WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beginning May 7, every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a commercial aircraft.

Travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential, or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification.

“TSA is strongly recommending that everyone age 18 and older take an inventory of what forms of photo identification you have that are accepted by TSA. Doing so will ensure that you are prepared for the enforcement of REAL ID requirements starting May 7, 2025,” said TSA Federal Security Director Sid Hanna. “With three months to go before the deadline, now is the time to make a plan for what you will use to verify your identity with TSA when traveling.”

Passengers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL-ID compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID.

TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or SENTRI card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.

REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning on May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.