Why REAL ID Is About to Cause Major Travel Delays — And How to Avoid the Mess

If you're flying anywhere in the U.S. after May 7, there's one thing you absolutely need to check before you leave for the airport—and it's not your seat assignment or boarding pass.

It’s your driver’s license.

Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will officially be enforced at TSA checkpoints across the country. This means that not all driver's licenses will be accepted for domestic flights, even though they may look perfectly valid. If your ID isn’t compliant, you won’t be allowed to board—no exceptions, no “I didn’t know,” no “but I’ve used this ID before.”

We’re expecting a wave of delays, missed flights, and very frustrated travelers. But the good news? You can easily avoid it—if you take the time now to prepare.

Let’s walk through what’s changing, how to know if you’re already covered, and the smartest workarounds if you’re not.

So, What Exactly Is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act was passed back in 2005, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Its goal was to standardize and tighten the process of issuing identification across the country. Before REAL ID, each state had its own standards for driver's licenses—some much stricter than others.

The law has been delayed repeatedly, mostly due to state pushback and system readiness. But now, after nearly two decades, TSA will finally begin enforcing it.

Starting May 7, every adult flying domestically in the U.S. will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to pass through security. If you don’t have one, you won’t be allowed through the TSA checkpoint—even if you already have your boarding pass in hand.

How to Know If You Already Have a REAL ID

The easiest way to check is to pull out your driver's license and look for a star in the upper right corner. That star—gold, black, or in some cases inside a bear icon (hello, California)—means your ID is compliant and TSA-approved.

If your ID says “Federal Limits Apply” or simply has no star at all, it’s not a REAL ID. That’s the signal that you need to either update your ID or bring an alternative form of identification when you fly.

What’s tricky is that many people think they have a REAL ID because they renewed their license recently—but unless you brought the correct documents to your DMV during that visit, chances are, it’s still not compliant.

Where to Get a REAL ID — and What to Expect

Getting a REAL ID isn’t complicated, but it does require an in-person visit to your state’s DMV or licensing agency. And as you can imagine, appointments are booking up fast as more travelers realize they’re not ready.

Each state has slightly different processes, but in general, you’ll need to bring proof of your full legal name (like a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address (like a utility bill or bank statement). If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll also need to provide documentation showing your lawful status.

Before you go, I always recommend checking your state’s DMV website and reviewing the checklist. Nothing’s worse than showing up and being turned away because you forgot a document.

What to Do If You Don’t Have a REAL ID in Time

If you’re flying soon and don’t have time to get a REAL ID, don’t panic. TSA still accepts a number of alternative IDs—many of which you may already have in your wallet.

A valid U.S. passport will work. So will a passport card, which is less expensive than a full passport and fits right in your wallet. If you’re a member of Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, your card is also a valid form of TSA-approved ID. Military IDs, green cards, tribal IDs, and even certain employment authorization documents are also acceptable.

One of the most overlooked options—and my personal favorite—is the Global Entry ID card. Not only is it TSA-approved, but it also gets you expedited customs re-entry when you return from international trips. And if you have the right travel credit card, the $100 fee to apply for Global Entry is often completely reimbursed.

That means not only do you get a backup form of ID that works at TSA—you also get PreCheck access included and faster arrivals back into the U.S. It's a triple win.

If you hold cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X, or The Platinum Card from American Express, you’re probably eligible for this reimbursement. Just use the card to pay your application fee and the credit will post automatically. (Yes, even if you’re renewing.)

Expect Delays at the Airport — Even If You’re Prepared

Even if you have your REAL ID or alternative document ready to go, you should still expect longer lines and more confusion at airports starting in May. Not everyone is as points-savvy or travel-prepared as you are. Many passengers will find out they’re missing the right ID for the first time—at the airport.

To stay ahead of the chaos, I recommend giving yourself a 30- to 60-minute cushion when heading to the airport during the first few weeks of enforcement. If you’re traveling during a holiday weekend or from a major hub like LAX, O’Hare, or JFK, build in even more time.

And for the love of all things airport chic, don’t just assume your ID is fine. Check it now, and if there’s no star, make a plan. Whether that means scheduling a DMV appointment or digging out your Global Entry card, doing it today will save you the headache later.

Final Thoughts

The start of REAL ID enforcement is a big shift for U.S. travel—and it’s one that’s been a long time coming. But the travelers who stay ready don’t have to get ready.

Check your ID. Make sure you’ve got a compliant form of identification. If you don’t, line up a passport, a passport card, or better yet, a Global Entry card that does double duty at security and customs.

If your travel credit card includes a Global Entry credit, this is one of the smartest ways to use it. And if you’re not sure which card that is, I’ve got a breakdown of the best options for airport perks, lounge access, and ID fee credits right here.

Because when it comes to travel, being informed is just as valuable as having the right miles in your account.