TSA Begins Strict Enforcement of REAL ID Requirements

By Joseph & Hall P.C.

As of May 7, 2025, all travelers at TSA airport checkpoints must present REAL ID-compliant identification in order to board domestic flights. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that enforcement is now active in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories.

REAL ID-compliant IDs feature a star in the upper right corner and meet enhanced security standards under federal law. Travelers without a REAL ID will not be allowed to board a flight unless they present another approved form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).

Passengers whose state-issued ID is not REAL ID compliant will be diverted for additional screening. DHS encourages travelers to check their identification in advance to avoid delays and ensure compliance with the new rules.

The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 in response to security recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and aims to standardize identification procedures for increased safety.