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By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
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As the deadline for Real ID approaches, many Americans are racing to secure the necessary identification for domestic air travel and access to federal buildings. With appointment delays and high demand across state DMVs, concerns are rising about the ability to meet the deadline, leaving some would-be travelers uncertain about their plans for the coming months.
Newsweek has contacted TSA for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The May 7, 2025, deadline for obtaining a Real ID is quickly approaching, and it's set to impact millions of Americans who rely on it for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities.
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What To Know
Standard driver's licenses will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities. Instead, travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federally recognized identification, such as a passport.
The Real ID Act, enacted by Congress in 2005, aims to improve security by creating a uniform identification standard across all 50 states.
While the law was initially scheduled to take effect in 2007, it has been delayed several times.
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards. After May 7, 2025, travelers will need to present a Real ID to fly domestically or enter federal facilities, such as military bases or nuclear power plants.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that Real ID-compliant cards will feature a distinctive star marking. Examples include a yellow or black star, a white star inside a yellow or black circle, or a star within the outline of a bear.
Although applications for Real IDs will still be accepted after the deadline, those who haven't received their Real ID by May 7 will not be able to use it for travel or federal access until it is processed and issued. For those without a Real ID, other documents will be required.
Accepted alternatives to a Real ID include a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a U.S. passport or passport card, a DHS-trusted traveler card for programs like Global Entry and Nexus, U.S. Department of Defense identification, a Veteran Health Identification Card, a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential, or identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation.
Additionally, foreign government-issued passports, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards, and Canadian provincial driver's licenses are also valid.
Requirements for obtaining a Real ID-compliant license vary by state, but generally, applicants will need to provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card), proof of their Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two documents that verify their current address (such as utility bills, a lease agreement, or a bank statement).
What People Are Saying
**Facebook user Bill Oster said in a post on 6 April: "**Central Kentucky… Am I reading things wrong, but trying to get Real ID and best I can do is an appointment over six weeks out?
Aaron Liebelt said in a post on Facebook: "Had to get my Real ID by Wednesday. Drove to Gilroy DMV. No appointment. In and out in 20 minutes. You're welcome."
The Department of Homeland Security, in a statement on its website: "Beginning May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.
"The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License.
"The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian), nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card)."
What Happens Next
As the deadline approaches, DMV systems in many states will continue to face high demand. Those who still need to apply for a Real ID are encouraged to check their local DMV websites regularly for appointment openings and to make sure they have all the required documentation to avoid delays.
Travelers are advised to consider using a passport or other approved identification for air travel if they are unable to obtain a Real ID in time.
With the clock ticking toward May 7, securing a Real ID has become an urgent priority for many, but with appointment backlogs and processing delays, it remains to be seen how many will successfully meet the deadline.
If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, you'll need to go to your state's driver's license agency to apply.
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