Overview

• Compliance with Real ID requirements stands at 81%, but millions of Americans still lack the necessary identification just days before enforcement begins.
• Travelers without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, may face delays, additional screening, or denial of access at TSA checkpoints starting May 7, 2025.
• DMVs nationwide are experiencing appointment shortages and long lines as individuals rush to meet the deadline, with some states piloting mobile ID programs as an alternative solution.
• Privacy concerns persist over state-level data management, with experts debating the security of personal information and the potential for future federal databases.
• Children under 18 are exempt from ID requirements for domestic flights, but accompanying adults must present compliant identification.