As the deadline for the REAL ID compliance approaches, travelers across the United States are scrambling to upgrade their identification. Starting May 7, 2025, anyone flying domestically will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID that meets federal regulations. This shift marks a significant change in travel requirements, impacting millions of Americans.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was initiated partly in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and aims to enhance security standards for state-issued IDs. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), "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 must be marked with a star in the upper right corner to indicate compliance.
In Washington State, the demand for enhanced driver’s licenses, which are REAL ID-compliant, has surged as the deadline looms. Thomas Charlson, a communications consultant at the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), shared that the state issued nearly 93,000 enhanced documents in April 2025 alone—a record number. "We are seeing an increased demand for enhanced driver licenses/IDs ahead of the REAL ID deadline," he noted. This surge has resulted in a shortage of available appointments at DOL offices, particularly in urban areas, where appointments are being scheduled 45 to 60 days out.
For those unable to secure an appointment, walk-in options are available, although wait times in the Puget Sound region are typically around an hour. Charlson advised travelers to check the DOL website for estimated wait times and to arrive early. Alternatively, travelers can use other forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport or various government-issued IDs, to board flights.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, the situation is similarly urgent. With the deadline fast approaching, many residents have found themselves unable to obtain a REAL ID before May 7. Cheri Hardmon, Senior Press Secretary for the Michigan Secretary of State, stated, "New Michigan driver's licenses and IDs take up to 30 days to arrive via mail. Therefore, they would not get it by May 7th if they go to a branch today." Those without a REAL ID will face additional questioning at airport security checkpoints, which could complicate travel plans.
The REAL ID Act was designed to prevent the issuance of IDs that are easily counterfeited and to require states to verify the information on these cards. This law has been met with resistance from several states, with concerns over costs, privacy, and the burden of providing extra documentation. As a result, the federal government has delayed the implementation of the law multiple times since its introduction.
As of now, the TSA has stated that they will not accept temporary paper cards issued by the DMV as valid identification. Instead, travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an alternative, such as a passport, to avoid being turned away at security checkpoints. Failure to provide acceptable identification may result in additional screening or denial of access to the security checkpoint.
For those traveling with children, it’s important to note that minors under 18 are not required to present identification when traveling with companions, although companions must provide valid ID. This exemption, however, does not apply to international travel, where passports are still necessary for all travelers, regardless of age.
As the May 7 deadline approaches, many states are taking action to ensure compliance. However, some states, like Maine, have requested additional time to meet the federal standards, citing that only a fraction of their licenses are compliant. The federal government continues to review state compliance, with audits being conducted to assess progress.
Brian Zimmer, a consultant on REAL ID laws, emphasized the importance of compliance, stating, "The Transportation Security Administration is now auditing compliance, and it's starting with the states it thinks have done the best job." This approach aims to provide additional time for states that may still be catching up to the federal standards.
As travelers prepare for the upcoming changes, it’s clear that the REAL ID compliance deadline will have far-reaching implications. Millions of Americans are now required to ensure their identification meets the new standards, a process that has proven to be more complicated than many anticipated. With heightened security measures in place, the transition to REAL ID-compliant identification is not just a matter of convenience but a necessity for those wishing to travel by air.
In summary, the REAL ID compliance deadline is a pivotal moment in U.S. travel, requiring all travelers to adapt to new identification requirements. As states work to facilitate this transition, individuals are urged to act swiftly to ensure they have the necessary documents to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.
