Real ID deadline looms May 7 for air travelers

by Markus Schmidt, Virginia Mercury
April 28, 2025

Come May 7, your old Virginia driver’s license might not get you past airport security.

That’s the day the federal government will begin enforcing the long-delayed Real ID Act, requiring all domestic air travelers who use a driver’s license at TSA checkpoints to present a Real ID-compliant credential — or be turned away. If you don’t have one, and you’re planning to fly after that date, it’s time to act.

The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s call for tougher security standards on state-issued identification. Its goal is to prevent terrorists from using fake or low-security IDs to board planes or access sensitive government facilities. 

Initially, states were supposed to comply within three years. But privacy concerns, funding issues and political resistance caused years of delays. Even after all 50 states and Washington, D.C. became compliant by 2020, the Department of Homeland Security pushed back full enforcement — most recently citing a pandemic-era backlog of applications at state DMV offices.

Now, after multiple extensions, the Transportation Security Administration has set May 7, 2025, as the final deadline.

“With summer travel just around the corner, I would encourage all Virginians to take a quick look at their driver’s licenses and check for that star on the right-hand side,” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in an email. 

“The government has been clear that folks will need a compliant license to board an airline or enter a federal facility, so don’t delay – apply for a Real ID today.”

Virginia: A mixed bag

While more than 4.1 million Virginians have already gotten a Real ID as of early April, that still leaves over 40% of license and ID holders in the commonwealth without one, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. 

In contrast, nearby states like Maryland and the District of Columbia boast a 99% Real ID compliance rate — among the highest in the nation, Axios reported earlier this month.

Virginia DMV officials say demand has surged in recent months, with thousands of Real IDs being issued each week. But they also warn that appointments and service centers are busier than usual, and that anyone considering travel after the enforcement deadline should not wait.

“Are you flying soon? You still have time to get your REAL ID!” the agency said in a recent social media post. 

What it means — and doesn’t

Real ID is optional in Virginia. You’re not required to have one to drive, vote, or access public benefits. But starting May 7, it will be mandatory for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal buildings, unless you have another form of federally accepted ID, like a passport, military ID, or DHS Trusted Traveler card.

That includes military bases, which may already be rejecting licenses marked with “Federal limits apply.” Requirements vary by installation, and base visitors are encouraged to confirm what ID is accepted before showing up.

Children under 18 don’t need ID when flying domestically with an adult, but adults without a compliant license or alternative ID won’t make it past TSA.

Getting your Real ID

The process starts online, but you’ll need to visit a DMV customer service center in person to finish the job. The fee is $10 if you’re upgrading before your license expires.

You’ll need to bring original documents — no copies allowed — proving your identity and legal presence in the U.S. That could be a birth certificate or a valid passport. You also need your full Social Security number, either on a Social Security card or a W-2 form, and two documents proving your current Virginia residency. These can include a mortgage statement, utility bill, or rental agreement.

If your legal name differs from the one on your identity documents — due to marriage or divorce, for instance — you’ll also need to bring an official name change document, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

DMV officials urge residents to check their current license’s expiration date. You can renew up to one year in advance, and if your license doesn’t expire for several years, you can still come in to get a Real ID replacement.

Why the long wait?

The Real ID rollout has taken nearly two decades to reach full enforcement. Initially set to take effect in 2008, it faced pushback over cost, state-federal tensions and fears of government overreach. 

Later, the COVID-19 pandemic created long delays and service interruptions at DMVs across the country, causing a backlog that the Department of Homeland Security cited when it postponed the May 2023 deadline to 2025.

Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner — the visual cue TSA officers will be checking for starting this spring.

Don’t panic, but don’t delay

Travelers who don’t have a Real ID can still use a valid passport, U.S. military ID, permanent resident card, or other federally approved form of ID. A full list is available on the Virginia DMV’s Real ID FAQ page.

But DMV officials stress that getting a Real ID is the most straightforward solution for anyone who flies domestically and wants to avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.

So if you’re planning to board a plane after May 7 and your current driver’s license isn’t Real ID-compliant, the time to fix that is now. Otherwise, you may find yourself grounded — before you even get through security.

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