The Real ID deadline is tomorrow. Don't have one and need to fly soon? How you can still get through security.
You may already have an alternative ID that will work come Wednesday.
Millions of Americans have until tomorrow to get a Real ID — the new standard identification card that will be required to board domestic flights or access some federal buildings. Alternative forms of ID, like a U.S. passport or tribal identification, will be accepted at security checkpoints, said Kristi Noem, Homeland Security secretary, on Tuesday.
Noem told a Congressional panel that people who don't have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative will still be allowed to fly domestically, but you should give yourself plenty of time before your flight. People without a Real ID 'may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step,' Noem said. 'But people will be allowed to fly,' she said. 'We will make sure it's as seamless as possible.'
The Real ID Act is a law Congress passed in 2005 to set higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards in response to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The law 'prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards,' according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
The requirement was originally set to take effect in 2008, but it has been repeatedly delayed because of widespread opposition and the refusal of state governments to implement the new security standards. It was once again delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yahoo News answers some frequently asked questions about the impending requirement.
When will Real ID be enforced?
Starting on May 7, state and territory residents over the age of 18 traveling domestically within the United States will need to show a Real ID driver's license or identification card or another acceptable form of identification in order to board commercial flights. It will also be required to access certain federal buildings or to enter a nuclear power plant.
What are other accepted forms of identification at TSA?
The Transportation Security Administration provides a list of other acceptable forms of ID at the security checkpoint, including a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card and state-issued enhanced driver's license.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Five states currently issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs): New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington. EDLs serve as a secure form of ID for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean. EDLs are an acceptable alternative to a Real ID and are identified by having an image of the American flag and the word 'enhanced' at the top of the card.
'Most EDLs do not contain the star marking, and this is acceptable,' according to DHS.
A passport card is a wallet-size plastic card without any visa pages that provides proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. It's a cheaper alternative to the passport book and is valid for the same length of time as a passport book.
It can be used by U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean countries and is considered Real ID-compliant. It is not valid for international travel by air.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
For a full list of Real ID-compliant forms of identification, visit the TSA website.
How do I know if my ID is already Real ID-compliant?
Real ID cards will have some sort of a star marking on the top portion of the ID. Below are some examples provided by the Department of Homeland Security:
Real ID examples (Source: Department of Homeland Security)
What happens if I don't have a Real ID or a compliant form of ID by the deadline?
Travelers will not be allowed through the security checkpoint if they don't have a Real ID or acceptable alternative identification starting May 7, 2025.
'In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly,' the TSA website says. 'The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.'
How can I get a REAL ID?
The process and what documents you must provide depend on your state. You can look up your state's driver's licensing agency website for Real ID requirements through DHS before you go in person.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
In most cases, you'll need to bring the following documents, according to the Real ID website:
Proof of identity. This can include a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport or a green card if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
Proof of Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 tax form, a pay stub or a paycheck from your employer.
Proof of residency. You can bring a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill or bank statement.
Will TSA accept the temporary Real ID paper card given at the DMV?
No. The TSA website says that it could take up to three weeks to receive your Real ID in the mail. TSA "will not accept the temporary paper card given at the DMV."
Do kids traveling within the U.S. need a Real ID?
No. TSA doesn't require children under age 18 to provide ID when traveling within the United States.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
For unaccompanied minors traveling domestically, TSA recommends to 'contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.' In some cases, an airline may recommend that the minor carry some sort of ID with them, like a library card or school ID.
I'm traveling internationally. Do I need a Real ID?
No, international travelers, including international sea cruise travel, do not need a Real ID but still need a valid passport.
Do I need a Real ID to drive or vote?
