Real ID Enforcement Starts May 7 at US Airports
Travelers flying within the United States will need a Real ID‑compliant license or another accepted form of identification beginning May 7, as the Transportation Security Administration prepares to enforce federal Real ID requirements at airport security checkpoints. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, set national standards for driver’s licenses and state IDs but has faced repeated delays since its original 2008 enforcement date. With the new deadline just weeks away, TSA officials report that 81 percent of passengers approaching U.S. airport checkpoints already carry compliant IDs, though rates vary significantly by state.
In recent weeks, federal and state authorities have urged individuals to secure Real IDs before their next flight. Availability of appointments at motor vehicle departments has become scarce as travelers rush to update licenses and obtain compliance documentation. “Make your appointments as quickly as possible,” advised John Essig, TSA’s federal security director for New York‑area airports, during a news conference at LaGuardia Airport. “We certainly don’t want to hold up anyone without Real ID at the checkpoint.”
Airlines and airport officials have long posted signs and digital reminders referencing Real ID, but the looming May 7 enforcement date lends new urgency to these notices. At LaGuardia, a TSA officer handed out flyers with QR codes linking to Real ID information, while carrier websites such as Frontier Airlines display prominent banners warning guests about the upcoming requirements. Despite the push, some travelers may still arrive without compliant documentation, risking delays, additional screening or denial of access to security lanes.
A Real ID is marked by a gold or black star on the upper right corner of a driver’s license or ID card, and in California, eligible cards display a yellow bear. If a state‑issued card lacks the appropriate marking, it will not qualify for domestic air travel identification. “If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not Real ID‑compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft,” the Department of Homeland Security cautioned.
Passengers aged 18 and older must present a compliant state license, passport or other recognized ID to pass through TSA screening for domestic flights. In lieu of Real ID, acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card or a Trusted Traveler credential such as a Global Entry card. While Real ID cannot be used for international journeys, some states offer enhanced driver’s licenses that satisfy Real ID requirements and permit travel to Canada and Mexico by land or sea.
TSA spokesperson Carter Langston emphasized that the May 7 deadline is final. “Identity verification is a lynchpin in security, and we will make sure that passengers are verified as being who they say they are before they can go beyond the checkpoint,” he explained, recommending that travelers arrive at least three hours before domestic departures if they lack compliant identification. Langston warned that non‑Real ID holders may face longer lines, secondary screening and, in extreme cases, denial of entry to secure areas.
As the deadline approaches, motorists across the country are advised to contact their state motor vehicle agencies to verify documentation requirements for Real ID issuance, which typically include proof of identity, Social Security number and residential address. States have varied application processes and fees, and some require appointments that are filling rapidly. Passengers who fail to secure Real ID in time should ensure they carry valid passports or other alternate IDs to avoid travel disruptions.
With enforcement set to begin statewide on May 7, U.S. domestic travelers must prepare now to meet Real ID criteria. By updating licenses or arranging alternative identification, passengers can navigate airport security confidently and avoid the last‑minute hassles and potential flight delays that non‑compliance can bring.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com