Real ID Update: Requirements Issued by State Dept as Enforcement Date Nears
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.
With the May 7 enforcement deadline fast approaching, the U.S. State Department is reminding Americans of the federal requirements for boarding domestic flights under the REAL ID Act.
Why It Matters
The deadline to obtain a REAL ID will affect millions of Americans who need to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
Beginning on that date, travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an accepted alternative—such as a U.S. passport book or passport card—to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities.
Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.
Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.
Mike Stewart/AP
What To Know
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, sets minimum security standards for state-issued IDs, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. These must be issued by a state that complies with the federal requirements and typically displays a star in the upper right corner.
However, travelers aren't limited to state IDs. The U.S. Department of State confirms that both the passport book and the passport card are accepted as REAL ID alternatives by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). That means if you have either one, you're ready to fly domestically—even if your state-issued license isn't compliant.
If your current driver's license or state ID doesn't meet standards, you can either apply for a REAL ID through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or consider getting a U.S. passport book or card. With Department of Motor Vehicles appointments filling up fast across the country, passports have become an increasingly popular option.
While the passport card cannot be used for international air travel, it can be used domestically and meets the REAL ID requirement. Its portability and lower cost make it an ideal backup option, especially for those who don't want to carry a full passport book for U.S. travel.
The act was designed to bolster security by establishing a standardized identification system across all 50 states. While the legislation was initially set to take effect in 2007, its implementation has been delayed several times.
As of April 2025, about 81 percent of travelers at airport security checkpoints are using a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport, according to the TSA—leaving many others at risk of a last-minute race to meet the upcoming deadline.
What People Are Saying
A TSA spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "Noncompliant marked cards have no star and include language such as, 'Not for REAL ID purposes' or 'Not for Federal ID.' 'Legacy' noncompliant cards are licenses or IDs issued prior to a state beginning to issue REAL ID-compliant cards and have neither a star nor noncompliant language.
"Temporary state-issued documents are not accepted at all airport checkpoints, so passengers will need to arrive at the airport with an acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.
What Happens Next
The deadline is in the middle of May. If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport book or card, you won't be allowed to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
44 minutes ago
- Yahoo
U.S.-Canada travel tensions raise questions ahead of tourist season
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — With summer nearly here, many are wondering how this tourist season will fare amid recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Both countries have updated their travel advisories recently, though officials stress there's no reason for alarm. For decades, the U.S. and Canada have each placed the other at Level 1 — their lowest travel advisory rating — and that status remains unchanged as of Thursday despite recent updates. In April, the Canadian government updated its advisory, telling citizens to 'expect scrutiny at ports of entry, including of electronic devices' when crossing into the United States. The advisory went on to say: 'Comply and be forthcoming with border authorities, and if you are denied entry, you could be detained.' On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 1 travel advisory for Canada, continuing to consider it a 'safe destination.' The department also encouraged U.S. travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergencies. 'Hopefully this designation will help relieve some of those fears or concerns on both sides of the border,' said Patrick Kaler, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara. 'We have always had a very strong relationship with Canada.' Mory Di Maurizio, chief operating officer of City Cruises Canada, said: 'A Level 1 travel advisory … I think the whole planet probably has a Level 1 travel advisory. Wherever you go, be safe, don't do dumb things. I don't think anybody's paying attention to it. I think they're paying more attention to, OK, what's the travel? What's the tariff deal? What's the current thing being talked about right now?' WIVB News 4 also spoke with the mayors of Niagara Falls and Fort Erie, Canada, who say summer is the perfect time to move beyond political tensions. 'Every time we hear something out of Ottawa or Washington (D.C.) — any kind of geopolitical comments and whatnot — I think most people have become a little desensitized. We've made up our mind. We're traveling, we're going there,' said Jim Diodati, mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario. 'We've been allies for more than 200 years. No matter what any politician says, we're going to continue having this incredible relationship hosting the world's longest un-militarized border.' 