Empire State Review Team 
As of May 7, 2025, the United States has commenced full enforcement of the REAL ID Act, mandating that all travelers aged 18 and older present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative approved form of identification—such as a U.S. passport or military ID—to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This measure marks a significant step in the nation’s efforts to enhance security protocols and standardize identification across states.
The REAL ID Act, enacted in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, aims to establish minimum security standards for state-issued identification cards. These standards include stringent verification of identity documents and the incorporation of security features to prevent tampering and counterfeiting. REAL ID-compliant licenses are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, signifying their adherence to federal requirements.
Despite the prolonged lead time and multiple extensions, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that as of mid-May 2025, approximately 7% of U.S. air travelers have yet to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification. This statistic underscores the importance of public awareness and timely compliance to avoid potential travel disruptions.
In response to the enforcement, the TSA has implemented measures to assist travelers during the transition. Passengers arriving at security checkpoints without compliant identification may still be permitted to fly but will undergo additional screening procedures. These procedures may include enhanced identity verification and longer wait times, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to maintaining security while accommodating travelers.
To facilitate the application process for REAL ID-compliant identification, state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) continue to issue these licenses beyond the enforcement date. Applicants are required to present documentation verifying their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, proof of residency, and lawful status in the U.S. While the process varies slightly by state, the overarching goal remains consistent: to ensure the integrity and security of identification documents used for federal purposes.
Alternative forms of identification remain acceptable for domestic air travel. These include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, Department of Defense ID, and certain tribal or foreign government-issued IDs. Travelers possessing these documents may use them in lieu of a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, offering flexibility for those who may not yet have obtained the updated state-issued ID.
The enforcement of the REAL ID requirement coincides with a notable increase in air travel, particularly during peak periods such as Memorial Day weekend. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that approximately 3.61 million Americans will travel by air during this period, marking a 2% increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 12%. This surge in travel underscores the critical nature of compliance with identification requirements to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience.
Airports across the country have reported varying levels of impact due to the enforcement of the REAL ID requirement. For instance, Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) has experienced minimal disruption, attributing the smooth transition to proactive measures such as employing contractors at security checkpoints to verify compliance and direct non-compliant travelers to TSA personnel. The state of Arkansas has also seen a significant uptick in REAL ID issuance, with approximately 39,000 issued in a single week, bringing the total to over 901,000 active REAL IDs statewide.
As the nation adjusts to this new standard, the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA continue to emphasize the importance of obtaining REAL ID-compliant identification. Travelers are encouraged to verify the compliance status of their current identification and, if necessary, initiate the application process promptly to avoid potential delays or complications during future travel.
For comprehensive information on REAL ID requirements and the application process, travelers can visit the official TSA website: tsa.gov/real-id.
