Most airports around the United States operated smoothly as new REAL ID requirements took effect because travelers without the updated document were still allowed to move through security easily.

The head of Homeland Security says travelers who aren’t REAL ID compliant by the upcoming deadline this week will still be able to fly but should be prepared for extra scrutiny.

Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.

DEADLINE APPROACHING: If you’re traveling for the summer, you might want to make sure your information is REAL ID compliant by May 7!

Voting rights groups warn legislation passed by the House requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for anyone registering to vote could disenfranchise millions of Americans.

Do you know if your ID or driver’s license is a REAL ID?

If you plan on traveling this year, you might want to make sure you have access to your REAL ID. And if this is your first time hearing about it, then we will do our best to catch you up to speed before the May 2025 deadline.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that full enforcement of the REAL ID won’t take effect until May 7, 2025.