'I don't think that it's going to interfere with the good people of Western New York coming to Fort Erie, participating in some of the summer events that we have here,' said Wayne Redekop, mayor of Fort Erie, Ontario. 'And I hope it doesn't because everyone that I know is quite interested in having their friends and neighbors come back.' Despite the optimism, the U.S. Travel Association estimates a drop in Canadian visitors to the U.S. this summer, potentially resulting in over $2 billion in lost revenue. 'Canadians and Americans should just continue to live our lives the way we've always lived them and whatever's happening 50 levels higher than us, well, cooler heads will prevail, and they'll figure it out,' said Di Maurizio. Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
TSA approves Real ID alternative for iPhone users — but only for certain types of travel
Your passport's going digital — but don't go tossing the hard copy just yet. Apple just unveiled a buzzy new feature that'll let iPhone users upload their passport into Apple Wallet this fall, turning their device into a one-stop-shop for jet-setting — at least within U.S. borders. The new digital passport will be accepted at TSA checkpoints, making those airport security lines just a little less painful. Advertisement 3 Apple's latest trick? Turning your iPhone into a passport. The tech giant's rolling out a flashy new feature this fall that lets users stash their passport in Wallet — but don't pack your bags for Paris just yet. It only works for travel in the good ol' U.S. of A. Boston Globe via Getty Images 'While not a replacement for your physical passport, digital ID can be used for domestic travel and at supported TSA checkpoints,' an Apple spokesperson said during the company's latest splashy event, as reported by USA TODAY. This means that shiny new digital document won't take you around the world, but it'll breeze you through security on your next short hop — no fumbling in your bag required. Advertisement The rollout comes on the heels of the REAL ID enforcement kicking in this May, which had travelers scrambling to figure out whether their driver's license was compliant — or whether they'd need to whip out a passport just to fly from LAX to LaGuardia. Now, Apple's hoping to smooth things out by making travel 'just tap and go.' Along with the digital ID debut, Apple is also giving its Wallet app a travel-friendly facelift — refreshing boarding passes and amping up other in-flight features for the modern road warrior. Advertisement As per SF Gate, Apple recently noted in a statement that their new Digital ID 'offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch.' The company went on to note that users will be able to 'seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.' But before you bench the little blue book for good, be warned — the TSA says that the Digital ID presented at TSA checkpoints 'provide identity verification for domestic travel only, and it is not a replacement for your physical Passport.' The agency continued in a statement to SF Gate, 'It is important to have the physical U.S. Passport available in case it is needed, and a physical U.S. Passport is still required for international travel.' Advertisement 3 Don't ditch that little blue book just yet — the TSA says Apple's new Digital ID might get you through domestic security, but it won't fly overseas. Jenna Hidinger Photo – 3 Apple's not stopping at digital IDs — they're giving the Wallet app a major glow-up, upgrading boarding passes and packing in new in-flight perks for today's jet-setting warriors. Getty Images Last month, scammers made headlines as they swooped in as frazzled New York flyers raced to meet the Real ID deadline on May 7. As The Post previously reported, shady websites were duping Americans with bogus promises of fast-track IDs — even though the only legit way to get one was by hauling yourself to the DMV. Desperate flyers looking for a workaround even began circulating rumors that a Costco membership card would be accepted as a substitute for official documents. 'We love hotdogs & rotisserie chickens as much as the next person but please stop telling people their Costco card counts as a Real ID because it absolutely does not,' the TSA reminded travelers last week.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
State Department issues ‘do not travel' advisory for Iraq
(NewsNation) — The State Department issued a 'do not travel' warning for Iraq on Thursday, telling Americans not to travel to the country due to threats of violence. The U.S. pulled some troops and nonessential embassy personnel out of Iraq on Wednesday, citing tension in the region. There are signs Israel is preparing to launch an attack on Iran, which could result in retaliatory attacks on U.S. installations in the region. Trump launches web site for 'gold card' The advisory warned of potential terrorist attacks, kidnappings, armed conflict, civil unrest and aerial bombardment in Iraq. Americans were also warned not to travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria. U.S. government officials have also been prohibited from using the airport in Baghdad. The State Department warned that citizens who choose to travel to Iraq cannot rely on government assistance. Suggestions for those who decide to go to the country anyway include having a personal security plan, establishing a last will and testament and providing DNA samples to a medical provider in case it is needed for identification. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
