REAL ID Requirements For All Air Travelers Begin May 7, 2025

Author: Angelita Chavez

REAL ID Act compliant identifications (IDs) and driver’s licenses (DLs) will be required for all air travelers starting May 7, 2025.

The COVID pandemic caused delay in the nationwide implementation of the REAL ID Act requirements for traveler’s by air. Many states across the US also requested extensions of the implementation due to the COVID pandemic.

Starting May 7, 2025 however, all travelers ages 18+ will be required to use a REAL ID compliant identification when boarding a flight. TSA approved forms of identification include state issued IDs and Driver’s Licenses that are REAL ID Act compliant, Border Crossing Cards, Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, US Passports, U.S. Passport cards, permanent resident cards, valid passports issued by a foreign government, valid Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766), and DHS trusted traveler cards, among others. See here complete list of TSA acceptable IDs.

Here is what you need to know:

• Beginning May 7, 2025 - All state-issued identifications or driver’s licenses must be REAL-ID Act compliant if they are to be used for boarding any flight.

• Minors (children under age 18) are not required to have REAL ID-Act compliant identifications. However, you should contact your airline for questions about their ID requirements for any children under age 18.

• States are still able to issue regular identifications and driver’s licenses, however, these will not be valid for purposes of air travel.

Conclusion: State-issued IDs and DLs that are compliant with the REAL ID Act will be required in 2025. Call us with questions about the REAL ID Act at 541-357-8381 or send us a message through our Contact Form.

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