What's happened
As of May 7, 2025, travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights in the U.S. While 81% of travelers already comply, those without the ID may face additional screening but can still fly using alternative forms of identification.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Implementation Delays: The REAL ID Act was intended to roll out in 2008 but faced multiple postponements, highlighting challenges in state compliance and public awareness.
- Current Compliance: With 81% of travelers already possessing compliant IDs, the transition may be smoother than anticipated, although confusion at airports is still a concern.
- Security Measures: Enhanced screening for non-compliant IDs could lead to longer wait times, impacting travel efficiency during peak seasons.
- Public Response: The rollout has sparked mixed reactions, with some travelers expressing frustration over the last-minute rush to obtain REAL IDs, while others appreciate the increased security measures.
- Future Implications: As the summer travel season approaches, the effectiveness of the TSA's plans to manage the transition will be crucial in maintaining traveler confidence and operational efficiency.
What the papers say
According to Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, '81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements,' as reported by both the NY Post and The Guardian. Noem emphasized that while travelers without a REAL ID will face additional scrutiny, they will still be allowed to fly. The Independent noted that the REAL ID is marked with a star or flag symbol, indicating its compliance. However, civil rights groups like the ACLU have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for a national ID system, arguing that it could lead to government overreach and identity theft. This perspective contrasts with the government's stance on enhancing security to prevent fraudulent activities.
How we got here
The REAL ID Act, signed into law in 2005 following 9/11 Commission recommendations, aims to enhance security standards for state-issued IDs. Implementation faced numerous delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing the enforcement deadline to May 2025.
Go deeper
- What happens if I don't have a REAL ID?
- How can I get a REAL ID quickly?
- What are the security measures at airports now?
Common question
More on these topics
-
Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.
-
The Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks.
-
The United States Department of Homeland Security is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries.
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
The Real ID Act of 2005, Pub.L. 109–13, 119 Stat. 302, enacted May 11, 2005, is an Act of Congress that modifies U.S. federal law pertaining to security, authentication, and issuance procedure standards for drivers' licenses and identity documents, as w