U.S. air travelers now need a REAL ID to fly

Those taking to the skies from a U.S. airport and people entering some federal buildings must now have a REAL ID.

Starting Wednesday, “every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft,” the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in a media release.

REAL IDs have a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, the TSA said. 

An example of a REAL ID showing the gold star in the upper right-hand corner, shared by the TSA.  (U.S. Transportation Security Administration / Fox News)

“While some were expecting and hoping for a delay in the enforcement of the REAL ID requirements, that will not happen,” TSA Federal Security Director Kc Wurtsbaugh said in a statement. 

SOME STATES SEE REAL ID CROWD RUSH, OTHERS QUIET AS DEADLINE LOOMS

A TSA security officer checks a passenger’s ID in Terminal 1 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Chicgao on April 3, 2024. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“TSA accepts multiple forms of photo ID,” he continued. “Now is the time to determine if you can use these alternate forms to verify your identity the next time you travel.”

Some acceptable forms of identification for those without a REAL ID are a U.S. passport or passport card, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) and U.S. Department of Defense identifications, including those issued to dependents. 

A full list of acceptable forms of identification other than state-issued driver’s license or ID cards can be found here. 

AIR TRAVELERS WITHOUT REAL ID TO FACE EXTRA SCREENING BUT WILL BE ALLOWED TO FLY FOR NOW, DHS SAYS

Once enforcement begins, the TSA said unprepared travelers arriving at TSA checkpoints should expect delays. 

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told lawmakers on Tuesday that travelers without a REAL ID will be able to fly, but they “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step” she explained. 

Those who still need to get REAL IDs can check their state-specific requirements here. The cost varies by state. 

HOMELAND SECURITY PUSHES BACK REAL ID DEADLINE TO 2025

Travelers gather with their luggage in the international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport ahead of the July 4th holiday travel period on June 25, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Mario Tama / Getty Images)

The REAL ID deadline was pushed back as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Americans were given two more years to obtain compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards.

The concept of REAL ID came about in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. The 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government establish standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards that states and territories must satisfy.

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A REAL ID frequently asked questions website says, “The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently finalized an update to its DoD-Wide installation security policy and is in the process of no longer accepting noncompliant marked cards across all of its facilities and installations. However, DoD will continue to accept state-issued noncompliant unmarked ‘legacy’ cards until the May 7, 2025 deadline.”

FOX Business’ Eric Revell and Anders Hagstrom contributed to an update on this report first published on April 10, 2025.