REAL ID Requirements Now in Effect for U.S. Domestic Flights
U.S. travelers must present REAL ID for domestic flights from May 7, 2025, with extended office hours to accommodate demand amidst extra screening for non-compliance.
Real ID is a legislative wisp from the Bush-era War on Terror
The Spectator World
Most travelers must have a REAL ID now to fly within the US
Associated Press
REAL ID goes into effect Wednesday, non-compliant people can still fly
Washington Examiner
TSA to enforce REAL ID requirement starting Wednesday
World News Group
Summary
Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers must present REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights, marking the end of nearly 20 years of delays. While 81% compliance has been reported, those without a REAL ID can still fly after additional identity checks. With high demand leading to long wait times, many government offices have extended their hours to accommodate travelers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reiterated that passports and tribal IDs are acceptable alternatives. The TSA advises arriving early to avoid delays, especially for those without compliant IDs, as enforcement begins.
Articles (30)
- Starting Wednesday, passengers nationwide must use a state-issued ID or license that is REAL ID compliant to travel within the US, with non-compliant travelers facing additional scrutiny at TSA checkpoints.
- While most travelers already possess compliant IDs, the new regulations raise significant concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties, particularly in the context of increased scrutiny at checkpoints. These concerns have been amplified by the lengthy wait times and frustrations reported by those trying to obtain their IDs.
- The implementation of REAL ID was seen as a long-overdue security measure post-9/11, yet critics remain skeptical about its effectiveness in protecting citizens' privacy.
The Guardian·25d· "…State government offices that issue driver’s licenses and state IDs have seen a significant increase in demand for Real ID, and some have extended their office hours to meet the demand."
CNN·1M· "…The deadline left many confused travelers scrambling to comply ahead of holidays and the summer months."
Boston Globe·1M· "…The implementation has been repeatedly delayed."
The Guardian·1M· "…The new ID system has been opposed by civil rights groups, in part because it required sharing of information collected by states with the federal government and would thus create a national identification system."
PBS NewsHour·1M· "…In recent weeks, Noem has been warning the American public about the upcoming deadline."
Boston Globe·1M· "…The combination of varying state processes and shifting deadlines has added to the overall confusion around REAL IDs and likely led some travelers to take the deadlines less seriously."
CNN·1M· "…But during the frenzied final weeks before the federal government starts enforcing REAL ID regulations this Wednesday, Case and others are learning that getting one at the last minute is a big challenge."
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