Real ID: What travelers need to know

An airport security deadline 20 years in the making is a month away — and authorities are urging the public to take it seriously.

After years of delays, the Transportation Security Administration will begin enforcing the Real ID rule May 7. Travelers who fly domestically will need to provide a compliant license or acceptable alternative when they go through security checkpoints.

"I do anticipate some disruption," said Rich Davis, senior security adviser at risk mitigation company International SOS. "I think it’s going to be a little bit of a stressful day or 10."

According to federal documents, about 56% of identification credentials in circulation complied with the standards as of January 2024. TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said last week that 80% of travelers have been going through security checkpoints with Real IDs or approved alternatives; between 2 and 3 million people go through TSA on most days.

Here’s what travelers need to know:

What is Real ID?

Real ID credentials are state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that meet security standards set by the federal government. Once enforcement starts May 7, people using state-issued identification to board commercial flights, enter nuclear power plants or access certain federal facilities must have one that meets the Real ID requirements.

States set their own rules, but to get a Real ID, people need to provide documentation that shows at least their full legal name, birth date, social security number, lawful resident status and two ways to prove their address.

People who don’t have a Real ID will need to provide other approved credentials, such as a passport. A Real ID does not take the place of a passport for international travel.

How do I check whether I have Real ID?

Look on your license for a star near the top. According to the Department of Homeland Security, cards that are compliant with Real ID will have a marking. It lists the examples of a yellow or black star, white star set inside a yellow or black circle, or star within the figure of a bear.

What else you can use for proof of ID?

Travelers can use a variety of alternatives — though not any photo identification will work.

Approved substitutes for a Real ID include a state-issued enhanced driver’s license; U.S. passport or passport card; DHS trusted traveler card for programs such as Global Entry and Nexus; U.S. Department of Defense identification; Veteran Health Identification Card; U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential or identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation.

Foreign government-issued passports, permanent resident cards, border crossing cards and Canadian provincial driver’s licenses are also accepted.

Why are airports requiring Real ID?

Congress passed the Real ID law after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to set minimum security requirements for identifications issued by states. It was originally scheduled to go into effect in 2008, The Washington Post has reported.

"Every state has a more secure driver’s license today than before the passage of the Act," TSA said in a statement.

When should I apply?

For travelers with looming trips, schedule an appointment as soon as possible at your local department of motor vehicles or AAA branch. Not all AAA offices process Real IDs, but many do. Members do not pay extra for the service; nonmembers might pay up to $30.

If you don’t have an upcoming trip or can use alternate identification, hold off on applying until after May 7 — or until your current driver’s license is up for renewal, said AAA spokeswoman Aixa Diaz. This way, you can avoid the crush of applicants and long lines.

"Let the people who have an urgent need get it first," she said.

Remember, applicants receive a temporary document, which TSA will not accept as a valid ID. DMVs typically mail the Real ID within 10 business days, so plan accordingly.

What should I expect at the DMV?

Local news media in some states have reported long lines, scarce appointments and delays as residents scramble to get an updated ID.

If your preferred day or time is not available, check back frequently in the event of a cancellation. Some motor vehicle departments are also adding appointment times or application sites or extending hours.

In Washington, D.C., the DMV does not require appointments, and the average wait time is less than an hour, according to the agency. About 99% of eligible residents have a Real ID. The department does not anticipate a rush of applicants in the final weeks before the deadline.

New York’s DMV is increasing the number of daily appointments in areas with the highest demand, according to the agency. On Thursdays, select offices will stay open later and offer exclusive Real ID services. Some venues in New York City, Long Island and Westchester will open on Saturdays. Additionally, DMV staff will process applications at the New York International Auto Show, April 18-27 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

Tim O’Brien, a New York DMV spokesman, said most people vie for appointments first thing in the morning, around lunchtime and at the end of the day. The process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, he said.

In California, residents do not need an appointment, but the state’s DMV strongly recommends scheduling one to reduce the on-site wait time. By starting the application online, appointment-holders can be in and out of the office within 15 minutes, according to the agency. The average processing time is currently two weeks. Californians can track the processing times on the DMV’s website.

What happens if you don’t have a Real ID?

On its list of frequently asked questions, Homeland Security is blunt: "Travelers who do not present a Real ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be permitted through the security checkpoint."

In a statement, TSA said it "has been encouraging travelers to be REAL ID ready to avoid potential checkpoint delays."

A new rule this year allows the agency flexibility to take a "phased" approach to enforcement, though what that means in practice is still not entirely clear.

"A phased approach may facilitate delays for people without the right identification," TSA said in a statement.

Your best option is to use another form of identification that lets you fly, but not everyone has a passport or trusted traveler card.

Davis said he expects that some customers will arrive without the proper identification — and he also expects that airlines, airports and government officials have been preparing for that. He said in the near term, there will probably be people who travel before the deadline without a Real ID and still need to fly home.

TSA turned you away because you don’t have Real ID. Now what?

For passengers stuck on the wrong side of the checkpoint, Henry H. Harteveldt, president and travel industry analyst with Atmosphere Research Group, said it’s likely that a few airlines will initially provide exemptions or waivers, similar to how they handle fliers who show up without a proper visa for foreign travel. Travelers in those cases can rebook without penalties or fare increase, and receive a refund if they are holding a refundable ticket.

Harteveldt said it is not clear how long the airlines will grant these waivers. Their approach could also be fluid.

"It may turn out to be a ‘wait and see’ based on the volumes of passengers who show up without Real ID," he said by email.

Delta Air Lines said in a statement that it would "work on a case-by-case basis" to rebook passengers who miss their flights "due to extenuating circumstances once at the airport." Other airlines contacted by The Post did not provide details on how they would handle such cases.

To improve your odds of a favorable resolution, go to the customer service desk or contact the airline immediately. Inform the agent that you will not be traveling because of an ID issue. If you do not cancel, the carrier may consider you a "no show" and refuse to refund or credit the fare.

If you can race home and grab another valid form of ID, you can book yourself on a later flight, based on availability and cost. If you are ID-less, then you will have to delay your trip or consider another form of transportation. Trains, buses and rental car agencies do not require a Real ID.