Real ID deadline nears
- Starting May 7, most U.S. Adults flying commercially must show a passport or a state-issued Real ID-compliant identification card.
- This requirement stems from a 2005 law passed after the 2001 terrorist attacks but faced delays due to state unpreparedness, slow public uptake, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Obtaining a Real ID requires more documentation than regular IDs and the cards are marked with a white star in a yellow circle, with only 56% of IDs nationally meeting the standards as of January 2024.
- Homeland Security reports show about 81% of recent flyers used acceptable IDs, but some states have low compliance, limited appointments exist, and officials in Kentucky requested an enforcement delay.
- Real ID is not mandatory for driving, voting, or receiving state benefits, and people can still apply for the ID after May 7 via resources linked on the Department of Homeland Security website.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Brickner: Fedorchak will not save us
When I applied for my REAL ID card, I had to go to the DMV twice. I missed one of several required pieces, even though I had several documents, including a passport (a document grounded in my birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other documents). I returned with all the materials and took a small breath when I received the plastic card with a star and my image. With this card, I could securely fly around America and, I thought, in good s…
What did the Bush administration, 9/11 Commission say about REAL ID legislation?
The Bush administration and Republican lawmakers supported the REAL ID Act before President George W. Bush signed it into law in 2005 — 20 years before it is set to officially be implemented.


REAL ID deadline is approaching
By: Laura RobertsonThe REAL ID deadline is coming up shortly, on May 7. People will need a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board a domestic flight or enter a military base or other federal facilities. A driver’s license with a star in the corner will meet the qualifications, as will a U.S. passport, green card or military ID. Tribal IDs from federally recognized tribes may also be used. Children under 18 do not need identification to t…
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