Be Prepared for REAL ID

As of May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States aged 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to proceed through airport security and board their flights. This means that the federal government is setting minimum security standards for state-issued IDs – such as a driver’s license – to travel within the country. A REAL ID is not an extra card of identification in your wallet, but an enhanced new driver’s license to replace your current one.

You may already have a REAL ID, as certain states have already begun issuing them. To confirm if you do, look for a star at the top of your license. If you’re not sure, verify with your DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) online. Chances are that you do not have the star if you haven’t had to renew your license within the last several years. In this case, you can get one by going to your DMV with proof of identity. For more information about the REAL ID Act, visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id.