Real ID Becoming a Real Requirement

Here is something that has been twenty years in the making. On May 11, 2005, then-President George W Bush signed into law the establishment of Real ID. Over the years, due to several hiccups and stutter-starts, implementation went from 2008, to 2010, and on and on, until now. It is scheduled to be effective on May 7, 2025.

 

But wait! There is a two-year grace period until May, 2027 for everyone to be compliant. The additional delay is caused by the 19% who are estimated to still need to enroll, according to the TSA.

“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” a TSA release said.

Air travelers at domestic airports will be required to present a REAL ID in order to fly. International travelers will still need a passport to be able to travel to other countries.

TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers told the media the agency estimates that “81% of the public is ready for REAL ID enforcement.”

When asked if the implementation of REAL IDs will impact travel times, Dankers said, “If you do the math, the reasonable response would be to arrive early.”

The TSA notes that even if you arrive at the airport without a valid form of identification, you may still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process with a TSA officer. Children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification while flying within the US.

Happy Flying!