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The already stressful ordeal of flying is about to get even more stressful, with the Transportation Security Administration warning travelers who don't have a specific type of identification that they'll have to get to the airport even earlier due to new changes.
The TSA's new rules come into effect on May 7, and unless you're up on all your plane news, you might not know that things are about to become a lot more difficult for a large group of people.
Homeland Security has set a new deadline, stating that adults boarding domestic flights will no longer be allowed to use their old driver's licenses as a form of acceptable identification. For those who don't know, Real ID will be displayed on your driver's license and a little star in the corner. Your American passport will still be a valid form of identification, but for those who typically use their driver's license, they'll need to ensure it's fully updated.
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The formation of the 9/11 Commission in 2002 saw the recommendation of Real IDs, hoping to "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards."
As well as helping board commercial or domestic flights, Real IDs will now be required to gain access to the likes of nuclear power plants and certain federal facilities.
Even though the US Congress officially passed the Real ID Act in 2005, its implementation has been stalled several times over the past two decades. There's also the caveat that while Homeland Security considers Real IDs as a form of identification, it's not considered proof of citizenship.
Speaking to Gizmodo, TSA spokesperson Daniel D. Velez explained: "Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint."
The site notes that even though forms of identification like a permanent resident card, border crossing card, and physical Global Entry card can also be used, a Real ID driver's license is poised to be the most common.
REAL ID enforcement begins TOMORROW.
— TSA (@TSA) May 6, 2025
If you’re flying within the U.S. & do not have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID (like a passport or military ID) you may be subject to additional screening. Plan ahead, arrive early, and arrive prepared.
🔗 https://t.co/6uWOP95HFj pic.twitter.com/nJtraAlM00
Whereas driver’s licenses are issued by individual states, Real ID technical standards are unified across the USA.
Those who don't already have one are encouraged to get one as soon as possible. If not, you're advised to bring as many non-compliant IDs with your photograph as possible and get to the airport even earlier.
Velez adds: "If they do not have any acceptable ID, we strongly suggest they arrive to the airport 3 hours prior to their departure time."
Even arriving three hours before the scheduled departure time doesn't guarantee you'll be able to get on your flight, so it's easier to make sure you have Real ID ready to go.
Despite the Real ID deadline being shunted back numerous times, there's no escaping it this time around. This has already caused a stir, with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones theorizing that President Donald Trump has been tricked into the scheme under orders from the Chinese, Bill Gates, and George Soros.
