REAL ID deadline, enforcement was 'very smooth' at airports across the US
Angelica Moran was among many prepared passengers across the nation. The 48-year-old, who was heading home to Houston after a two-day Nashville trip, got a REAL ID about three years ago when she last renewed her license.
But she didn’t realize her ID was compliant.
“I didn't know what it was,” she told Paste BN. “When I saw they had a star, I took my driver’s license and (said), ‘That’s it.’ ”
TSA Regional Spokesperson Mark J. Howell didn’t expect many travelers would be turned away from the airport’s security checkpoint on Wednesday. “Unless we can't verify your identity, you're going to be able to go,” he said.
After years of delays and deadline extensions, the REAL ID requirement officially took effect May 7.
Travelers flying within the United States now need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an approved Transportation Security Administration-approved alternative, like a passport, to pass through airport security. Confused about what counts? Wondering what happens if you don’t have one? You’re not alone.
Paste BN reporters were at airports nationwide, talking to travelers and answering your REAL ID questions. Whether you’re flying soon or unsure if you’re ready, continue reading for answers to frequently asked questions, expert advice and firsthand experiences.
Long lines at the (Nashville) DMV
A line stretched up the stairs outside the entrance to the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower in downtown Nashville.
People stood outside the Driver Services Center on the misty 65-degree day, chatting with others in line and scrolling on their phones. At least two people sat down on the steps. The line moved slowly but steadily, with people appearing to exit the building every 10 minutes or so and others inching toward the door in their place.
The average wait time was nearly an hour and a half as of 11:30 a.m. local time, according to the state Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s website.
Not so much in Atlanta
The seats inside the Department of Driver Services in the Atlanta suburb of Norcross, Georgia, were only about a quarter full Monday afternoon with people waiting for a road tests, driver's license renewals and state-issued IDs.There was not a rush for REAL IDs like in other cities, partly because Georgia has been offering them since 2012.
The 'public is mostly prepared'
“It’s been very smooth,” Alexis Pickeral, TSA Lead Transportation Security Officer, said at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We haven’t had any operational hiccups or any delays of excessive wait times for both REAL ID compliant passengers and non-compliant REAL ID passengers.”She said some travelers have been unsure if their IDs meet the new requirements. “We are definitely stressing to check your ID to make sure it is compliant before you get to the airport,” she said. “Our public is mostly prepared. We have an 81% compliance rate.”That’s the national rate. She notes it’s much higher at Atlanta’s airport because Georgia began issuing REAL IDs in 2012, so most IDs are already compliant.
Mackenzie Painter had a similar situation over at the Nashville International Airport. The 24-year-old got her REAL ID in 2021.
She was starting her vacation in Nashville after smooth travels from Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday.
“I used it (this morning) with no issue, and now I’m here,” she said near mostly empty carousels in the baggage claim area.
Wednesday is a relatively low passenger-volume day, but TSA Regional Spokesperson Mark J. Howell warned traffic would pick up heading into holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
“Here in Nashville, specifically, with CMA Fest and Bonnaroo, you're going to have a lot of people coming from everywhere,” he said. “So if you haven't gotten (a REAL ID), now is the time to do it if you plan to travel later, because the volume from here is only going to go up.”
Several passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta who were killing time in the atrium near the main domestic security checkpoint said they had all their documentation in order and arrived extra early for their flights. It turns out they didn’t need the extra time.
'It doesn't look bad' in the Midwest, either
Operations were running smoothly at Indianapolis International Airport Wednesday morning, where by 9 a.m. local time, a TSA employee said a couple of dozen people had gone through security without displaying a REAL ID. Passengers without a REAL ID or passport were pulled aside and then underwent the same additional screening that TSA uses regularly on a randomized basis. These travelers were then allowed to pass to their gate if they passed.
Indianapolis TSA employees had practiced extra security measures for a few days before May 7, one said. All passengers IndyStar spoke to said they had REAL IDs for years, but some still had concerns about the first day of implementation. “I for sure was afraid of long lines, but it doesn’t look bad,” said Zack Moore, 42, of Indianapolis, standing outside security before boarding a plane bound for San Diego. “But this airport is just so great.”
— Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, part of the Paste BN Network
Same-day REAL ID appointments aren't guaranteed
In Denver, Arizona native Justin Conrad, 28, tried unsuccessfully to make a same-day appointment to get a new REAL ID-compliant license at a state licensing office.
Conrad is supposed to attend a memorial service for a college mentor in a few days, and realized he should have an updated license to fly.
“What if I’m stuck in this state forever?” he joked.
Conrad said he works for a Colorado ski resort and didn’t make time to get an updated license during the winter. His passport is expired, he said.
He said he drove a friend 80 miles in his Subaru from their mountain ski town down to Denver International Airport first thing on May 7 and decided to try getting a license while he was in the city.
