Real ID Deadline Nears: What Americans Need to Know by May 7

State Department Issues Final Reminder

The clock is ticking for Americans as the U.S. State Department issued a stark reminder that the Real ID deadline is set for May 7. After years of delays, this federal mandate will require all adults over 18 to present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. The announcement, published on April 8, underscores the urgency for citizens to act quickly, with less than a month remaining to comply.

First enacted under the Real ID Act of 2005, this measure aims to bolster national security by standardizing identification across states. The original deadline has been postponed multiple times—most recently from May 2023—due to logistical challenges and the pandemic, but officials insist there will be no further extensions. With the cutoff approaching, state agencies are bracing for a last-minute rush as millions of Americans remain without the required ID.

How to Identify a Real ID

A Real ID-compliant card is easy to spot: it features a star in the upper right corner of a driver’s license or state ID. Some states use slight variations, like a flag or the word 'enhanced,' but the star is the most common marker. If your license lacks this symbol and was issued before your state began offering Real ID options, you’ll need to upgrade before the deadline.

For those unsure about their status, a quick check of issuance dates can help. States began rolling out Real IDs at different times—California started in January 2018, Texas in October 2016, and Florida in 2017, for example. If your ID was renewed recently and your state offers Real IDs, it might already comply, but don’t assume—verify with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clarified that without a Real ID, travelers must present alternatives like a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID to fly domestically after May 7.

The Cost and Convenience Factor

Upgrading to a Real ID often comes with a fee, though it varies by state. In Florida, a new Class E license costs $48, while Texas charges $16 for a six-year ID. Some states, like South Carolina, bundle the cost into standard renewal fees—$25 for a license good until 2033. These prices are a small price to pay for avoiding travel disruptions, but they add up for families rushing to comply.

For frequent flyers, the Real ID offers convenience over carrying a passport, which can be bulky and risks loss. A driver’s license fits easily in a wallet, making it a practical choice for domestic travel. However, if you’re not a flyer or don’t visit federal buildings, you might skip it—standard IDs remain valid for driving and voting.

Last-Minute Challenges and Warnings

With only weeks left, DMVs nationwide are reporting appointment backlogs. In New Jersey, the Motor Vehicle Commission adds 3,500 new slots daily, yet many residents struggle to book.

The TSA has urged travelers to act now, predicting delays at airport checkpoints for those unprepared. 'Every air traveler 18 and older must have a Real ID-compliant ID or another acceptable form by May 7,' an agency spokesperson said. Officials also caution against procrastination—passport applications, an alternative, take six to eight weeks, leaving little wiggle room for stragglers.

Why This Matters Now

The Real ID push isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s rooted in a post-9/11 effort to tighten security. The 2005 law responded to findings that hijackers used fake IDs to board planes, prompting a overhaul of state-issued credentials. Nearly two decades later, the rollout’s final phase signals a firm commitment to that goal, despite years of delays.

For everyday Americans, the stakes are practical. A missed flight could derail family emergencies, business trips, or vacations. With summer travel season looming, the May 7 cutoff could catch millions off guard, especially in states like Michigan, where only 53% of licenses are Real ID-compliant, or New Hampshire, where 63% are ready. The message is clear: act fast or face the consequences.