No. You do not need a Real ID in order to do the following:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hamilton Spectator
28 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: Pentagon says deploying Marines and National Guard to LA will cost $134 million
After persistent questioning from members of Congress on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth turned to his acting comptroller, Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, who provided the amount it would cost to send the National Guard and Marines to immigration protests in Los Angeles. She said the $134 million will come from operations and maintenance accounts. Here's the latest: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says she wouldn't allow what's happening in LA in her state Sanders, who was press secretary in Trump's first term, is meeting with administration officials at the White House. She backs Trump sending the National Guard into Los Angeles without approval from California's governor and was asked if she'd be OK with a similar move in her state. 'If we needed help, I would be making the phone call myself to the president and asking for his assistance. But in Arkansas, we would never allow to take place what they're letting to go on in California. But if we needed help, the president would be one of the first people I would call because he is somebody I know who cares deeply about making sure the American people are safe and secure first and foremost.' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard says intelligence agencies must work faster And she says she's working to speed up the delivery of the intelligence information to address a key complaint from policy makers. Speaking at the Amazon Web Services summit in Washington, Gabbard said the pace of intelligence work frustrated her as a member of Congress and continues to be a challenge to lawmakers. 'They still express a lot of the same frustrations that I felt — that much of what we were briefed on was already reported in a newspaper … and that even if it was quality reporting it was coming too late,' Gabbard said. Artificial intelligence and computing could help speed up the work, Gabbard said, to ensure lawmakers have the information they need. Los Angeles deployment to cost at least $134 million and last 60 days, Pentagon says 'We stated very publicly that it's 60 days because we want to ensure that those rioters, looters and thugs on the other side assaulting our police officers know that we're not going anywhere,' Hegseth told members of the House appropriations defense subcommittee. The current cost estimate for the deployment is $134 million, which is largely just the cost of travel, housing and food,' said Bryn Woollacott MacDonnell, special assistant to the secretary of defense who's currently performing the duties of the Pentagon's top financial officer. Hegseth: Funding for Ukraine military aid will be reduced in upcoming defense budget That could mean Kyiv will receive fewer critical air defense systems in the future that have been key to countering a continuous onslaught of Russian missiles. 'It is a reduction in this budget,' Hegseth told lawmakers. 'This administration takes a very different view of that conflict. We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation's interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe.' The U.S. to date has provided Ukraine more than $66 billion in aid since Russia invaded in February 2022. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Trump's handling of protests in Los Angeles And he echoed the president's attacks on Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom. 'That's not my lane,' Johnson said in response to a question about whether Newsom should face legal consequences such as arrest . Johnson, speaking at a news conference at the RNC on Tuesday, continued that Newsom should be 'tarred and feathered'— eliciting chuckles from members of House Republican leadership at the news conference — for 'standing in the way of the administration and the carrying out of federal law.' Thune says 'federal response' necessary to protests in Los Angeles Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said Tuesday there were 'clear failures on the part of state and local officials' in response to protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles and a 'federal response' was necessary. President Trump has sent thousands of National Guard troops and 700 active duty Marines to quell the protests despite the objections of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and local leaders. 'I don't know exactly the authorities that they are using,' Thune said, referring to the Marine deployment. 'But obviously, there was a security situation out there that needed to be addressed. And I think ultimately the president's objective is to keep people safe.' Hegseth suggests National Guard use for homeland defense will expand under Trump 'I think we're entering another phase, especially under President Trump with his focus on the homeland, where the National Guard and reserves become a critical component of how we secure that homeland,' Hegseth told lawmakers. Hegseth earlier refused to answer a lawmaker's questions on how much a deployment of active duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles will cost. Greta Thunberg isn't fazed by Donald Trump After the activist joined a flotilla seeking to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and bring humanitarian aid to Palestinians, the U.S. president described Thunberg as a ″young, angry person.