What Virginia travelers need to know as REAL ID deadline is here
After years of delays and deadline extensions, the REAL ID requirement officially takes effect today, May 7. Travelers flying within the United States will now need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or an approved alternative – like a passport – to pass through airport security. Confused about what counts? Wondering what happens if you don't have one? You're not alone.
USA TODAY reporters will be live at airports around the country, talking to travelers and answering your REAL ID questions. Whether you're flying soon or still unsure if you're ready, follow along for the latest updates, expert advice and firsthand experiences.
Things seemed to be going smoothly at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York around 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Although it can be difficult for non-ticketed passengers to get near the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in some terminals, the departure areas in Terminal 4, home to Delta Air Lines and Terminal 8, where American Airlines is based, were fairly quiet.
At Terminal 5, which is JetBlue's biggest base, the security line is more visible, but seemed to be moving smoothly.
Surprisingly, there was little signage around the airport, which may have been an indicator that the pre-deadline media blitz had been effective in raising awareness about REAL ID in the state.
Similarly, down in Atlanta, security screening is going smoothly at the world's busiest airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and TSA have been working in concert with the airlines so passengers can be flagged at check-in or security. The vast majority of passengers departing from the main domestic terminal have REAL IDs or acceptable alternatives, like passports.Those who do not have either are given a red slip of paper flagging them for potential extra screening.
According to DHS, Real ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the 'top portion of the card.' In states like California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear, while in other states, a simple golden star is added to Real IDs.
The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents.
Every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant document to board an airplane or enter some other federal facilities.
May 7, 2025
The TSA and other agencies may have alternative compliance options in place, but you can expect more difficulty accessing federally controlled locations that require ID if you don't have the right documents.
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)
Possibly. The TSA will have an alternative compliance mechanism in place and officers can try to verify your identity at the airport. You may be subjected to delays and additional screening, and may be prohibited from entering the TSA checkpoint if officers are unable to verify your identity.
A passport is a REAL ID-compliant document and will still be required for international travel. Other REAL ID-compliant documents, like driver's licenses, will not be accepted to board international flights or at land borders and seaports where passports would otherwise be required.
Yes, you can still obtain a REAL ID after May 7, 2025. The deadline is for select federal agencies and TSA to begin requiring it.
If you don't have a REAL ID yet, you can apply for one at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The application process typically requires you to present documents verifying your identity, Social Security number, and residency. You should check your state's DMV website for specific requirements and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that DMVs might be overloaded today.
No. The Transportation Security Administration does not require children to show ID when flying domestically, the agency said on its website. However, adults accompanying minors must do so.
No, you cannot obtain a REAL ID at AAA branches in every state. AAA's ability to issue REAL IDs is limited to specific states and is often only available to AAA members.
Only select AAA branches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and parts of New York provide REAL ID services for members.Some AAA locations across the nation, such as the one in Alexandria, Virginia, function as DMV Select offices and offer various DMV services, but they do not process REAL ID applications. Travelers should check their state's DMV website to determine if AAA offers REAL ID services in their area.
This story is being continuously updated to add new information. Check back for more updates.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the REAL ID deadline in Virginia?
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