REAL ID Deadline Looms: What You Need to Know Before May 7

U.S. travelers, listen up: Starting May 7, the Department of Homeland Security is rolling out REAL ID requirements at airports and federal buildings nationwide. This marks a major moment for a policy that’s been quietly simmering since Congress first passed the REAL ID Act way back in 2005, in response to the post-9/11 push for tougher identity verification and security standards.

After nearly two decades of delays, the new rules are landing with the subtlety of a TSA pat-down. Every American over 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (or another accepted form, like a passport) to board commercial flights or enter federal facilities.

The big idea behind REAL ID is to make driver’s licenses and state IDs tougher to fake and easier to trust—by setting minimum federal security standards. As Professor Magdalena Krajewska summed up, it’s about adding another layer of security to IDs most of us take for granted. The law’s rollout has been pushed back multiple times, most recently thanks to the chaos of the pandemic, but the government’s patience has finally run out.

So what does this mean for you? To snag a REAL ID, you’ll need to head to your local DMV with proof of identity, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and at least two documents proving you actually live in your state. The details can vary, so double-check your state’s requirements if you want to avoid a DMV déjà vu.

Thankfully, all 50 states, D.C., and five U.S. territories are now issuing REAL ID-compliant cards. You’ll spot them by the little star—usually in the top right corner of the card. That’s your golden ticket to breezing through TSA.

According to Bart Johnson from the TSA, this is all about making sure IDs are reliable and accurate across the board. The new regulation covers everyone who wants to fly domestically or access government buildings. If you’re still rocking an old-school license and don’t have a passport, you might be in for a rough time at the airport after May 7. TSA says travelers with noncompliant IDs can expect delays, extra screening, or even being turned away at security checkpoints. Not exactly what you want before a summer getaway.

It’s worth noting: not everyone has to panic. Some states have been REAL ID-only for years, so check if your current ID is already compliant. If you see that star, you’re good to go. If not, time to make friends with your local DMV.

With the enforcement date coming right before peak travel season, there’s bound to be a few travelers caught off guard. Let’s hope the only thing getting left behind at the airport is someone’s neck pillow, not their summer vacation plans.