″ He said she should go to ″anger management class.' Thunberg was detained then deported by Israel on Tuesday and sent to Paris. Asked upon arrival about Trump's comments, she replied in a matter-of-fact tone: 'I think the world needs a lot more young angry women to be honest. Especially with everything going on right now.' Head of Marine Corps says battalion deployed to LA is there, ready to respond but hasn't engaged Gen. Eric Smith testified at a budget hearing before senators that those Marines are trained for crowd control and they would have shields and batons as their equipment. He said they have no arrest authority and are only there to protect federal property and federal personnel. When asked by Sen. Richard Blumental, a Connecticut Democrat, about the danger Marines would use lethal force that could result in injuries and deaths, Smith said he had faith in them. 'I am not concerned. I have great faith in my Marines and their junior leaders and their more senior leaders to execute the lawful tasks that they are given.' Ukraine's surprise drone attack on Russia has the US rethinking its own defenses, Hegseth says The attack in early June that destroyed a large number of Russian bomber aircraft caught the U.S. off guard and represented significant advances in drone warfare, Hegseth told lawmakers Tuesday. The attack has the Pentagon rethinking drone defenses 'so we are not vulnerable to a threat and an attack like that,' Hegseth told the House appropriations subcommittee on defense. Hegseth said the Pentagon 'is learning everyday from Ukraine,' and focused on how to better defend its own military airfields. Hegseth refuses to provide lawmakers details on costs of sending Marines to Los Angeles In a back an forth with the defense appropriations subcommittee's top Democrat, Hegseth refused to answer basic questions on the cost of deploying Marines to Los Angeles, instead falling back on political talking points. In a series of questions on the news that Marines would be sent to Los Angeles, House Appropriations defense subcommittee ranking member Rep. Betty McCollum told Hegseth 'this is a deeply unfair position to put our Marines in,' she said. 'There's no need for the Marines to be deployed.' McCollum asked what the cost of the deployment would be. Hegseth deflected on the costs, attacked the decisions of the previous Biden administration instead and talked about illegal immigration. 'Could the Secretary please address the budget' McCollum asked him. Hegseth again refused to acknowledge McCollum's question and attacked the politics of the past administration again. McCollum took back her time and Hegseth was instructed by the committee chairman to provide the costs in writing instead. California Democrats accuses Trump of inciting unrest Democratic members of California's congressional delegation are accusing the president of creating a 'manufactured crisis' in Los Angeles with his orders to send in thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines. 'It's a deliberate attempt by Trump to incite unrest, test the limits of executive power and distract from the lawlessness of his administration,' said Rep. Jimmy Gomez, who organized a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday morning. Rep. Jimmy Panetta said Trump's decision to send in the military was designed to 'give him the image and give him the fight and give him the pictures that he wants.' Rep. Nancy Pelosi contrasted Trump's actions now with his handling of the Jan. 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol when law enforcement officers were being beaten. 'We begged the president of the United States to send in the National Guard. He would not do it,' Pelosi said. Hegseth skirts acknowledging key controversies in opening remarks Based on his opening remarks in his first appearance before lawmakers since taking office, there's been nothing but smooth sailing in the defense chief's office. Hegseth completed his opening statement with no mention of his controversial use of Signal, of the lack of defense budget details to guide Congress, or his controversial firings of his own staff or military leaders. Hegseth also made no mention of a decision to deploy Marines into Los Angeles to respond to immigration raid protests. Instead, he clung closely to the talking points he's used since taking office, such as emphasizing that 'DEI is dead,' and that he's focused on a return to 'lethality.' Pentagon mired in 'controversy and chaos,' lawmaker says in Hegseth hearing Trump's defense chief faced a litany of questions on what some lawmakers called 'rash' or 'reckless' decisions or actions dating back to his first day in office, as Tuesday's hearing before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee began. In opening statements, lawmakers asked about Hegseth's decisions to fire top military leaders, his use of Signal and other controversies, including his firing of several staff members in his inner circle. 'The Department of Defense is mired in controversy and chaos,' said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the ranking member of the full committee. Citing trade wars, the World Bank sharply downgrades forecast for global economic growth President Trump's trade wars are expected to slash economic growth this year in the United States and around the world, the World Bank forecast Tuesday. Citing 'a substantial rise in trade barriers'' but without mentioning Trump by name, the 189-country lender predicted that the U.S. economy — the world's largest — would grow half as fast (1.4%) this year as it did in 2024 (2.8%) . That marked a downgrade from the 2.3% U.S. growth it had forecast back for 2025 back in January. The bank also lopped 0.4 percentage points off its forecast for global growth this year. It now expects the world economy to expand just 2.3% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024. ▶ Read more about the World Bank's forecast Trump links protests in Los Angeles to home rebuilding after wildfires Trump said his decision to 'SEND IN THE TROOPS' to Los Angeles spared the city from burning to the ground like thousands of homes after wildfires this year. He wrote on his social media site that people want to rebuild, and that the federal permitting process is 'virtually complete on these houses.' Trump claimed 'the easy and simple City and State Permits are disastrously bungled up and WAY BEHIND SCHEDULE!' and blamed California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. 