REAL ID Launch – May 7, 2025
A long awaited, and dreaded, requirement for American travelers will finally go on the books in May when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) starts enforcing its new REAL ID requirement.
Starting on May 7, 2025, Americans flying with their driver’s license will only be able to do so if they are REAL ID approved. REAL ID-compliant IDs and driver’s licenses will usually have a marking on the top portion of the card—most often a star—that will prove its compliance.
For travelers who do not have a REAL ID and want to get one before the May 2025 deadline, the first stop is to go to their state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what is needed to get a REAL ID. Typically, at minimum, those applying for a REAL ID will need to provide a full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address. Other requirements could be needed depending on the state. The state-by-state guidelines can be found here.
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