In May, without a valid ID, you may be delayed on a US flight.

Starting from May, the United States government is requiring air passengers to have a “Real ID” for travel, or they may face delays in their travel plans.

According to USA Today, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed in a statement sent to the media last week that the Real ID is essential for future air travel.

A spokesperson for the TSA stated, “Beginning on May 7, 2025, all air passengers aged 18 and older must possess an approved form of identification – the Real ID, such as a state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or other acceptable forms like a U.S. passport. If you do not have a Real ID by May 7, your air travel may be delayed.”

The Real ID-compliant identification is typically identified by a star on the front of the card. Without this mark, the ID does not meet the “minimum security standards” set by the Real ID Act of 2005, which means passengers will not be able to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

This travel requirement was originally set to take effect in 2020, but due to the backlog of motor vehicle agency affairs across the country caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the requirement was postponed until May 2025.

As the deadline approaches this time, it means federal agencies, including the TSA, will no longer accept driver’s licenses and state-issued IDs that do not meet the Real ID requirements.

Individuals who fail to obtain a Real ID before the enforcement deadline can use alternative approved forms of identification, including: U.S. passport, passport card, Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry card, NEXUS card, SENTRI card, FAST card), Department of Defense ID, transit card, tribally issued photo ID, HSPD-12 PIV card, foreign government-issued passport, Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card, transportation worker identification credential, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization card (I-766), Merchant Mariner Credential, Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).

The Department of Homeland Security advises that the best way to learn about the necessary documents for obtaining a Real ID is to visit the website of the agency in your state where driver’s licenses are issued.

For more information on Real ID requirements, please refer to the internet or visit the website of the motor vehicle agency in your state.