Overview

• Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant identification or an approved alternative for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.
• REAL IDs, marked by a star in the upper right corner, require proof of identity, Social Security number, and two documents showing residency to obtain.
• Texas reports a 98% compliance rate, while Ohio, at 56.2%, is expanding BMV hours on April 26 and May 3 to accommodate last-minute applicants.
• Travelers without a compliant ID may face additional screening and delays, with passports and other federally approved IDs serving as alternatives.
• Fees and processing times vary by state, with costs ranging from $47 in Washington, D.C. to $55 in Maine, and interim paper IDs may not be accepted at TSA checkpoints.