The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers to secure one of 13 approved forms of identification before May 7, 2025, to avoid being turned away at airport security checkpoints. The warning comes as a major change in airport security regulations is set to take effect next year.
Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler in the United States will be required to show a federally-approved ID when boarding a flight. This requirement stems from the enforcement of the ‘Real ID’ security law that was originally passed in 2005. The law mandates that all travelers must carry compliant identification. Those without it could either be denied access to their flights or face extra scrutiny from TSA officers.
Approved identification forms include a state-issued Real ID driver’s license or identification card, a U.S. passport, or other government-issued IDs. “Starting May 7, a new airport security regulation will be implemented, mandating that all passengers present specific forms of identification, or they may be denied entry,” TSA officials emphasized.
The TSA stresses that travelers who show up at airport checkpoints without an acceptable form of ID will not be allowed to pass through security. Instead, they will be stopped and subjected to an alternative identity verification process. In this process, TSA officers will require the traveler to provide their name and address in an attempt to confirm their identity.
If the identity verification process is completed successfully, travelers will be permitted to move forward to the next checkpoint, but they might still undergo additional screening measures. However, TSA makes it clear that refusal to participate in the verification process or failure to confirm one’s identity will result in denial of entry. “The TSA advises that refusal to cooperate with the identity verification or failure to confirm one’s identity will result in the traveler being denied entry and unable to proceed with their journey,” they said.
This upcoming requirement is being introduced at a time when the airline industry is already dealing with several challenges. Some airlines are currently navigating bankruptcy proceedings, while one major carrier is testing new security technologies. Simultaneously, the U.S. is adjusting its travel advisories in response to changing global conditions.
To help travelers prepare, TSA has provided a list of more than a dozen acceptable alternative forms of identification that will be recognized at airport checkpoints starting next May. These include:
- S. passport
- S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Those who wish to obtain a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card can usually do so by visiting their state’s local Secretary of State office or equivalent motor vehicle department. Although the exact process can vary from one state to another, most residents will need to present specific documents to apply for a Real ID.
Typically, applicants must bring a valid driver’s license or ID, along with a current U.S. passport, a birth certificate, or another form of official legal documentation that verifies their identity. If their name has changed and does not match their current legal documents, they must also present a certified name-change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
“While the process may differ by state, the majority of U.S. residents can acquire a Real ID-compliant identification by visiting their local Secretary of State office with the necessary paperwork,” TSA officials explained.
TSA officials continue to emphasize the importance of planning ahead to avoid last-minute travel disruptions. They urge travelers to check with their state’s motor vehicle agency well before the May 7, 2025, deadline to ensure they have sufficient time to collect the necessary documents and complete the application process.
Failure to secure a Real ID or alternative approved identification in time could significantly impact travel plans. With the Real ID requirement becoming a firm reality next year, both frequent and occasional flyers need to take steps now to prepare.
For international travelers who are accustomed to carrying passports, the new rules are unlikely to cause major issues. However, domestic travelers who rely solely on their state-issued driver’s licenses should double-check to ensure their license is Real ID-compliant. Real ID cards are typically marked with a star at the top of the card.
It is important for travelers to recognize that even after successfully completing identity verification at the airport, they may face additional screening procedures. TSA officers may conduct further inspections to ensure security standards are met.
To streamline the process on travel days, TSA advises passengers to have their approved identification ready before reaching the checkpoint. Being prepared can help minimize delays for both the traveler and others in line.
Given the evolving security landscape, the TSA’s warning is an important reminder for the millions of Americans who travel by air each year. Officials stress that securing the proper identification is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a critical part of maintaining airport security and ensuring smooth travel operations.
The TSA’s final message is clear: travelers must act now rather than wait until the last minute. As one official summarized, “Travelers without a Real ID will be halted and denied access at airport security checkpoints.”
With the deadline less than a year away, the agency recommends that travelers review their current identification, gather the required documents, and visit their local issuing authority as soon as possible. Doing so will help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure uninterrupted travel plans when the new security measures go into effect.