REAL ID Becomes Mandatory for U.S. Domestic Flights Starting May 7

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, many U.S. citizens and residents will need a new form of identification to board domestic flights, as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) begins enforcing the long-anticipated REAL ID requirement.

The announcement was made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem during a hearing before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

“We will make sure it’s as seamless as possible,” said Secretary Noem, referring to the nationwide rollout of the new identification standard.

Under the new regulation, passengers without a REAL ID-compliant form of identification will be subject to additional security screening and may be denied boarding for domestic air travel. Traditional state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards that do not meet federal standards will no longer be sufficient.

What Is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is a federally approved, DMV-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the enhanced security requirements established under the REAL ID Act of 2005. This legislation was passed in response to the security vulnerabilities exposed after the 9/11 attacks.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide:

• Proof of legal presence or U.S. citizenship

• A valid Social Security number

• Two forms of proof of residence

• A certified birth certificate or passport

The card typically features a gold star or similar identifier in the upper corner to signify compliance.

According to BBC News, this marks the final phase of a nationwide security upgrade nearly 20 years in the making. After several extensions and delays, the U.S. government is now officially enforcing the new travel identification standards.

Who Is Affected?

• All U.S. citizens and residents aged 18 or older traveling by commercial domestic air

• Individuals entering federal facilities or military bases may also need a REAL ID

• Foreign nationals using a passport or federally approved immigration document are not affected

For travelers without a REAL ID, valid U.S. passports, military IDs, or other TSA-approved documents will still be accepted.

To avoid last-minute travel disruptions, DHS urges Americans to check their current identification and begin the application process for a REAL ID if needed. Most states allow appointments and document uploads online before visiting the DMV.

“This is about security and preparedness. The transition will be handled carefully, but travelers must begin to comply,” a DHS spokesperson added.