REAL ID Explained: What it is and why Americans now need one to fly

Starting Wednesday, Americans will need a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings. The REAL ID programme has affected millions of travellers. According to the DHS website, “Beginning May 7, 2025 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft.”With long queues at motor vehicle departments and ongoing public confusion, here’s a simple breakdown of what REAL ID is and why it matters.What is REAL ID? REAL ID is a federally approved, security-enhanced version of the state-issued licence or ID card. There’s a star—usually gold or black—on the top right corner of the card.If a person doesn't have a REAL ID or an accepted alternative—like a passport or an Enhanced Driver’s Licence—they may not be allowed to board a domestic flight or enter certain government buildings.The change applied to Americans above age 18. Minors under 18 do not need a REAL ID for domestic flights if they’re travelling with an adult who has proper ID.Why was REAL ID introduced?This new requirement comes from a law passed in 2005 after the 9/11 commission recommended stronger ID standards for federal facilities and air travel. The implementation planned earlier was delayed because of Covid 19."The whole idea here is to better validate those individuals who were encountering a checkpoint to ensure they are who exactly they say they are," news agency Associated Press quoted Thomas Carter, TSA's federal security director in New Jersey as saying.How to get a REAL ID To get a REAL ID, you’ll need to visit your state’s motor vehicle agency in person. Be prepared to show documents proving your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two forms of proof of address, and legal presence in the US. Requirements may vary slightly by state.