As of May 7, 2025, it will be mandatory to have a Real ID in the United States. From that date it will be essential to show it to make national trips. The document is issued by each state taking into account multiple security standards.
It is true that the Real ID does not classify as an identity document, however, the authorities will begin to request it from the aforementioned date. If you do not carry it, you will not be able to board a local flight. There is still time to obtain it but it is not convenient to postpone the procedures for the last few weeks.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires federal agencies to verify the identity of people who enter or conduct business in federal buildings. It is essential that they strictly check whether they comply with all the established security measures.
Deadline delayed for over a decade
Indeed, the deadline has been pushed back several times. For example, the application of the Real ID was initially scheduled for the already distant 2008. For various reasons, its execution was postponed many times.
Then the Covid-19 arrived and stopped what was planned between 2019 and 2021. The new idea was to implement it from May 2 of this year but it will not materialize either. Finally, it was agreed to establish it from May 7, 2025.
The new rule will apply to all passengers over the age of 18 who reside in the United States and intend to fly to other parts of the country. If you do not have a Real ID from that date you will not be able to go through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security check.
The DHS authorities recommend that all citizens carry out the corresponding procedure at the offices of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They insist that there is still room to complete the procedures, so there should be no difficulties in implementing the Real ID in 2025.
