“Real American ID to be Launched on May 7; Non-compliance Could Impede Boarding”

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced on Friday (April 11th) that starting on May 7th, the long-delayed Real ID Act will be officially implemented in airports across the country. TSA warns that passengers who do not comply with the new regulations may face delays, additional security checks, and even be denied boarding.

The Real ID Act was established based on federal regulations passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005, with the aim of enhancing the security standards of identification documents in response to recommendations following the 9/11 attacks. At that time, some hijackers used forged or state-issued IDs, prompting the federal government to strengthen regulations and require states to issue IDs or driver’s licenses with enhanced security features.

Originally scheduled to go into effect in 2008, the regulation has been repeatedly postponed, including due to the impact of the pandemic, and is now confirmed to be officially enforced in May 2025.

TSA stated that starting on May 7th, passengers over the age of 18 who do not possess a valid passport or ID that complies with the Real ID standards may face delays, additional security checks, and even the risk of being unable to pass through security checkpoints.

Valid Real ID-compliant documents will have a gold or black star-shaped symbol in the upper right corner of the card, with California featuring a yellow bear design. The Department of Homeland Security explicitly stated, “If this symbol is not present, it does not meet the standard and cannot be used for boarding.”

TSA spokesperson Carter Langston emphasized, “Identity verification is key to aviation security. We will ensure that the identity of every passenger is accurately verified before clearance.”

Currently, about 81% of passengers present compliant identification documents at security checkpoints. TSA noted that for those who do not yet possess a Real ID, additional security checks will continue until this loophole is fully addressed. The agency recommends that such passengers arrive at the airport at least three hours early to accommodate the time needed for identity verification.

Real ID cannot be used for international travel, but applicants can opt for an Enhanced Driver’s License, which not only meets the Real ID standards but can also be used for travel to Canada and Mexico.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, also reminded that in the future, entry into federal buildings will also require Real ID-compliant identification.

TSA’s John Essig, Security Director at a New York airport, urged, “Please make an appointment to update your documents as soon as possible. We do not want anyone to be held up at security because of this.”

In recent weeks, the federal and state governments have been encouraging people to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a Real ID, but due to high demand, appointment slots are very limited in many areas.

If passengers are unable to obtain a Real ID before the deadline, TSA allows the use of other valid documents as substitutes, such as passports, permanent resident cards (green cards), or trusted traveler program documents like Global Entry.

(*This article references reports from Reuters and CNBC)