Transportation Security Administration warns REAL ID required for United States domestic flights starting May 7; travelers must show star-marked licenses or valid passports at checkpoints

May 1, 2025 (Amarillo Globe-News) –

U.S. travelers flying domestically will soon need more than just any driver's license to get through airport security. 

Starting May 7 , all adults flying within the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of identification at TSA checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration warns. 

“If your license doesn’t meet federal REAL ID standards, you won’t be allowed to board your flight unless you have an alternative form of ID, like a valid passport,” said Patricia Mancha , TSA media spokesperson. “Now is the time to check your wallet — before summer travel begins.” 

What is a REAL ID — and do you have one? 

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a small star in the upper right-hand corner. They are issued in every state and U.S. territory. In Texas , all driver’s licenses have met REAL ID standards since 2016, making the state 98% compliant. But residents who have not renewed their license since before that date should confirm its status. 

Not sure? Look for the star. Still unsure? Go to tsa.gov/real-id to check. 

Across the U.S. , about 81% of residents have upgraded to REAL ID. But in some states like Arizona or California , residents are still allowed to choose between a standard and REAL ID license — leading to confusion at the airport. 

“If your license doesn’t have the star, don’t assume it’s valid for flying,” Mancha said. “You need to check with your state’s DMV before your trip.” 

What happens if you show up without a REAL ID? 

TSA officers may still be able to verify your identity — but there are no guarantees, and the process can be slow and stressful, Mancha warned. 

“It’s like a soft credit check. We’ll ask questions about past addresses, vehicle ownership, or other personal history,” she said. “But if there are 100 people without ID, and you’re number 99, you may miss your flight.” 

Accepted alternative forms of ID 

If you don’t have a REAL ID, you’ll need one of the following to fly: 

• Valid U.S. or foreign passport (not expired) 

• Permanent Resident Card (green card) 

• Federally recognized tribal ID 

• Department of Defense ID 

• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) 

• Merchant Mariner Credential 

A full list is available at tsa.gov/real-id. 

Don't wait until it's too late 

Mancha urged travelers to take action now — especially with summer travel season just weeks away, when airports see their highest volume of flyers, including families, children, and elderly passengers. 

“We don’t want people to panic. We want them to prepare,” she said. “Because it’s not just about vacations or business trips. Many people travel for unexpected emergencies — funerals, sickness, goodbyes.” 

Even if you rarely travel, Mancha says having a REAL ID is a smart move. 

Key tips from TSA: 

• Children under 18 don’t need ID, but their parent or guardian must present REAL ID or another approved document. 
• REAL ID is not a passport. If you're flying internationally, you'll still need your passport to leave and re-enter the country. 
• Photocopies or photos of IDs are not accepted. Only physical, unexpired documents are valid. 
• Arrive early: At least two hours before domestic flights, and three for international. Add extra time if you don’t have a REAL ID. 

Finally, Mancha offered this reminder: “Even if you think May 7 doesn’t affect you — because you’re not flying until July or August — summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to act.” 

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News : TSA urges travelers to check for REAL ID before May 7 deadline to avoid airport delays