Overview

• Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. domestic air travelers must present a REAL ID–compliant state ID, passport, or other approved identification to board flights or access secure federal facilities.
• DMVs in New Jersey and Illinois report no available appointments, prompting emergency programs for urgent travel needs like life-or-death situations.
• Nationwide compliance stands at 81% among air travelers, but millions still lack a compliant ID, with New Jersey having the lowest compliance rate at just 17%.
• Alternative forms of identification, such as passports, Global Entry cards, and enhanced driver’s licenses, remain valid for travel after the deadline.
• The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, faced multiple delays over two decades due to state readiness issues, slow adoption, and the COVID-19 pandemic.