The deadline is here for the United States National Security Department. Federal requirement for a real identification for national flights and enter the federal facilities.
As of May 7, 2025, the Royal ID Law will be applied by the TSA agents for national flights at the US airports.
“Good morning America“He has gathered all the essential details you need to ensure that your identification is updated.
What is a real identification?
The Federal Royal Law was approved by Congress in 2005 after the recommendation of the September 11 commission that the federal government “established standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driving licenses,” DHS States on your website.
The new rules establish what forms of identification can be used to address flights within the United States and to enter safe federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courts and other federal facilities.
Requesting real identification requires proof of identity, residence test and a trip to your local DMV. See below for more information about the complete requirements and the details of the application process.
Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, Real National Security Identification Message.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty images, file
All US states, the Columbia district and five US territories are issuing real identifications.
The DHS previously delayed the implementation of real ID several times in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, US residents have less than a week to obtain their identification form that will be required by federally.
Can I travel without real identification?
Yes, for now, according to the secretary of the DHS, Kristi Noem.
Noem told a Congress panel on May 6 that travelers who have not yet obtained real identification may still fly nationwide, but will be subject to an additional detection process.
Those who still lack an identification that complies with the real identification law “can deviate to a different line, have an additional step,” said Noem. “But people will be allowed to fly.”
Real identification application requirements
The requirements vary according to the State, so verify the DHS website to see the specific requirements of your status.
At least, applicants must provide documentation that shows their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two management and legal status tests, in accordance with the DHS website.
The Social Security number test can come from a Social Security Administration account or a W-2 form, a payment piece, a SSA-1099 form or a NO SSA-1099 form, according to DHS.
What is the deadline for real identification?
An example of a real identification of North Carolina issued by the DMV.
Motorized Vehicle Department
The application of the real identification requirement enters into force on May 7, 2025.
A real identification or other identification approved by the federal government, such as a passport, to address national flights and access certain federal facilities, will be required.
Federal agencies, including transportation management, can only accept driving licenses issued by the State and identification cards as an identification for the purpose of accessing federal facilities, including the security control points of the TSA airport, if the license or card was issued by a real identification state in accordance with real identification safety standards.
The improved driving licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to real cards that meet identification, according to DHSand will also be accepted for official actual identification purposes.
How do you see a real identification?
An example of a real New York identification issued by the DMV.
Motorized Vehicle Department
The real ID looks almost the same as a current status identification card or a driver’s license, but has a star brand that meets.
Some differences may vary according to the State, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears in the upper right corner with the white star on the left side of the animal.
An example of a real identification of California issued by the DMV.
Motorized Vehicle Department
If an identification says “federal limits are applied”, that person may not address a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courts and other places after the deadline of May 7, 2025.
Real ID replaces a passport?
The real ID does not replace an passport for international trips.
However, a valid passport is a compatible identification for travelers to fly within the US and access safe federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.
Click here For additional DHS answers to some frequent questions about real ID.
