TSA Issues Final Warning REAL ID Required For All U.S. Flyers Aged 18 And Above By May 7

Miercuri aprilie 16, 2025

Air travelers in the United States should prepare for a major change taking effect 7 Mai, 2025. From that date, anyone aged 18 or older who plans to fly domestically must present a Permis de conducere conform REAL ID sau un approved alternative form of identification at TSA security checkpoints. Without one, travelers will not be allowed to board commercial flights în interiorul țării.

This regulation marks the federal enforcement phase of the REAL ID Act, a law passed by Congress in 2005 to establish nationwide standards for state-issued identification documents. The goal is to enhance national security and prevent the use of counterfeit or fraudulent IDs for access to secure federal facilities and aircraft.

Prepare Now to Avoid Airport Delays or Denied Boarding

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing this rule at all U.S. airports starting May 7. Adult passengers must be ready to show REAL ID-compliant credentials or another TSA-accepted form of ID. Those arriving without proper documentation may face long delays or complete denial of entry at the checkpoint.

Each U.S. state now issues REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, which are typically marked with a simbol stea in the upper right corner. These IDs can be obtained through the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent. Travelers who haven’t yet secured one are encouraged to begin the application process immediately, as processing times can vary.

What Are Acceptable Forms of ID at TSA Checkpoints?

While the REAL ID is the most commonly used document, travelers can also use one of the following TSA-approved alternatives:

• Un valabil Pașaport american or card de pașaport
• Trusted Traveler Program cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST
• U.S. Department of Defense ID cards, including those issued to family members
• Cartea de rezident permanent (cartea verde)
• Card de trecere a frontierei
• Permise de conducere îmbunătățite issued by certain states
• IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations or Indian Tribes, including Enhanced Tribal Cards
• HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards
• Foreign government-issued passports
• Canadian provincial driver’s licenses
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Cartea de identificare a sănătății veteranilor (VHIC)

Travelers are advised to check the site-ul oficial al TSA for the latest list of accepted IDs and any updates related to airport screening requirements.

Why Was the REAL ID Law Introduced?

Actul REAL ID was passed in response to recommendations by the Comisia 9 / 11, which emphasized the need for stronger identity verification to prevent security threats. The act sets federal standards for the issuance of IDs and bars federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting non-compliant forms of identification.

The intent is to strengthen the reliability and accuracy of personal identification and prevent the use of forged or misleading documents at airports and federal facilities. Once this rule is fully implemented, non-REAL ID licenses will no longer be valid for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.

Steps Travelers Should Take Before May 7, 2025

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience, all adult travelers in the U.S. should take the following steps immediately:

• Verify if your current driver’s license or ID is REAL ID-compliant (look for a star on the card).
• Apply for a REAL ID through your state’s DMV dacă nu ați făcut-o deja.
• Check the list of TSA-approved identification alternatives and travel with one if you do not have a REAL ID.
• Double-check your ID validity before heading to the airport, especially during peak summer travel months.

REAL ID Enforcement Ushers in a New Era of Travel Security

The introduction of this rule marks a major shift in domestic air travel security in the United States. By standardizing ID requirements and enhancing document verification at TSA checkpoints, the federal government aims to protect travelers and minimize security vulnerabilities across the country.

With the enforcement deadline fast approaching, passengers are urged to plan ahead, secure the proper identification, and avoid last-minute disruptions at the airport. May 7, 2025, will mark a turning point for American travelers—make sure you’re ready. de pregătire. Having the correct identification is a simple but essential step toward ensuring a seamless, stress-free travel experience.