01/23/2025
Do you have a Real ID yet? It finally looks like the date will NOT get pushed back again.
According to a final rule published by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in early January, federal agencies, including the TSA, will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements starting May 7, 2025. Once enacted, these regulations will require people to present a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets the security requirements set in place by the REAL ID Act for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. According to the TSA, implementation of the REAL ID Act and its associated regulations will enhance security and aid in federal agencies ability to accurately verify an individual’s identity.
To avoid hiccups at airport security, the TSA is urging travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID, such as an active U.S. passport, before the May 7 deadline. The agency also noted that all 50 states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards which are easily identifiable thanks to their signature star, which will be gold or black, located in the upper-right-hand corner.
