Twenty years after the House of Representatives passed a bill to require certain standards for state identification documents, just 56% of state IDs meet federal security standards. But after years of delays, including four separate delays since the COVID-19 pandemic, these long-awaited requirements are finally set to go into effect for travelers and visitors to federal facilities.

The Real deadline: Ready or not, here comes the Real ID rules… for real this time. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) finally filed its final rule to begin “phased enforcement” of Real IDs starting May 7, 2025. And if your state identification doesn’t have a star in the upper right corner, you could end up stuck at security — with your fate left in the hands of the TSA agent.

• The TSA’s rules will allow federal agencies to implement this phased enforcement, which could allow non-Real ID holders to travel with a warning but will likely assure delays for travelers with non-compliant identification.
• To avoid delays, Americans without a valid Real ID should get one before the May 7 deadline or bring a valid passport, passport card, or known traveler card in lieu of their state ID.

Getting Real

Americans might just be dreading a trip to the DMV, lamenting the fee for a new ID, or waiting until the expiration date on their ID draws closer to make the most of the one they already paid for. However, DMV angst aside, getting one is pretty simple.

• For starters, you’ll need to visit your state’s DMV website to find details on how to get or renew your driver’s license as a Real ID — you can find that here.
• States will generally provide a list of documentation you can bring to the DMV to renew your license — things like a passport, an old ID, utility bills, or the like.

Sooner rather than later… Phased implementation or not, travelers will “receive warnings” for flying without a Real ID — and be entirely unable to after 2027. Given the sheer number of Americans still without a Real ID, it might be wise to make a plan to get one — or assume you’ll be traveling with other documentation until it’s time to renew your existing ID. After all, there are few waits more inconvenient than the security line just before your flight.