The Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ) has announced that starting in May 2025, following the publication of the final rule regarding the use of REAL ID enforcement across airports in the United States, travelers will have to have identification that meets security requirements. Enforcing REAL ID rules TSA published the final REAL ID rulemaking on January 13, providing a framework to enforce the REAL ID requirements. Federal agencies, including TSA, will mandate travelers to have REAL ID-compliant documents starting May 7.
David Pekoske, TSA Administrator, said that the US Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to enhance security standards for identification. The bill was a direct response to the security vulnerabilities highlighted by the attacks on September 11, 2001 . “I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant.
” TSA is committed to engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions, and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement, Pekoske concluded. The Administration added that all states are issuing compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, urging travelers to obtain a REAL ID document to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints. “The REAL ID Act, enacted pursuant to a 9/11 Commission recommendation, established minimum security .
