No REAL ID at the Airport (After May 7, 2025): How to Get Through TSA—or Avoid a Missed Flight

The problem (and who it hits)

This affects:

• Travelers 18+ on domestic flights who don’t have a REAL ID or other accepted ID


• People who assumed TSA would “still take my regular license”


• Anyone whose ID was lost/stolen shortly before travel


• Families where one adult has ID and the other doesn’t (the second person still needs their own ID)

TSA has warned that travelers without compliant ID should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the checkpoint. [2]

Why it’s happening

TSA has also stated that a large majority of travelers already present acceptable identification, but those who don’t should plan for longer processing and potential disruption. [2]

Solutions (practical, step-by-step)

Solution 1: Use an alternate acceptable ID (fastest path)

Do this:
1. Check what you have at home (don’t assume it won’t work).
2. Bring one of these common TSA-accepted alternatives:
- U.S. passport book or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler card (e.g., Global Entry / SENTRI)
- Permanent Resident Card
- Military ID
3. Put the ID in your carry-on bag (not checked luggage).
4. Arrive early anyway (lines can be unpredictable during enforcement changes).

TSA has repeatedly emphasized that travelers can present another acceptable form of ID (like a passport) instead of a REAL ID. [1]

Solution 2: If you have no acceptable ID, attempt TSA identity verification (arrive very early)

What to expect: You may be allowed to fly if TSA can verify your identity, but you should expect additional screening and delays, and it may not succeed.

Do this:
1. Arrive at least 3 hours early (especially at busy airports).
2. Go to the TSA checkpoint officer and explain clearly:
- “I don’t have an acceptable ID today. Can I complete identity verification?”
3. Cooperate with the identity verification process (TSA may ask for personal information such as your name and current address to confirm identity). [5]
4. Have backup documents ready to support your identity (these don’t always count as “acceptable ID,” but can help during verification):
- Credit/debit cards with your name
- Prescription bottles with your name
- Work/school ID
- A photo of your ID (helpful, not guaranteed)
5. If identity is confirmed, expect extra screening. If it’s not confirmed, you may not be allowed past the checkpoint. [5]

TSA has said travelers without an acceptable ID may face delays and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint. [2]

Solution 3: Fix the “I do have a REAL ID… I’m just not sure” problem

Do this:
1. Look at the top of your license/ID for your state’s REAL ID marking (often a star; California uses a bear + star). [1]
2. If you’re unsure, check your state DMV page for examples.
3. If your card is compliant, you’re done—bring it as normal.

Solution 4: Get a REAL ID for future trips (don’t wait for your next flight)

Do this:
1. Go to your state DMV website and book the earliest REAL ID appointment.
2. Prepare required documents (commonly proof of identity, Social Security number, and proofs of residency—exact requirements vary by state).
3. Keep a second acceptable ID (like a passport) as a long-term backup.

TSA has urged travelers to obtain REAL ID-compliant credentials (or have another acceptable ID) to avoid checkpoint delays. [4]

Quick checklist (printable mindset)

• [ ] Check your license for a REAL ID mark (star/bear+star) [1]
• [ ] If not compliant, pack an alternate acceptable ID (passport, Trusted Traveler card, etc.) [1]
• [ ] If you have no acceptable ID, arrive ~3 hours early and request identity verification [5]
• [ ] Bring supporting items (bank cards, work/school ID, prescription bottle) if doing verification
• [ ] Plan a REAL ID DMV appointment for the next available date

FAQ

1) Is TSA PreCheck enough if I don’t have a REAL ID?

2) Will I be automatically denied boarding without a REAL ID?

3) Can I fly with a passport instead of a REAL ID?

4) What if my license is noncompliant and my passport is expired?

5) Why did this start now?

Key Takeaways

• REAL ID enforcement at TSA checkpoints began May 7, 2025. [2]
• A non‑REAL ID state driver’s license/ID is no longer accepted at TSA screening. [2]
• You can often avoid trouble by bringing an alternate acceptable ID (passport, Trusted Traveler card, etc.). [1]
• If you have no acceptable ID, you may be able to fly after identity verification and additional screening, but it can be slow and may fail—arrive very early. [5]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

Keywords: REAL ID enforcement May 2025, TSA not accepting noncompliant license, no REAL ID what to do, TSA identity verification without ID, alternate acceptable ID TSA, domestic flight ID requirements.

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