New U.S. Travel Rules Take Effect May 7

Beginning May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will start enforcing new ID requirements for domestic air travel. That means your standard driver’s license won’t cut it anymore—unless it’s Real ID-compliant.

After years of extensions and delays, the Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the Real ID requirement will officially go into effect on Tuesday. Passengers without compliant identification will be denied access to the security checkpoint and unable to board their flights.

What Counts as a Real ID?

Look for a star in the upper right corner of your driver’s license or state-issued ID. That’s the easiest way to tell if it’s Real ID-compliant. If your license doesn’t have the star, it won’t be accepted for air travel starting May 7.

Acceptable forms of ID for TSA after May 7 include:

• A Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID

• A valid U.S. passport or passport card

• A DHS Trusted Traveler card (like Global Entry or SENTRI)

• A U.S. military ID

Why Is This Happening?

The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 as a post-9/11 security measure to establish minimum federal standards for state-issued IDs. While the law has technically been around for nearly two decades, its implementation for airport screening has been repeatedly delayed—until now.

What This Means for Airline Staff and Passriders

If you’re commuting to work or nonrevving domestically and relying on your state ID, double-check that you’ve got a Real ID version. Otherwise, you’ll need to carry a valid passport.

Crew travelers who aren’t in uniform or who are using leisure passes should also make sure their ID meets the new requirements. This could impact last-minute nonrev plans if you're not carrying proper documentation—especially if you're rushing from the employee lot to the terminal.

What Happens If You Show Up Without It?

TSA agents will not make exceptions. If your ID isn’t compliant and you don’t have an alternative like a passport, you may be subject to extra screenings or be turned away at the security checkpoint altogether—even if you're TSA PreCheck or Clear. No rebooking, no refund, no standby list.

So check your wallet tonight. Tomorrow, Real ID is real.