What to know ahead of REAL ID May 7 deadline
As students travel home for summer, the May 7 REAL ID deadline approaches. Federal law will require all United States travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board commercial flights and access certain facilities. Madison Denis | Contributing Illustrator
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As the spring 2025 semester ends and Syracuse University students travel home, the May 7 REAL ID deadline approaches. The federal law requires all United States travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board commercial flights and access certain federal facilities.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, travelers without a REAL ID or another approved form of identification may experience delays, undergo extra screening or possibly be denied access to the security checkpoint.
While a standard driver’s license will no longer be an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints, other forms will be accepted. This list includes U.S. passports and U.S. passport cards, among others.
REAL IDs contain more security features than a standard driver’s license, including a barcode with the holder’s encoded information. A small star or flag in the corner will distinguish the card.
An application with an in-person appointment at a local Department of Motor Vehicles is needed to get a REAL ID. Those seeking an ID must also review their state’s online document checklist and bring required documents to verify identity and residency.
The New York state checklist requires proof of identity, a social security card, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship and two different forms of state residence.
New York state, along with Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington, also offers an Enhanced ID which can be used in place of a REAL ID. Unlike REAL IDs, EDLs are also acceptable identification at U.S. land and sea borders for traveling to and from Canada, Mexico and several countries in the Caribbean.
EDLs are distinguished by an American flag in the top right corner and require an extra fee of $30. All EDLs are REAL ID compliant.
Congress passed the change in identification requirements in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. It aims to enhance national security measures, making it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fake IDs.
The act’s original deadline of May 2008 was delayed several times. States were originally expected to comply by 2012, and extensions were given until 2020. Funding issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about restricted travel caused additional delays. The last deadline before the extension was May 3, 2023.
Despite delays, many have not completed their REAL ID applications. At least 17 states are less than 50% compliant with the law, CBS News reported.
While REAL IDs will be required for domestic flights, standard driver’s licenses are still valid for driving and identification in all U.S. states.
