In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards and prohibited federal agencies from accepting ID cards that do not meet those standards. This requirement applies to any traveler seeking to board a federally regulated commercial aircraft with a state-issued ID. The REAL ID act begins mandatory enforcement on May 7, 2025, at which time all travelers will be required to produce acceptable ID documentation at TSA checkpoints.

To learn more and ensure your documentation is REAL ID ready, check out the interactive tool at the official REAL ID DHS website.