MILLIONS of Americans have been warned for months about a new ID policy that will impact traveling at airports.
The vast majority of adults will need a Real ID to board domestic flights from May 7, but there are some exceptions.

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Travelers in five states, including Washington and New York, will be allowed to use their enhanced ID card, as per CBS News.
This allows passengers to travel between the US and Mexico and Canada by land or sea.
It means that they will not have to show their passport to an immigration official.
And, travelers with enhanced ID cards will be able to board domestic flights.
Americans in Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont will also be able to use their enhanced ID cards to board domestic flights.
In Michigan, it costs Americans $45 to buy their first enhanced driver’s license.
While, an enhanced ID will set purchasers back by $30.
One of the symbols associated with a Real ID is a star in the corner of the card.
But, enhanced ID cards or driving licenses are already Real-ID compliant.
This means that card holders do not have to do anything to upgrade them.
The TSA has warned that the Real ID enforcement policy will come into force in a matter of hours.
Millions of domestic travelers will need to show their Real IDs before they board flights.
And, they will also need to prove their identity if they want to access nuclear power plants.
The Real ID policy only applies to Americans 18 or over.
And, the TSA has issued a blistering warning to Americans who have not followed the rules.
Applying for a REAL ID

The process varies by state, but residents will need a few documents to apply for a REAL ID before the deadline.
No matter the state, the application process can be started online by scanning and uploading the necessary documents, basic information, and Social Security numbers. Once submitted and reviewed, an in-person visit to the DMV or your state’s department agency is necessary for an attendant to verify the documents.
From there, a thumbprint will be recorded in the system, and a photo will be issued for the ID before it’s mailed.
The documents needed are those that show:
- Full legal name (previous driver’s license, passport, etc)
- Date of birth (like a birth certificate, or an official copy of one)
- Social Security number (Social Security card)
- Two proofs of residence (like a utility bill or voter registration card)
- Lawful status
Source: Department of Homeland Security
Americans can continue showing their passport but if they do not have an identity document, then they can expect to face delays at airports.
Officials have also warned that they may face extra screening processes.
Americans will not have to carry both their Real ID and passports when traveling.
And, Real IDs cannot be used as an identity document when making border crossings into Canada or Mexico.
Americans have been rushing to ensure they meet the deadline, but the demand for Real IDs has left DMV offices scrambling.
Travelers have been warned that they could face hours-long wait time if they don’t book an appointment in advance, per Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Some wanting to renew their licenses have been reportedly turned away from offices unless they have an appointment booked.
Furious locals have told Staten Island Live they had to visit their DMV office three times to complete the procedure.
Nigora Suyundikova Milton claimed the saga made her lose money as she was out of work.
States are launching initiatives such as Real ID Tuesdays to help DMV offices work through the backlog.
Real IDs will continue to be issued beyond the May 7 enforcement deadline.
Acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints
All passengers 18 years and older must show valid identification at airport checkpoints in order to travel. The following is a full list of identification accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, it must be REAL ID compliant. If you’re not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)