'People want to rebuild their houses. Call your incompetent Governor and Mayor, the Federal permitting is DONE!!!' he wrote. Trump's Tuesday schedule, according to the White House 12:25 p.m. — Trump will travel to Fort Bragg, North Carolina 2:40 p.m. — Once he arrives, Trump will observe a military demonstration 4:00 p.m. — Trump will deliver remarks to service members, veterans and their families 6:00 p.m. — Trump will travel back to the White House Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to face Congress for first time since Signal leaks He's expected to field sharp questions from members of Congress about his tumultuous start as Pentagon chief, including his sharing of sensitive military details over a Signal chat , in three separate Capitol Hill hearings beginning Tuesday. Lawmakers also have made it clear they're unhappy that Hegseth hasn't provided details on the administration's first proposed defense budget , which Trump has said would total $1 trillion, a significant increase over the current spending level of more than $800 billion. It will be lawmakers' first chance to ask Hegseth about a myriad of other controversial spending by the Pentagon, including plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on security upgrades to turn a Qatari jet into Air Force One and to pour as much as $45 million into a parade recently added to the Army's 250th birthday bash, which happens to coincide with Trump's birthday on Saturday. ▶ Read more about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth RFK Jr. ousts entire CDC vaccine advisory committee Kennedy on Monday removed every member of a scientific committee that advises the CDC on how to use vaccines and pledged to replace them with his own picks. Major physicians and public health groups criticized the move to oust all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy, who was one of the nation's leading anti-vaccine activists before becoming the nation's top health official, has not said who he would appoint to the panel, but said it would convene in just two weeks in Atlanta. Although it's typically not viewed as a partisan board, the entire current roster of committee members were Biden appointees. ▶ Read more about Kennedy's latest move Trump pushes ahead with his maximalist immigration campaign in face of LA protests Trump made no secret of his willingness to take a maximalist approach to enforcing immigration laws and keeping order as he campaigned to return to the White House. The fulfillment of that pledge is now on full display in Los Angeles . By overriding California's Gov. Gavin Newsom, Trump is already going beyond what he did to respond to Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, when he warned he could send troops to contain demonstrations that turned violent if governors in the states did not act to do so themselves. Trump said in September of that year that he 'can't call in the National Guard unless we're requested by a governor' and that 'we have to go by the laws.' But now, he's moving swiftly to test the bounds of his executive authority in order to deliver on his promise of mass deportations. What remains to be seen is whether Americans will stand by him once it's operationalized nationwide. For now, Trump is betting that they will. ▶ Read more about Trump's efforts to fulfill his immigration promises Trump heads to Fort Bragg while facing criticism for deploying military at Los Angeles protests Trump plans to speak at Fort Bragg on Tuesday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army as he deploys the military in an attempt to quiet immigration protests in Los Angeles. Fort Bragg, located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, serves as headquarters for U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Highly trained units like the Green Berets and the Rangers are based there. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll will also be at Tuesday's event, along with service members, veterans and their families. Trump has promoted the Army's anniversary as a reason to hold a military parade in Washington, D.C. , on Saturday, which is also his 79th birthday. Trump, who sees the military as a critical tool for domestic goals, has used the recent protests in Los Angeles as an opportunity to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines to quell disturbances that began as protests over immigration raids. ▶ Read more about Trump's Fort Bragg trip Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
29 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
An immigrant Wisconsin man falsely accused of threatening Trump can be released on bond
CHICAGO (AP) — An immigrant man who was falsely accused of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump can be released from a Wisconsin prison on bond, an immigration judge determined Tuesday. Ramón Morales Reyes was accused of a writing a letter threatening Trump in a blistering social media post by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The post includes Morales Reyes' photo and an excerpt from the letter he purportedly wrote in English. But the claims quickly fell apart as Wisconsin authorities determined that Reyes, who doesn't speak English well or write in the language, was framed. The immigrant from Mexico was a victim in a violent 2023 attack where his bike was stolen. According to authorities, the alleged attacker, Demetric D. Scott , forged the letter to try to clear his case. Morales Reyes was set to be a witness in Scott's July trial for armed robbery and aggravated battery. Judge Carla Espinoza set Morales Reyes bond at $7,500 during a brief hearing at immigration court in Chicago. 