The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is set to enforce the REAL ID requirement for U.S. citizens flying domestically starting May 7. This initiative mandates the use of identification cards that thoroughly verify the traveler’s identity. Most states have issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that comply with these standards, which are crucial for accessing U.S. government facilities, including airport security zones and military bases.
The TSA outlines the purpose of the REAL ID on their website, stating, “REAL ID is a national set of standards… The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.”
The REAL ID Act began in 2005, born from the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The act was designed to ensure secure and consistent identification standards to enhance security at vulnerable facilities like airports. “Secure identification should begin in the United States. The federal government should set standards for the issuance of birth certificates and sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses,” the Commission noted.
As the enforcement date approaches, passengers will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification to board any commercial flight within the United States. Acceptable forms of identification include an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), Enhanced Identification Card (EID), U.S. Military ID, U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, and several others.
For U.S. citizens in need of a REAL ID, instructions can be found on tsa.gov/real-id. The process can take up to three weeks in some states, so timely action is advised for those with upcoming travel plans.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem emphasized that no further delays will be granted for the REAL ID requirement. The act faced challenges, including technological setbacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed the TSA’s rulemaking process into the final year of the Biden Administration. The rule was officially completed on January 13.
The implementation aims to enhance the safety and integrity of U.S. air travel. The application of standardized identification is also linked to the conversations around a national no-fly list, supported by airlines such as Delta Air Lines and flight attendant unions, which require consistent identification to enforce effectively.
The REAL ID requirement is positioned as a key step towards reducing identity theft and fraud, ensuring that travelers are accurately identified. With these new standards, the summer of 2025 is expected to involve extended identification verification processes before boarding.
