Travelers who don’t have a Real ID, passport, or other federally accepted identification will still be allowed to fly starting Wednesday, according to Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security. However, they may face extra security screening at U.S. airports.
Noem emphasized that the federal Real ID law will officially begin being enforced on May 7, 2025, but that travelers will not be turned away if they don’t have the required ID right away. Instead, they might be directed to a different line or go through additional steps at security checkpoints.
Acceptable forms of ID include: 
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A Real ID-compliant driver’s license (with a star on it)
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U.S. passport
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Global Entry card
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Department of Defense ID
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Permanent resident card
A standard state-issued driver’s license will no longer be enough to pass through airport security starting Wednesday, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has procedures in place to verify identities through other means.
“We want this to go as smoothly as possible, and we’ll ensure people stay on their travel plans,” Noem said during a congressional hearing on Tuesday. She reiterated that the law is meant to strengthen identity verification and enhance travel security.
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, after investigators discovered that most hijackers used fraudulently obtained state IDs and driver’s licenses.
To get a Real ID, applicants usually need to show documents like a Social Security card, proof of address (like a utility bill or bank statement), and proof of legal status, such as a birth certificate or passport.
As the May 7 deadline nears, many travelers have rushed to schedule appointments for Real IDs, though some already carry passports. Others prefer not to travel with passports due to fears of loss or theft.
The TSA expects some delays and confusion at airports and recommends arriving at least one hour earlier if using a standard driver’s license.
“If you don’t have a Real ID or another accepted ID, we have ways to verify your identity,” TSA officials said in a recent Reddit Q&A. “Just be sure to give yourself extra time.”
