Real ID deadline looms as travelers rush to comply by May 7

In the United States, particularly affecting residents of California and Florida, the rapid approach of the Real ID deadline poses a significant concern for many travelers. Effective May 7, 2025, all domestic air travelers will be required to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or an accepted alternative, such as a passport, to pass through airport security. This enforcement follows years of prior extensions and reminders about the Real ID Act, originally established in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. With this requirement, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has found that 81% of travelers are already compliant, leaving a substantial portion potentially unprepared for the upcoming changes. DMVs across Southern California are actively extending their hours to accommodate the rush of individuals seeking to obtain Real IDs. Starting from April 2025, 18 DMV offices are opening at 7 a.m. to assist the public, allowing people to get their Real ID quickly and efficiently. The process can be mostly completed online, which greatly reduces in-office wait times. Residents aim to ensure their identification meets the new standards, particularly looking for specific markings on their current IDs that confirm compliance. For California IDs, those who do not find the California Golden Bear with a star in the upper right corner will need to apply for a new Real ID. Warnings are also surfacing about possible travel delays as the TSA prepares for the expected influx of travelers without proper identification. The agency recommends that when the deadline arrives, travelers who lack a Real ID or an acceptable form of ID arrive at least three hours early to counter potential delays caused by verification processes. Numerous air carriers are already informing customers about these requirements to minimize complications at airports. The Real ID Act is seen as an essential move towards enhancing security and establishing standardized identification across states, a measure that not only affects air travel but also access to federal buildings. As the deadline nears, authorities are urging citizens to act quickly to secure their Real IDs. For those who have not yet upgraded their state-issued identification, now is the time to ensure compliance to avoid being turned away from TSA checkpoints on travel day. The push for compliance has generated widespread activity at DMVs, with individuals eager to update their credentials before it becomes mandatory. Although there are alternatives available if one cannot obtain a Real ID in time, such as using a U.S. passport or other accepted identification, it is clear that many are relying on their driver's licenses, which must meet federal standards post deadline.