From May 7th onwards, anyone boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal US facility will need an actual ID or compliant document.
On May 7, millions of Americans are unable to use government-issued photo identification (usually driver’s licenses) to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or visit nuclear power plants. It is part of a plan enacted by Congress 20 years ago and is finally coming true.
“Real ID” is a term coined by the Actual ID Act of 2005. Years after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the law was passed in response to security concerns regarding the identity of people visiting terrorist targets.
The actual ID will be issued by the state after a more thorough check of the person’s identity. Applicants for an actual ID must provide evidence of legal status in the United States. The actual ID is distinguished from a regular driver’s license by the presence of either a black or a gold star in the top corner of the card.
For Americans, the most important use of their actual ID is when they are on board. Starting May 7, 2025, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept state IDs that are real IDs or documents that are compliant with the actual ID. Therefore, many Americans without real IDs cannot travel in the air.
Below is more information about the plan:
Get the actual ID or alternative
All US citizens eligible for a state ID card are also eligible for their actual ID. In contrast, foreigners may be subject to actual IDs, subject to the type of immigration status they hold in the United States.
Related Stories
The actual ID application process will vary depending on your status. However, applicants must generally go to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or equivalent office. Ahead of the May 7 deadline, DMV offices in some states have special real IDs planned to help convert existing IDs into real IDs.
To apply for an actual ID, you will need evidence of US citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, naturalization/citizenship certificate, unexpired passport, passport card, or overseas consular report).
Foreigners will likely need to provide passports and evidence of legal status in the United States, such as permanent resident cards (i.e., “green cards”), passport visa stickers, or other documents issued by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The length of actual ID validity for foreigners may be limited by the length of approved stay in the US and requires more frequent reapply. Tourists visiting with B-1/B-2 status are not entitled to an actual ID.
Additionally, everyone applying for an actual ID must present an original Social Security card issued by the Social Security Agency (SSA) or an alternative document (such as a W-2 form) indicating the Social Security number. Additionally, they must provide at least two proof of address to their status or jurisdiction. Acceptable evidence may vary depending on the condition.
As mentioned before, most actual IDs are driver driver licenses or status issuance ID cards for non-drivers. Due to citizenship verification requirements, the actual ID may be more expensive to obtain than a regular driver license or state ID. Unrealistic IDs are still issued by and may be recognized by states, but they may be invalidated for federal purposes after May 7th, with plastic cards likely containing the notation “not valid for federal purposes.”
Actual IDs cannot be used solely for international flights. Passport booklets are still required.
It is unclear whether the license for the mobile driver, a digital certificate that can be downloaded to the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet Program, is acceptable for actual ID purposes.
Illegal immigration
Beyond bureaucracy and higher fees, presenting foreign nationals legally with US citizens can face minimal difficulties with actual ID programs. In contrast, most illegal immigrants are not eligible for the program.
Foreigners who enter the United States without testing, or who have been legally recognized but have exceeded the expiration date of their stay (not applying for new status and seeking asylum) will not be able to obtain an actual ID that requires proof of valid legal status. Without an actual ID, these people will not be able to fly to the US domestically or enter federal facilities.
Many states, particularly those led by Democratic or progressive politicians, have issued identification documents to illegal immigrants that are hardly distinguishable from those issued to American citizens. However, the actual ID creates some distinction between them. This could be the basis for immigration enforcement actions.
However, there are two exceptions.
Domestic opposition
The Real ID Act initially required that all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five territories comply with federal requirements by May 11, 2008. However, opposition from the state delayed implementation. Many people didn’t want to harmonize the ID process with the program.
Ultimately, most were complied with, and by 2014, actual ID enforcement was phased out in some federal facilities. Still, delays in processing and the reluctance of many Americans to change their IDs have led the federal government to extend deadlines multiple times.
The Trump administration has decided to fully implement the program at the May 7th deadline. This is based on the policy goal of eliminating illegal immigrants from the United States and excludes them from domestic benefits.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem has announced his commitment to the program.
Some libertarian politicians, including Republicans, are opposed to what they call “government overreach,” and have expressed their opposition to actual ID programs, citing the risks of American government surveillance.
“Most of the 9/11 hijackers held their passports in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egyptian or Lebanese. Actual IDs are the national standard and database of IDs, primarily tools for American control. Trump should not enforce it,” he added.
Others, such as airport authorities, warn that the inconvenience of obtaining real IDs and non-compliance results in delayed travel at the airport, long lines and angry passengers.
