May 2025 Deadline for Real ID Approaching: What To Know

Americans have less than one month to comply with Real ID requirements that will change how they travel domestically, with the long-delayed mandate finally taking effect on May 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways

Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities.
Real ID-compliant licenses featuring a star marking will be required, or alternatives like US passports must be presented.
Application requirements vary by state but generally include proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address documentation.
The Real ID Act originated in 2005 as a post-9/11 security measure but has seen multiple implementation delays from the original 2008 deadline.
DMV systems nationwide are already experiencing high demand, with appointments in some regions booking 6+ weeks out.

Long-Delayed Security Requirement Finally Taking Effect

The May 7, 2025 deadline for Real ID compliance marks the culmination of a security initiative first passed in 2005 following the September 11 terrorist attacks. The implementation date has been repeatedly pushed back from its original 2008 target, but federal authorities insist no further extensions will be granted. The Department of Homeland Security has made it clear that after next May, regular state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that don’t meet Real ID standards will no longer suffice for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings and military installations.

The distinctive feature of a Real ID-compliant license or identification card is a star marking in the upper corner. This visual indicator helps Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and other security personnel quickly verify that the ID meets federal standards. The enhanced security features built into Real IDs are designed to reduce identity fraud and improve the reliability of official identification documents across all 50 states and US territories.

You have one month left to get your Real ID before the May 2025 deadline: It's 'crunch time,' expert says https://t.co/bSy1dB9a5G

— CNBC Make It (@CNBCMakeIt) April 7, 2025

Alternative Identification Options

While obtaining a Real ID is recommended for regular domestic travelers, several alternatives remain acceptable for those who don’t secure one before the deadline. US passports and passport cards will continue to be accepted, as will DHS Trusted Traveler cards including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. Military IDs, permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and several other federally recognized forms of identification will also meet the requirements for air travel.

Some states offer enhanced driver’s licenses that not only comply with Real ID requirements but provide additional benefits. Minnesota’s enhanced IDs, for example, allow holders to cross the Canadian border by car without a passport. The TSA will even accept expired US passports for identification purposes if they’ve been expired for less than one year, providing a grace period for those with recently lapsed documents.

Application Process and Required Documentation

Obtaining a Real ID requires more extensive documentation than standard license renewals. While specific requirements vary by state, applicants typically need to provide one document proving identity (such as a birth certificate or unexpired passport), your Social Security number, and two documents confirming current residency. Name change documentation is also required if your current legal name differs from what appears on your proof of identity document.

DMV appointment systems nationwide are experiencing significant backlogs as the deadline approaches. While some applicants report quick turnaround times at certain locations, others face weeks-long waits for appointments. Many states now offer online pre-application options to streamline the in-person process. The Department of Homeland Security provides an interactive map with links to each state’s motor vehicle department for scheduling appointments and verifying document requirements.

Urgency Grows As Deadline Approaches

Travel experts are increasingly emphatic about the need to address Real ID compliance well before the deadline. The cost of obtaining a Real ID is generally the same as a regular license in most states, though some, like Pennsylvania, charge a small additional fee. Considering the potential travel disruptions for those caught unprepared after May 7, 2025, the modest investment of time and money now could prevent significant hassles later.

Federal officials have maintained that this deadline will be final after numerous previous extensions. While the 2020 health emergency justified the most recent delays, the Department of Homeland Security has signaled that the May 2025 implementation date is firm.