Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, and More Cities in US Must Have Real ID to Travel This Summer: What You Need to Know

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Planning to travel this summer? Whether you’re departing from Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, or any other city in the US, it’s essential to understand the new Real ID requirements. Starting this summer, travelers must have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights, unless they carry another TSA-approved form of identification such as a passport. This change is part of a nationwide effort to enhance security and standardize identification requirements across all states. Don’t let a lack of preparation derail your travel plans—here’s everything you need to know to get your Real ID in time and avoid any last-minute headaches at the airport.

Get Ready: Real ID Will Be Required for Domestic Flights Starting May 2025

Traveling across the US soon? Whether you’re flying out of Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, or any other major city, you need to know about the Real ID deadline. A Real ID seal on your state-issued driver’s license or ID isn’t just an option—it’s a must for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made it clear: without a Real ID, you won’t be able to board a domestic flight unless you have another TSA-approved form of identification, like a passport. This new requirement is all about boosting security, but if you don’t act now, it could seriously disrupt your travel plans.

What Exactly Is a Real ID?

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was created to strengthen the security of identification documents. It enforces the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs, like driver’s licenses.

If your driver’s license or ID doesn’t have a Real ID seal, it won’t meet these standards. That means you won’t be able to fly domestically or enter certain federal facilities starting in May 2025.

Why Is This Deadline Real This Time?

The Real ID enforcement date has been delayed multiple times—most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Backlogged transactions and limited staffing at Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) offices nationwide pushed the original 2020 deadline to 2025. But DHS has made it clear: this time, the deadline is final.

Federal agencies like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept non-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

When Do You Need a Real ID?

The enforcement date is May 7, 2025, so if you’re planning to fly within the US after that, you’ll need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or ID.

However, if you already have a valid passport or another TSA-approved form of identification, you don’t need to rush out and get a Real ID. But for most travelers, especially those who rely on their state-issued IDs, a Real ID is the easiest and most practical solution.

What Are the Alternatives to a Real ID?

If you don’t want to get a Real ID, you can still use these TSA-approved forms of identification for domestic flights:

U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including dependent IDs
Transportation worker identification credential
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
And more

While these alternatives work, having a Real ID is the simplest way to ensure smooth travel.

What Do You Need to Get a Real ID?

Getting a Real ID isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but you’ll need to bring the right documents. At a minimum, you’ll need:

Proof of your full legal name
Your date of birth
Your Social Security number
Proof of address (principal residence)
Proof of your lawful status in the U.S.

Individual states may have slightly different requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website or visit them in person for more information.

Where Can You Get a Real ID?

Driver’s licensing agencies in all states and Washington, D.C., are issuing Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. Processing typically takes about two weeks—or 15 business days—so don’t wait until the last minute.

Once you have your Real ID, look for the stamp or star in the upper-right corner. The exact symbol varies by state but confirms that your ID meets federal security standards.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

The May 2025 deadline may feel far away, but time flies—especially when it comes to tasks like updating your ID. Avoid long lines and last-minute panic by getting your Real ID now.

Whether you’re catching a flight from Los Angeles International (LAX), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), or Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), having a Real ID will ensure you don’t miss your trip because of ID issues.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let the Real ID deadline sneak up on you. Whether you’re traveling out of Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, San Diego, Denver, or anywhere else across the US, make sure your identification is ready for domestic travel. Head to your state’s driver’s licensing agency today and get your Real ID to avoid headaches later.

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