Heads Up, Travelers: REAL ID Is About to Change Airport Security Forever

Here’s why delays are coming this May — and how to avoid them

If you’re planning to fly this spring or summer, there’s one date you must have on your radar:

May 7, 2025.

That’s the day the REAL ID Act finally goes into full effect after nearly two decades of delays. And if you’re not ready, you might get stuck in the TSA line — or worse, denied boarding altogether.

So what is REAL ID? Do you already have one? What if you don’t? And how can you skip the chaos while everyone else scrambles at security?

Let’s break it down — BBD style.

✈️ What Is REAL ID — and Why Now?

REAL ID is a federally mandated security standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It was passed in 2005 as a post–9/11 safety measure to create more secure, tamper-proof IDs.

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer accept non–REAL ID driver’s licenses for domestic air travel. It’s part of a national upgrade to airport security — and it's about to catch a lot of travelers off guard.

🔍 How to Know If You Already Have a REAL ID

It’s easy:

Take out your driver’s license and look at the top right corner.

✅ Do you see a gold or black star?

You’re REAL ID–compliant — you’re good to go.

❌ No star?

That’s not a REAL ID. You’ll need an alternate form of identification starting May 7.

In states like California, the star appears inside a bear outline. Other states simply show a plain star. Either way — no star means no domestic flights using that ID.

🗺️ Where to Get a REAL ID

You’ll need to go to your state’s DMV or licensing agency, and yes — it must be done in person.

Here’s what to bring:

• 📄 Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate)

• 🧾 Proof of your Social Security number

• 🏠 Two proofs of residency (utility bills, lease, etc.)

• ✅ Proof of lawful status (if not U.S.-born)

Every state has slightly different requirements, so check your local DMV’s website before you show up.

🛂 No REAL ID? Here Are Your TSA-Approved Alternatives

Even if you don’t have your REAL ID yet, you can still fly — as long as you bring one of these:

• U.S. Passport

• U.S. Passport Card

• Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI / FAST Card

• Military or DoD ID

• Tribal ID (with photo)

• Canadian provincial driver’s license

• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC)

• Transportation Worker or Merchant Mariner Credential

💡 BBD Tip: Use Global Entry As Your Backup ID — And Get It Paid For

Here’s a trick most travelers miss:

Your Global Entry card is a TSA-approved form of ID. It’s also one of the smartest investments in smooth travel you can make.

✅ Global Entry gives you:

• Expedited customs when returning to the U.S.

• TSA PreCheck access for faster domestic security

• A physical ID card you can keep in your wallet

• Valid TSA ID for domestic flights starting May 7

💳 Better yet? Many top-tier travel credit cards reimburse your Global Entry fee (worth $100). That includes:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®

• Capital One Venture X®

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply)

• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite®

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards Elite® Card

Just pay the fee with the card, and you’ll receive a credit back automatically.

🕒 Expect Travel Delays This May — Here’s How to Stay Ahead

As the enforcement date hits, airports are bracing for confusion and longer TSA lines. Here’s how to keep things stress-free:

✅ 1. Get to the airport early

Plan to arrive 2.5–3 hours ahead of your flight

Give yourself buffer time in case others ahead of you get held up

✅ 2. Carry two forms of ID

Bring your passport card or Global Entry ID as a backup in case your driver’s license doesn’t make the cut.

✅ 3. Consider CLEAR + TSA PreCheck

CLEAR uses facial recognition to skip the ID check line.

TSA PreCheck gives you access to the fast lane through security — shoes on, laptop in bag, no drama.

Many travel credit cards also cover these fees. (It’s like a cheat code for airport life.)

🧳 Final Boarding Call

Let’s recap.

• 🛑 Starting May 7, 2025, standard licenses without a REAL ID star won’t get you on a domestic flight.

• 🛂 REAL ID–compliant cards or approved ID alternatives (like Global Entry) are now required.

• 🏃‍♂️ If you’re not sure what your ID status is, check it today, not the morning of your flight.

• 💳 If you have the right credit card, your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck could be free.

Need help figuring out which credit card pays for Global Entry and gives you travel rewards, lounge access, or free hotel nights?

👉 Check out my top credit card picks right here »

Let’s keep you flying past the lines — and miles ahead of the crowd.