Will You REALLY Be Needing a REAL Identification Card to Fly on the 7th of May?

Key Takeaways

• The REAL ID Act, signed by President George W. Bush into law in 2005, is expected to be implemented as early as 2008. That still hasn't happened.
• However, Homeland Security now states that it will begin enforcement May 7.
• The government says passengers hoping to fly then without REAL ID-compliant identification "should plan to arrive at airports about three hours in advance of their flight, as delays are possible at the identity verification station within checkpoints."

The REAL ID Act, signed into law 20 years ago, still hasn't gone into effect. This time, though, the Department of Homeland Security swears it will—starting early next month.

Since President George W. Bush signed into law the REAL ID Act in May 2005 to establish federal standard for identification documents, both Republican administrations and Democratic ones have pushed it down the road.

It looks like this will end on May 7 when the Transportation Security Administration unit announces it will finally increase enforcement. "If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won't be denied from your flight or face travel delays!" DHS Secretary KristiNoem stated on a recent X Post.

Here's what this means for American travelers.

Countdown Clock

Despite extending the deadline multiple times over the years, the DHS insists that REALID enforcement will soon take place. It even has a "Countdown to REAL ID Enforcement" clock ticking down on its website.

The bottom line: If you want to travel using your state driver’s license or ID—or do other activities that require federal identification—you’ll need it to be a REAL ID, though other forms of identification, such as valid passports, can also work. The full list can be found here.

The DHS website has an interactive tool that can help you determine if you’re “REALID ready”. You can check it out here.

In a statement provided to Investopedia, the TSA said that beginning May 7, "every air traveler 18 years of age and older is expected to have a REAL ID-compliant ID. That is a state-issued driver's license, state-issued identification card or another acceptable form of ID."

The star indicates that the ID is REAL ID-compliant. The TSA also will continue accepting Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which "provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border and are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington."

What will the ID check at airports look like starting May 7?

The start may be a bit bumpy. Asked what will happen to passengers who arrive at U.S. airports without acceptable ID on May 7, the TSA say they "should plan to arrive at airports about three hours in advance of their flight, as delays are possible at the identity verification station within checkpoints."

As of April 11, more than 80% of travelers at TSA checkpoints were presenting acceptable identification, the TSA said, adding it "expects the number of passengers obtaining REAL IDs to steadily increase and will continue with additional screening measures for those without a REAL ID until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability." 

If you're in the estimated 20% of Americans not already compliant, DHS instructs you to "visit your state's driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID."