Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Starting May 7, 2025 , travelers from Washington, California, New Jersey, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Texas , and every other state across the United States will be required to show a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities. This federal mandate, part of the Real ID Act , is being enforced to strengthen national security and standardize ID requirements across the country. If your current ID doesn’t have a star in the corner , it may not meet the new federal standards, meaning you won’t be able to fly within the US or access places like military bases or certain federal buildings without a Real ID or approved alternative such as a passport.
That’s why millions of Americans—including travelers from these key states—must upgrade their IDs to stay travel-ready starting this May. This requirement is part of the Real ID Act , a federal law passed in 2005 to enhance national security by establishing stricter standards for state-issued IDs. A Real ID looks similar to your regular driver’s license but includes a star symbol in the top corner, signifying it meets federal requirements.
While the May 2025 deadline is getting national attention, the road to Real ID enforcement has been long and delayed. The Real ID Act initially called for full implementation by 2008 , but the deadline has been pushed back multiple times over the years. Early resistance from state governme.
