REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Approaches as DMVs Extend Hours Nationwide

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. domestic air travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or other approved identification to pass TSA checkpoints.

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 as a post-9/11 security measure, will be enforced starting May 7, 2025, after multiple delays.
Approximately 81% of travelers already hold REAL ID-compliant identification, though compliance rates vary by state.
DMVs across the country are extending hours, opening pop-up centers, and launching initiatives to handle the surge in last-minute applications.
Travelers without a REAL ID or approved alternative, such as a passport, may face delays, additional screening, or be denied passage at TSA checkpoints.
Critics, including Representative Thomas Massie, argue the law infringes on civil liberties, while proponents emphasize its role in enhancing national security.