REAL ID Is Now Required: What Happens If You Show Up Without One

On May 7, 2025, the rules changed. Your standard driver's license no longer gets you through TSA. After 20 years of delays, REAL ID is finally being enforced.

This isn't a warning you can ignore. Here's what you need to know.

What Changed

Before May 7, 2025, any valid state driver's license worked for domestic flights. Now, your license must be REAL ID compliant or you need an acceptable alternative like a passport.

The law passed in 2005 as a response to 9/11. The 9/11 Commission found that several hijackers obtained fraudulent state IDs, some holding multiple IDs from different states. REAL ID created federal standards: states must now verify your identity against federal databases before issuing an ID.

It took 20 years of extensions to get here. There are no more extensions coming.

How to Check If You're Compliant

Look at the top right corner of your driver's license. You're looking for:

• A star (gold or black, often in a circle)
• A flag (indicates an Enhanced Driver's License)
• The word "Enhanced"

If you see any of these, you're good. If you don't see any of them, your license won't work at TSA.

Visual guide: The star is typically gold or black, about the size of a dime, located in the upper right corner of your license. Some states use a gold circle with a star inside. If you are unsure, compare your license to a family member who recently renewed theirs, or check your state DMV website for examples.

What Happens If You Show Up Without It

TSA will ask if you have an alternative ID (passport, military ID, etc.). If you don't, you'll be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This doesn't guarantee you'll get through. TSA recommends arriving 3 hours early if you're unsure about your ID status.

The realistic outcome: you might not fly. Even if extended screening works, you'll likely miss your original flight.

Alternatives That Work

If you don't have REAL ID yet, these are accepted at every TSA checkpoint:

Good to know: Expired IDs from this list remain valid up to two years past expiration. That old passport in your drawer might still work.

How to Get REAL ID

Every state handles this through the DMV. You'll need to bring:

• Proof of identity: Birth certificate or valid passport
• Proof of Social Security: Your SS card, or a W-2/paystub showing full SSN
• Two proofs of address: Utility bills, bank statements, lease agreement
• Name change proof (if applicable): Marriage certificate or court order

Most states require an in-person visit. You cannot do this online. Search "[your state] DMV REAL ID appointment" to schedule.

Current Compliance

As of enforcement, about 81% of travelers have compliant IDs. That sounds high until you realize 1 in 5 people at the airport might have problems.

If you got your license renewed in the last 2 to 3 years, you're probably fine. Many states started issuing REAL ID as the default. If your license is older, check that corner.

What to Do Right Now

1. Check your license for the star, flag, or "Enhanced" marking.
2. If you have it: You're done. Nothing else to do.
3. If you don't: Either book a DMV appointment or locate your passport.
4. Flying soon and unsure? Bring your passport as backup. Don't risk it.

Resources

New to flying? If this is your first trip to the airport, read our First Time Flying Guide to know exactly what to expect from curb to gate.

• TSA REAL ID Information: Official requirements and FAQs
• DHS REAL ID Page: Links to your state's DMV
• @AskTSA on X or Facebook: Real humans answer ID questions quickly

This deadline was pushed back multiple times over 20 years. That's over now. Check your ID today.