As the May 7, 2025, REAL ID enforcement deadline looms, airports across the United States are bracing for a significant shift in security protocols. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, establishes enhanced security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Starting May 7, every air traveler 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. With less than two weeks to go, the question is: Is your airport ready for this change? Here’s what you need to know and five actionable steps to ensure your airport is prepared.
What to Know About the REAL ID Deadline
The REAL ID Act aims to bolster national security by making identification documents harder to forge. Compliant IDs, typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, require applicants to provide proof of identity (e.g., a birth certificate or passport), Social Security Number, and two other items proving residency. According to the Federal Register, as of January 2024, only about 56 percent of driver’s licenses and IDs in circulation were REAL ID-compliant, with an estimated 61.2 percent expected to be compliant by the deadline. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that 81 percent of travelers currently present compliant IDs at airport security checkpoints, but compliance varies widely by state—New Jersey is at just 17 percent, while California is at 55 percent.
The deadline, delayed multiple times since 2008 due to state implementation challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, is now firm. The TSA has emphasized that non-compliant IDs will not be accepted, potentially leading to delays, additional screening, or travelers being turned away at checkpoints. Some airports are preparing for an “all hands on deck” approach, with extra agents and staff on duty, but disruptions are expected, especially in states with lower compliance rates.
Alternative IDs, such as passports, Global Entry cards, or permanent resident cards, will be accepted, but travelers without proper documentation risk missing flights. The TSA recommends arriving three hours early for domestic flights if you lack a compliant ID, as identity verification will take longer. Many airports are already distributing flyers and posting signs to raise awareness. Airports must act swiftly to minimize chaos.
5 Ways to Ensure Your Airport Is Ready
- Enhance Traveler Communication Campaigns
Airports should amplify REAL ID awareness through signage, social media, and partnerships with airlines. Clear, multilingual messaging at check-in counters, security checkpoints, and airport websites can remind travelers to verify their IDs. Include QR codes linking to the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page for state-specific requirements. Airports like Fresno Yosemite International Airport are handing out paper notes to travelers with non-compliant IDs in advance of the deadline to remind travelers about the new requirements. - Collaborate with State DMVs
Partner with local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices to provide on-site or pop-up REAL ID application centers at the airport. States like Illinois have opened “REAL ID Supercenters” to handle surging demand, and New York processed applications at the 2025 Auto Show. These initiatives can reduce the number of non-compliant travelers arriving at your airport. - Train Airport Staff
Ensure airport personnel and information booth staff are well-versed in REAL ID requirements and alternative IDs. Training should cover providing resources for non-compliant travelers to avoid escalations, as well as what to expect at the TSA security checkpoint. - Optimize Checkpoint Operations
Help alleviate long security checkpoint lines by adding temporary screening lanes, request additional TSA agents, and be prepared to deploy crowd-control measures, especially around the busiest times of the day. Encourage travelers to enroll in TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR, which can help reduce congestion at standard checkpoints. - Engage Community Stakeholders
Work with local businesses, tourism boards, and community organizations to spread the word about REAL ID, emphasizing a smoother airport experience by ensuring travelers know the requirements well before leaving home. Community outreach can especially help less frequent travelers, who may be unaware of the changes, avoid surprises.
Preparing for a Smooth Transition
The REAL ID deadline is a critical moment for airports to demonstrate operational resilience and traveler-focused communication. While the TSA and Department of Homeland Security are providing flexibility through phased enforcement, it’s incumbent upon airports to proactively manage the transition. By implementing robust communication strategies, collaborating with state agencies, training staff, optimizing operations, and engaging communities, airports can help mitigate disruptions and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Is your airport ready? Now is the time to act. For more information about REAL ID, visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.