Colorado has required appointments to get a driver’s license for many years, and staff at the office on May 7 adhered to that policy, telling Conrad there were appointments available in about a month.
“Yeah, I guess it’s not going to happen today for me,” Conrad said.
Conrad said he was considering his options: get an on-the-spot passport in Denver, drive to Tucson or throw himself at the mercy of TSA agents for his May 8 flight.
“I mean, I have an Arizona license, but it doesn’t have that star,” he said. “Maybe they will let me fly if they see I’m going home.”
— Trevor Hughes, Paste BN
What other documents are accepted by TSA?
According to the Transportation Security Administration, these are the acceptable forms of REAL ID:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
You might already have a REAL ID or another TSA-accepted identification
Joe Depace, 71, arrived at JFK from Fort Lauderdale on JetBlue flight 302 and said he was ready for REAL ID day without even knowing it.
“When I realized it was going to start, I looked at my license and it already had a star on it,” he told Paste BN. “I didn’t even know they were doing that.”
Depace added that he was prepared for disruptions at security when leaving Florida, but he said he had a smooth trip.
“I thought we'd better get to the airport early in case there are problems with other people who don’t (have a REAL ID), but everything seemed to be going smoothly,” he said.
Jacqueline Perkins, 60, flew to Atlanta from Baltimore. She doesn't have a REAL ID yet.“I used my passport … I knew that that was going to be accepted,” she said. “It was wonderful. There was no hassle, and they just let us on through.”She encouraged fellow travelers not to worry about their REAL ID if they have their passport or other identification.
Jim Curry, 60, flew to Atlanta from JFK and said he had no problems going through security there.“Everything was on time,” he said.Curry knew about the new requirement well before his flight. “For at least the last two months, they’ve been talking about REAL ID. I was lucky, I had it a few months ago.”
How can I tell if my current license is already REAL ID-compliant?
You can tell if your state-issued ID is compliant because it will have a gold or black star, or a gold or black circle with a star cutout, typically in the upper right-hand corner. A few states use the shape of the state, and California uses a bear shape, all with a star cutout, as their designator. Check with your state for enhanced driver’s license designators.
Smooth sailing at JFK, ATL and BNA
Things seemed to be going smoothly at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York around 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Although it can be difficult for non-ticketed passengers to get near the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints in some terminals, the departure areas in Terminal 4, home to Delta Air Lines and Terminal 8, where American Airlines is based, were fairly quiet.
At Terminal 5, which is JetBlue’s biggest base, the security line is more visible, but seemed to be moving smoothly. Two JetBlue employees who verify IDs before passengers can enter the security checkpoint said nearly all the passengers planning to travel today have had REAL ID-compliant documents. There is a separate ID verification line for travelers who do not have a REAL ID in Terminal 5.
Surprisingly, there was little signage around the airport, which may have been an indicator that the pre-deadline media blitz had been effective in raising awareness about REAL ID in the state.
Similarly, down in Atlanta, security screening is going smoothly at the world’s busiest airport.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and TSA have been working in concert with the airlines so passengers can be flagged at check-in or security. The vast majority of passengers departing from the main domestic terminal have REAL IDs or acceptable alternatives, like passports.Those who do not have either are given a red slip of paper flagging them for potential extra screening.
Over at Nashville International Airport, travelers were breezing through security on Wednesday morning, where less than 10% of passengers had noncompliant IDs, according to TSA.
The security checkpoint was quiet aside from background chatter and the beeps of screening machinery as travelers weaved between stanchions through largely empty rows. The wait time was less than 20 minutes.
How do I know if my ID is a REAL ID?
According to DHS, Real ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the “top portion of the card.” In states like California, the star is placed on an outline of a bear, while in other states, a simple golden star is added to Real IDs.
Why was the REAL ID Act created?
The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It aimed to create a unified national standard for states to issue more secure identity documents.
Who needs a REAL ID?
Every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant document to board an airplane or enter some other federal facilities.
When is the REAL ID deadline?
May 7, 2025.
What happens if I don’t have a REAL ID by the deadline?
The TSA and other agencies may have alternative compliance options in place, but you can expect more difficulty accessing federally controlled locations that require ID if you don’t have the right documents.
What are the alternatives to a Real ID?
TSA-approved alternatives include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Can I still fly domestically without a REAL ID after the deadline?
Possibly. The TSA will have an alternative compliance mechanism in place and officers can try to verify your identity at the airport. You may be subjected to delays and additional screening, and may be prohibited from entering the TSA checkpoint if officers are unable to verify your identity.
Will I need a REAL ID to fly internationally?
A passport is a REAL ID-compliant document and will still be required for international travel. Other REAL ID-compliant documents, like driver’s licenses, will not be accepted to board international flights or at land borders and seaports where passports would otherwise be required.
