Breaking News: Commercial airlines flying over the United States are about to experience economic hardship due to the requirement for all domestic travelers to present a REAL ID.
For those unfamiliar with the REAL ID, here’s what you need to know: It is a federally compliant form of identification that meets enhanced security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. This initiative was introduced to improve the reliability of state-issued IDs following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card will be required to:
- Board domestic flights within the U.S.
- Enter federal buildings and military bases.
A REAL ID is marked with a gold star in the upper corner of the card. Some states use different symbols—for example, California places the star inside a bear outline.
If you do not have a REAL ID, you can still use a passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved identification for travel and federal access.
As of 2025, nearly 30% of Americans still do not have a REAL ID. The percentage varies by state, with some states having a significantly higher number of residents without one. Here are the five least prepared states:
- New Jersey – 61.2% without a REAL ID
- Pennsylvania – 60.4%
- Montana – 57.8%
- Illinois – 52.9%
- Tennessee – 51.0%
Conversely, the most prepared states include:
- Delaware – 88.6% of residents have a REAL ID
- New Mexico – 87.8%
- Maryland – 86.3%
- Vermont – 84.4%
- Indiana – 84.0%
Additionally, some states have a high percentage of residents uncertain whether they have a REAL ID, with Nebraska (20.4%) and Colorado (17.3%) leading in uncertainty.
The deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, 2025, meaning travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another accepted form of identification to fly domestically.
If you are married and have changed your last name after taking your spouse’s surname, you must provide legal documentation when applying for a REAL ID. This is because the name on your identification must match your official records. If your name has changed multiple times (e.g., due to marriage and divorce), you may need to provide a paper trail of all name changes.
To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must provide:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, valid passport)
- Proof of Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2 form)
- Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
- Documentation of any name changes, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Airlines in the U.S. are likely to face significant challenges due to this mandate. With fewer passengers able to meet REAL ID requirements, airlines may find themselves with an abundance of empty seats—potentially leading to layoffs among airline workers.