After 20 years, the deadline is finally here to get a REAL ID

Travelers need to check their wallets immediately as the federal REAL ID enforcement deadline hits May 7 after nearly 20 years of extensions and delays.

Starting Tuesday, Americans without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or acceptable alternative will face additional screening when attempting to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Some may be denied access entirely.

“This is not a surprise deadline,” said TSA spokesperson Patricia Mancha in a recent interview. “People have had years to really plan for this, so TSA will simply enforce the laws and the rules as they apply.”

The REAL ID Act passed in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission to strengthen identification security nationwide. Despite multiple postponements, officials insist the May 7 date is final.

Most Texans already comply with the requirements. The Texas Department of Public Safety began issuing REAL ID-compliant cards marked with a gold star in the upper right corner nearly nine years ago, on October 10, 2016.

“Texas moved quickly to implement the federal standards,” said a DPS representative. “Anyone who received a Texas driver’s license or ID after October 2016 likely already has a compliant card.”

Still, DPS offices across the state report appointment backlogs as procrastinators rush to update identification before the deadline.

Texans can quickly check compliance by looking for the gold star in the upper right corner of their license or ID card. Those without the star can request a replacement online through Texas.gov or schedule an in-person appointment.

Airport officials recommend allowing at least three hours for check-in if traveling with a non-compliant ID after May 7, as TSA will implement secondary verification procedures that significantly delay processing.

While non-compliant IDs remain valid for driving, voting and banking after the deadline, they won’t work for boarding commercial flights or entering secure federal facilities.

Alternative accepted documents include U.S. passports, passport cards, military IDs, and federally recognized tribal photo IDs.

The Department of Homeland Security reports that nationwide compliance varies significantly by state, with approximately 81% of travelers already using REAL ID-compliant identification when approaching airport checkpoints.

“After two decades of preparation and education, the time has come,” said a federal security official. “The standards established by REAL ID represent critical security measures that strengthen our identification systems against fraud and terrorism.”

TSA expects the first days following implementation to be especially challenging as travelers unfamiliar with the requirements attempt to navigate the new reality. Officials urge immediate action for anyone still holding a non-compliant ID who plans to fly domestically after May 7.