Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced that U.S. travelers will be required to present a REAL ID to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. This reminder was shared in a post on the social media platform X on April 10.
The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, established minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards. According to the act, beginning May 7, 2025, travelers aged 18 and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities. This initiative aims to enhance national security by verifying the authenticity of identification documents used for air travel and federal access.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that a REAL ID-compliant license typically features a star in the upper portion of the card. Travelers without a compliant ID will need to present an alternative, such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID, to pass through TSA checkpoints. As of early 2025, about 81% of U.S. travelers already possess compliant IDs; however, those without them may face delays, additional screening, or denial of entry through security.
A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlights inconsistent public awareness of the REAL ID requirements despite federal and local outreach efforts. Airports like LAX have ramped up communication through social media and terminal signage to inform travelers about the upcoming deadline. The GAO also notes that previous delays in enforcing the REAL ID Act were partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges with state-level implementation.
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international air travel. Operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), LAX handles over 80 million passengers annually and is a key gateway for flights to and from Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The airport plays a vital role in Southern California’s transportation infrastructure and the broader U.S. aviation network.
