Travelers presenting IDs that don’t meet requirements may experience longer wait times and additional security checks.

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2025 — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will soon begin full enforcement of REAL ID requirements at all TSA checkpoints across the country.

According to Adam Stahl, TSA Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Administrator, the enforcement of the 2005 REAL ID Act and regulations will start on May 7, as mandated by Congress and the American people. Stahl stated that the REAL ID requirement enhances security by making it more difficult to create fraudulent IDs, which helps to stop criminals and terrorists. TSA aims to implement REAL ID effectively and efficiently, ensuring passenger safety and security while minimizing disruptions at airports.

Starting May 7, the TSA will no longer accept state-issued IDs that do not comply with REAL ID standards at security checkpoints. All passengers aged 18 and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must show a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints. Non-U.S. citizens who are in the U.S. illegally and are voluntarily deporting themselves on international flights will not be prohibited from boarding under this rule.

Passengers who present a state-issued ID that doesn’t meet REAL ID standards and don’t have another acceptable form of identification (like a passport) should anticipate potential delays, extra screening, and the possibility of being denied entry to the security checkpoint.

Currently, 81% of travelers at TSA checkpoints provide an acceptable form of identification, including a state-issued REAL ID. The TSA anticipates that more passengers will obtain REAL IDs over time and will continue to implement additional screening measures for those without a REAL ID until the agency no longer considers it a security risk.

More information about REAL ID is available at this link .

SOURCE Transportation Security Administration