself a world of frustration—and you'll help the airport flow run a bit smoother for everyone else, too.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I fly without a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?
You might, but expect extra screening, delays, and no guarantee.
Q2: What is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID?
A valid passport, military ID, or permanent resident card works.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Snow will melt, spring will come again: Omar
1 2 3 Srinagar: "What happened on April 22 will not be quickly forgotten. But the winter will go, snow will melt, and spring will come again," J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday. Abdullah's words, at a convention hosted by Travel Agents Association of India in Srinagar, were both an admission of pain and a promise of renewal in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives and left the Valley's booming tourism industry in turmoil. The CM was addressing stakeholders attending the 'Chalo Kashmir' and 'Rally for Valley' campaigns, both aimed at reviving tourist confidence in the region. He acknowledged the steep decline in tourism after April 22, with flight prices plunging from Rs 22,000 to Rs 3,500 and hotel rates nosediving from Rs 80,000 to Rs 25,000 — and rooms are still vacant. "We had 50 flights operating every day and all flights were packed. Now it's down to 15 and tickets can be available even an hour before the journey," he said candidly. Abdullah painted a bleak picture of livelihoods disrupted — taxi drivers, pony owners, tour guides, hoteliers and homestay operators struggling to survive. "The rich can wait it out. But for the poor who upgraded a four-room house to a homestay, or upgraded from a sedan to an Innova on loan — it's devastating," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo Yet, amid the grim statistics, Abdullah called for hope and gratitude. "We locals started complaining... the flight ticket prices, traffic jams at the tulip garden, the gondola queues. Maybe the great power above listened to us — and within hours, it all vanished," he said. "I was inches from imposing a tourism tax," the CM added with a wry smile, "because I thought we had finally reached the point where J&K could earn from tourism. But wiser voices said, 'Not yet'. And see — here we are, starting from scratch again." Abdullah said this lull was being used to boost infrastructure. "We have new things. We didn't have the train journey earlier. Rain was a major threat for flights and road travel. Now we have a wonderful train journey along the highest rail bridge and the only cable-stay bridge in Kashmir," he said. Govt is also focusing on enhancing the carrying capacity of popular destinations. The Gulmarg gondola was undergoing upgrades to reduce wait times, while expansions were taking place at the tulip garden to host more visitors next spring, he said. Abdullah emphasised that while terrorism aimed to instil fear, response from Kashmiris was of unity and defiance. "For the first time after such an attack, people came out on their own. They said: this is not in our name. We are not with this attack," he said. The CM concluded with an appeal for solidarity: "We need your support in this hour of crisis. Spring will come again. But we must stand together to make sure it blossoms." Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Air India Plane Crash: Tata Group to provide Rs 1 cr to each victim's family, announces Chairman N Chandrasekaran
The Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the family of each person who lost their life in Thursday's Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad , announced the company's chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday. Tata Group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support, he said. Additionally, "we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel." ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India passenger plane with over 200 onboard crashes near Meghaninagar Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tirana: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo "No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured." 242 people onboard, fire after takeoff The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, headed to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:39 pm from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Live Events ALSO READ: Ahmedabad plane crash: List of India's most devastating air tragedies According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane had 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. The aircraft was commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. 'As per ATC, the aircraft departed at 1339 IST from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY call to ATC, but no further response was received. The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter and was seen emitting heavy black smoke,' the DGCA said in a statement. ALSO READ: Air India plane crash: One survivor found in seat 11A, currently under treatment Firefighting, rescue teams on site Heavily fueled for its long-haul journey, the aircraft erupted into flames after crashing near Meghaninagar. Multiple fire engines, ambulances, and rescue teams were rushed to the scene. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 90 personnel were deployed from Gandhinagar, with additional teams en route from Vadodara. At the time of writing, there is no official confirmation of casualties, and rescue operations are ongoing. Air India stated it is in the process of ascertaining details and will continue to provide updates via its official website and social media handles.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Air India crash: Two special trains launched to clear passenger rush
Following the deadly Air India crash on Thursday, two trains have been notified from Ahmedabad. Western Railway will operate two special trains from Ahmedabad to Delhi and Mumbai after the crash to clear traffic, reports said. The first one is Ahmedabad -Delhi Jn.- Ahmedabad Superfast Special train on Special fare -- for one trip, railways said. The second one is Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Superfast Special train on Special fare -- for one trip. The trains are for clearing extra passenger traffic, railways said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The Railway Board has approved running of the special trains in the head of Train on Demand Type(TOD) to clear extra rush of passenger traffic, a statement added. — drmbct (@drmbct)
