TSA Unveils REAL ID Mandate: Essential Travel Changes Set for May 2025!

Shortly, an old driver’s license will not be adequate for boarding your flight.

When will REAL ID regulations commence? 

This week, after numerous holdups, the Transportation Security Administration declared that federal entities will initiate enforcement of REAL ID regulations starting May 7, 2025.

The background:

 The REAL ID Act is based on a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. It established minimum security criteria for state-issued driver’s licenses and was enacted by Congress back in 2005. However, due to a series of delays, including those during the pandemic, REAL ID prerequisites have not been enforced until now.

Miami, Florida, Miami International Airport, Homeland Security REAL ID notification. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“A variety of factors have impacted its implementation,” travel expert Troy Petenbrink mentioned.

Now, however, it seems the delays are behind us.

Why it matters to you:

“I would urge everyone to visit online resources, verify the requirements, check their identification, and ensure they possess one,” advised Petenbrink, who remarked, “many individuals will likely miss flights and have to rebook.”

There will continue to be other acceptable forms of identification travelers can utilize to board their flights. For example, your passport is an alternative.

Further details about whether your identification meets REAL ID standards can be located here.