TSA requires REAL ID for U.S. air travel starting May 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that starting May 7, 2025, travelers must have REAL ID-compliant identification to fly in the U.S. This rule follows the finalization of REAL ID enforcement guidelines on January 13, 2025. Federal agencies will have until May 7, 2027, to fully implement the REAL ID requirements. The phased approach aims to reduce travel disruptions and give travelers more time to obtain compliant IDs. The TSA received over 31,000 comments on the proposed rule and plans to engage with the public and states to ensure a smooth transition. The Department of Homeland Security estimates the enforcement costs at approximately $1.73 million over two years.