HOUSTON – Do you know if your ID or driver’s license is a REAL ID?
I’m not talking about a fake ID—but the REAL ID technology that’s been rolling out for years.
Starting in just a few months you will need a REAL ID to fly or even go into certain federal buildings.
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) issued a final rule on Monday. This basically means that the deadline for having a REAL ID is May 7, 2025—and there won’t be any extensions.
Simply put, you need a REAL ID to fly on May 7 or after.
Going back to that question I asked you earlier, if you aren’t sure what a REAL ID looks like or if you even have one—that’s okay.
Many people don’t even realize they have one already.
A REAL ID is an identification card or driver’s license issued by all 50 states and five territories that meets a federal minimum security level.
The REAL ID is a product of the 9/11 Commission Report.
“One of the reasons for the recommendation was to validate people’s identity,” said TSA Spokesperson Patricia Mancha. “To make sure that there is some security involved in state-issued driver’s license and other forms of photo issued IDs.”
Before REAL ID, every state had its own levels of security built into identification cards. Think holograms, watermarks, and things along that line. This reigns in every state to have at least the same minimum level of security.
“It is a standard requirement of basically for every state,” Mancha said. “Some states can enhance that even more if they choose to. But there is a minimum standard that everyone must adhere to and each state can issue their own type of ID.”
If your rummaging around in your purse or wallet trying to find out if you have a REAL ID or not, there’s one giveaway.
All Texas REAL IDs have a gold star in the top right corner.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, roughly 98% of all IDs in the state are already REAL IDs.
If you’re one of the 2% that doesn’t have one, it’s time to get moving.
You have only so much time to make an appointment and get that new ID.
If you don’t have a REAL ID, come May 7, 2025, can you still travel? The answer is yes, but it’s not guaranteed.
“Our officers can do some additional checking, which is what they do now,” Mancha explained. “If they’re not able to validate to their degree of security or how they feel confident that this person is actually who they say they are, they’ve presented the information, additional information necessary, then you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.”
Let’s be clear. There is no guarantee that you’ll be let through TSA and able to fly.
“If you don’t have a REAL ID and if you’re 18 or over, there is no guarantee that you will be allowed through,” Mancha said.
Your best bet is getting that REAL ID ahead of the May 7 deadline. If you have another form of acceptable ID, like a passport, that works, too.
The TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification on their website.
