Welcome to May, the month of the Real ID. As of May 7, 2025, a person that intends to travel via domestic flights in the U.S. will be required to have a Real ID compliant license/ID. There will be a small, gold or black star located towards the upper-right corner that is one of the biggest distinguishers that you have a Real ID. Recently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that five states will not require a person to have one, though.
What Exactly is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a federally compliant state-issued license or identification card that the Department of Homeland Security, (DHS), says is a more secure form of identification. Besides needing a REAL ID to fly domestically, you’ll need one to access certain federal buildings and facilities as well. Did you know that the Real ID Act was signed into law by Congress all the way back in 2005? Originally, it was supposed to become active in 2008. Between state changes and then later Covid-19, there have been countless delays.
Several Senators in Kentucky pressed inquiry to post-pone things once again towards the middle of April. There has been a massive surge of appointments where the people of Kentucky are trying to meet the deadline to get their licenses and state ID cards compliant before the deadline. However, TSA spokesperson Dan Velez has made it clear that there are no intentions to delay the deadline again.
What 5 States Won’t Require It?
As mentioned above, there are five states that will not require the new compliance. These are states that will allow people to travel via domestic flights if they have Enhanced ID cards instead. This will allow a person to also travel from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry without a passport. The following states will not require the new form of identification but allow Enhanced versions instead:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New York
- Vermont
- Washington
If you intend to travel, you are urged to get an updated and compliant form of identification. Whether it be a REAL of Enhanced ID, it will prove pertinent to your future travels, within and outside of the US.