'The defendant does not present a danger to the community,' she said. Morales Reyes, 54, appeared virtually from Dodge Detention Center in Juneau, about 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Milwaukee. He could be released this week if the federal government does not appeal. An attorney for the federal government did not speak at the hearing. In a statement Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said it would 'continue to fight for the arrest, detention, and removal' of immigrants without legal status but did not respond to a question about whether government attorneys would appeal Morales Reyes' bond. Morales Reyes, a married father of three U.S. citizen children, works as a dishwasher in Milwaukee. He was arrested by immigration agents last month after dropping a child off at school. He immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s and doesn't have legal permission to be in the U.S. This year, he applied for a U visa, which is for people in the country illegally who are victims of serious crimes. Getting such a visa can take years. Homeland Security issued a statement to reporters last week saying that although Morales Reyes was no longer considered a threat to Trump, federal attorneys would still pursue an immigration case. The government alleges that Morales Reyes reentered the U.S. times numerous times without a visa. However, Noem's social media post blaming Morales Reyes for an assassination attempt, which was circulated by Trump supporters, remains online. Cain Oulahan, an attorney for Morales Reyes, said his client is a crime victim and blasted the misinformation. 'We'd like to hear an official public correction and that someone else is responsible,' he said. Ahead of Tuesday's hearing, Morales Reyes daughter spoke to reporters, saying her father is hardworking and always focused on putting food on the table and keeping a roof over the family's heads. She said he also loved to take his children to parks or for walks and planned frequent cookouts. 'My dad is a not a threat to anyone. He is a good man who got caught up in a terrible situation,' said Anna Morales. 'Now that the truth has been proven, I ask from the bottom of my heart he gets the justice he deserves. We need him more than words can explain.' Scott, who is in the Milwaukee County Jail, is due in court Tuesday on the newer charges related to the letter, including felony witness intimidation and identity theft. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Newsweek
36 minutes ago
- Newsweek
More Hispanics Disapprove of Los Angeles Protests Than Approve—Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More Hispanic Americans disapprove than approve of the Los Angeles protests over President Donald Trump's mass deportations, according to a new poll. Why It Matters U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted raids across the country and have faced large protests in Los Angeles, as Trump's administration pledged to carry out the largest mass deportations in U.S. history. While most protesters were peaceful, there has been violence on the ground. Trump has deployed California's National Guard to assist in quelling the violence, despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and other local officials who said bringing in the National Guard would only escalate the situation. While the raids are following legal directive from federal authorities, protests have erupted amid reports that detainees were being held in the basement of a federal building. ICE denied these allegations, with a spokesperson previously telling Newsweek the agency "categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles." What to Know The protests have drawn national attention and divided Americans as immigration remains a major issue facing the country. Protesters have raised concerns about migrants—many of whom, but not all, are from Latin American countries—facing deportation regardless of whether they have committed violent crimes under Trump's policies. The Mexican flag has emerged as a symbol of the protests. A demonstrator waves a Mexico flag during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. A demonstrator waves a Mexico flag during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. RINGO CHIU/AFP via Getty Images A new poll from YouGov reveals how Americans view the protests. A plurality of all Americans, including Hispanic Americans, view the protests negatively. Forty-four percent of Hispanic respondents said they disapprove of the protests, while 39 percent said they approve of them. An additional 17 percent were unsure how they felt. Across all racial and ethnic groups, 45 percent disapproved and 36 percent approved of the protests, according to the poll, which surveyed 4,231 U.S. adults on June 9, 2025. The pollster also found that 38 percent of Americans believe the protests have been mostly peaceful, while 36 percent say they have been mostly violent. Twenty-six percent said they were not sure. Still, 50 percent of Americans—including 55 percent of Hispanic Americans—said they disapprove of Trump's handling of deportation. Thirty-nine percent of Americans, including 35 percent of Hispanic Americans, approve of his handling of deportations. What People Are Saying Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: "I have formally requested the Trump administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County and return them to my command. We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California." President Donald Trump, in a post to Truth Social on Tuesday: "If I didn't "SEND IN THE TROOPS" to Los Angeles the last three nights, that once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now, much like 25,000 houses burned to the ground in L.A. due to an incompetent Governor and Mayor." What Happens Next As protests continued, U.S. Marines were also expected to head into Los Angeles on Tuesday following an order from Trump. Coordinated nationwide protests against Trump and his administration's policies are also planned to take place in cities in all 50 states on the president's birthday on June 14.
