United States requires REAL ID for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025; Transportation Security Administration enforces new identification standards at all airports

May 7, 2025 (Press-Republican) –

PLATTSBURGH — Starting today May 7 , a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, will be required for all domestic flights in the United States .

“The bottom line with REAL ID is if people are going to be flying, they’re going to need to get it,” Plattsburgh International Airport Director Chris Kreig said Tuesday.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 but the deadline for implementation kept getting pushed back. This time, though, the May 7th deadline is set in stone and those flying within the United States will need it before boarding a flight.

Kreig said he’s unaware if there will be a grace period for people to adjust to the REAL ID requirement. However, he said everyone should prepare like there won’t be one.

“If I was somebody that’s traveling, that does any kind of traveling whatsoever, get the REAL ID,” he said.

LOOK FOR STAR/FLAG

According to the New York state DMV’s website, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses, permits and ID cards.

“The Act also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.”

New Yorkers can tell if their license is REAL ID compliant if it has a star or a flag on it. If it does not, then it is not compliant.

More information on REAL ID and what documents are needed to get it can be found here: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.

KNOWN IN ADVANCE

Kreig said he is not worried the new requirement will cause too many issues. He said PBG has had posters up for three years to let the public know this was coming.

“There’s going to be a change. Any change is going to have its share of turbulence, if you will. I expect no different with this. There are going to be those individuals that are going to show up, and are going to potentially have problems, and they are going to potentially be denied boarding,” he said.

“We’ve had posters up in the airport now for, going on, three years. and every time the dates change, we’ve changed the date on them.”

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