Overview

• Starting May 7, travelers aged 18 and older will need a Real ID or an approved alternative to board domestic flights or access federal facilities.
• Approximately 19% of U.S. travelers lack Real ID-compliant identification, with many states reporting DMV backlogs and low compliance rates.
• The federal government has rejected extension requests from Kentucky and at least 17 other states, solidifying the May 7 deadline.
• Alternative identification options, including passports, green cards, and DHS trusted traveler cards, remain valid for travel under the new requirements.
• Travelers without compliant IDs may face delays, additional screenings, or denial of entry at airport security checkpoints starting next week.