The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is actively preparing for the May 7, 2025 REAL ID enforcement deadline, when travelers aged 18 and older will need compliant identification to board commercial flights. The requirement stems from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
“Now is the time for anyone age 18 years and older to take an inventory of what forms of photo identification you have that are accepted by TSA once REAL ID enforcement begins,” said TSA Federal Security Director Kathleen Connon at San Diego International Airport. Her guidance comes as San Diego International Airport has begun accepting mobile driver’s licenses for TSA screening, part of a broader nationwide shift toward digital identification.
States have been issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials since 2018. In California, for example, applicants must provide proof of identity, California residency, and their Social Security number during an in-person DMV visit. REAL ID-compliant cards can be identified by a gold or black star in the upper right corner. The transition has been accompanied by significant technological advancement, with many states now offering mobile driver’s licenses that comply with REAL ID standards.
For travelers who do not obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, alternative acceptable forms of identification include valid passports and other federally approved documents. However, those without proper identification may experience delays at TSA security checkpoints. The TSA has recently expanded its acceptance of mobile driver’s licenses as valid forms of identification, providing travelers with additional flexible options.
State DMVs and the TSA are conducting public awareness campaigns through airport signage, online resources, and educational materials to inform travelers about the requirements. These efforts include detailed guidance on required documentation and application procedures. Several states have launched special initiatives to increase accessibility, such as New Jersey’s “REAL ID Thursdays” and expanded processing hours to accommodate residents seeking compliant identification before the deadline.
Sources: TSA, Boundless Immigration Blog
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