A new legal requirement for air passengers in the United States is set to come into force on 7 May 2025, meaning that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents will only accept identification documents that comply with so-called “REAL ID” standards.
From 7 May, state-issued driving licenses and ID cards must incorporate new fraud prevention technology to pass TSA checkpoints and be accepted for other official federal government business.
Are you REAL ID ready? Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID for air travel within the United States. A U.S. passport meets this requirement. Passport processing times are 4-6 weeks – Apply now so you're ready for summer travel.… pic.twitter.com/h1W6RInxp4
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) April 7, 2025
What is REAL-ID?
REAL ID can only be issued by recognised authorities and includes facial image capture; verified date of birth, Social Security number, proof of residence, and lawful citizenship or residency status; and tamper-prevention, counterfeit-and-fraud-prevention features. Holders will know their ID is REAL-compliant if it has a star inside a gold circle in the upper right corner.
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 as part of measures designed to prevent another terrorist atrocity such as the 9/11 Twin Towers attack in New York. Its application has been repeatedly delayed by the logistical issues involved in changing ID requirements for hundreds of thousands of domestic US flyers, as well as State-led opposition to the measure, and the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
Technically, those still in possession of a non-upgraded ID can still use it as long as it has not expired, but they might be denied access to federal facilities and to go through airport security they must bring a back-up form of identification, such as a valid US passport, military ID, or a Department of Homeland Security-approved travel card (e.g. Global Entry).
Starting May 7, fliers in the United States will need a Real ID to board domestic flights.
— Old School Eddie (@Old_SchoolEddie) April 8, 2025
What about voting?
You're telling me we have to have a Real ID to fly across the country but not to vote in our elections?
Does anyone else see the insanity in this? pic.twitter.com/QhOxw9RqOM
International travel changes
Meanwhile people making international trips will need a valid passport as usual, according to the Department of Homeland Security. US citizens (and others) making journeys to 30 European Union and Schengen Area countries will also need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) electronic pre-authorisation before setting out.
ETIAS is not a visa but is obligatory for all travellers aged 18 to 70. It can be applied for online in a process that involves supplying personal and passport details, as well as trip plans, and answering security questions. It costs €7 (around $8 USD) and lasts three years or until the linked passport runs out. Minors and adults over 70 years old are exempt from payment.
And in a further change to US – European travel brought in this year, Americans wanting to visit the United Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, business, or short-term study (up to 6 months) now need to apply for the UK version of pre-approval: the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before making their trip. Applications are similar to the ETIAS procedure and cost £10 (approximately $13).