Can you get a REAL ID after May 7?
Yes, you can still obtain a REAL ID after May 7, 2025. The deadline is for select federal agencies and TSA to begin requiring it.
If you don’t have a REAL ID yet, you can apply for one at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The application process typically requires you to present documents verifying your identity, Social Security number, and residency. You should check your state’s DMV website for specific requirements and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that DMVs might be overloaded today.
Do children need a REAL ID to fly?
No. The Transportation Security Administration does not require children to show ID when flying domestically, the agency said on its website. However, adults accompanying minors must do so.
Can I get a REAL ID at AAA in every state?
No, you cannot obtain a REAL ID at AAA branches in every state. AAA’s ability to issue REAL IDs is limited to specific states and is often only available to AAA members.
Only select AAA branches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and parts of New York provide REAL ID services for members.Some AAA locations across the nation, such as the one in Alexandria, Virginia, function as DMV Select offices and offer various DMV services, but they do not process REAL ID applications. Travelers should check their state’s DMV website to determine if AAA offers REAL ID services in their area.
Is the REAL ID available in all 50 states, DC and US territories?
Yes.
Does my state issue enhanced driver’s licenses, and do they count as REAL ID?
Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington state issue enhanced driver’s licenses, and the Department of Homeland security says they are acceptable forms of REAL ID.
Are temporary or paper licenses accepted as REAL ID?
No, temporary licenses are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes
How do I apply for a REAL ID?
There are multiple REAL ID-compliant options, but the main one people likely think about is a driver’s license. You should check with your state DMV to see exactly what’s required to apply for a REAL ID in your state.
What documents do I need to bring with me?
The exact acceptable documents may vary by state, so check with your local DMV. The REAL ID law requires states to confirm documentation that provides the following information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address of principal residence
- Lawful status
Can I apply for a REAL ID online or do I have to go to the DMV in person?
The application and document review process varies by state, so check with your local DMV for these regulations. In most cases, you can fill out the forms online and have a short in-peson check.
How much does it cost to get a REAL ID?
Driver's license and state ID fees vary by state. Check with your local DMV for the fee schedule.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID?
That depends. In Tennessee, for instance, while applicants will receive an interim paper document immediately, the hard copy arrives by mail 10 to 20 days later.
“If you need a REAL ID compliant credential for an upcoming trip, please allow enough time before to receive your hard copy in the mail,” the state’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security said on its website. “A paper credential may not be accepted by TSA.”
Can I upgrade my existing license or do I need to renew it entirely?
You will likely need to renew your license entirely if you did not previously have a compliant REAL ID, because the law requires additional document checks.
What if my name has changed due to marriage or divorce?
Part of the REAL ID law requires that states verify your full legal name, so you will need to bring supporting documents that reflect that. Check with your local DMV for exact requirements if you have had a name change.
What if I’m an immigrant, green card holder or visa holder, can I get a REAL ID?
Non-U.S. citizens with legal residency in the U.S. qualify for a REAL ID but will need to present documents that prove their legal status.
Can undocumented immigrants apply for a REAL ID?
No, undocumented immigrants don’t qualify for REAL IDs because REAL ID-compliant documents establish a legal right to residency in the United States. Still, undocumented immigrants may be able to get other forms of identification from the state in which they reside, according to the Department of Homeland security.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID Act made a provision for this exact circumstance.
"REAL ID allows compliant states to issue driver's licenses and identification cards where the identity of the applicant cannot be assured or for whom lawful presence is not determined," the DHS website states. "In fact, some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals."
A REAL ID-compliant document will still be required for travel and accessing other facilities, but DHS guidance specifies that law enforcement officers and other officials should not assume a person is undocumented or in the U.S. illegitimately, even if they are unable to present a REAL ID-compliant document.
"DHS cautions against assuming that possession of a noncompliant card indicates the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence," the DHS website states. "Possession of a noncompliant card does not indicate that the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence."
What’s the difference between REAL ID and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?
REAL ID is a set of standards for states issuing identification documents. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are federal trusted traveler programs that allow members to expedite their security screening process at airports, and re-entry into the U.S. at participating locations. A trusted traveler ID card qualifies as REAL ID.
If I already have a passport, do I need a REAL ID at all?
No, but you will need to bring your passport with you, even on domestic flights, if you do not have a compliant driver's license or another form of REAL ID that you’d be able to present.
Can I use a digital license (on my phone) to fly after the deadline?
It varies by agency, but the TSA has issued digital ID waivers to some states. U.S. Passports in Google Wallet can be used for domestic travel.
Individual states have their own restrictions. Some allow for digital IDs in phone company wallets, like Apple, Google or Samsung, some require a special state-sponsored ID app, and some state digital IDs are not eligible. Check the TSA’s website for more information.
This story was updated to add new information.