.png)
What you and your relocating employees and families need to know to stay prepared.
Who Does This Impact?
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at U.S. airport Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, but starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. will need REAL ID–compliant identification or approved alternative IDs to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
What’s Real ID and Why Has It Taken So Long?
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards in the U.S. for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Enforcement of the REAL ID Act—a post-9/11security measure—was delayed two decades after the act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005. Delays stem from low state compliance rates, with only about half of state-issued IDs meeting the standards as of 2022.
Check If Your ID Is Compliant and Alternatives
All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Look for a star marking on your driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles—a clear indicator of compliance.
States like Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont also issue “Enhanced Driver’s Licenses” (EDLs), which are acceptable alternatives, but may lack the required star marking.
TSA urges travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or another form of acceptable ID well before May 7, 2025. Their website has a full list of alternative ID documents accepted at checkpoints. These include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
How to Get a REAL ID
Visit your individual state’s licensing agency to upgrade to a Real ID. You will need to provide the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address
- Proof of lawful status
Some states may require additional documentation. The Department of Homeland Security website features an interactive map to help you determine your state’s specific requirements.
Stay Travel-Ready Before May 2025
As the May 2025 deadline is fast approaching, it’s essential that your identification meets REAL ID standards to avoid travel surprises or delays.
For more information, visit the official U.S. government website and take steps today to stay compliant and ready for future travel.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the topic further, please reach out to your NEI Client Relations Manager or NEI Client Development contact at 800.533.7353 any time.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
What you and your relocating employees and families need to know to stay prepared.
Who Does This Impact?
Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at U.S. airport Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, but starting May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. will need REAL ID–compliant identification or approved alternative IDs to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
What’s Real ID and Why Has It Taken So Long?
The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards in the U.S. for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Enforcement of the REAL ID Act—a post-9/11security measure—was delayed two decades after the act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005. Delays stem from low state compliance rates, with only about half of state-issued IDs meeting the standards as of 2022.
Check If Your ID Is Compliant and Alternatives
All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Look for a star marking on your driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles—a clear indicator of compliance.
States like Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont also issue “Enhanced Driver’s Licenses” (EDLs), which are acceptable alternatives, but may lack the required star marking.
TSA urges travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or another form of acceptable ID well before May 7, 2025. Their website has a full list of alternative ID documents accepted at checkpoints. These include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
How to Get a REAL ID
Visit your individual state’s licensing agency to upgrade to a Real ID. You will need to provide the following:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address
- Proof of lawful status
Some states may require additional documentation. The Department of Homeland Security website features an interactive map to help you determine your state’s specific requirements.
Stay Travel-Ready Before May 2025
As the May 2025 deadline is fast approaching, it’s essential that your identification meets REAL ID standards to avoid travel surprises or delays.
For more information, visit the official U.S. government website and take steps today to stay compliant and ready for future travel.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the topic further, please reach out to your NEI Client Relations Manager or NEI Client Development contact at 800.533.7353 any time.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
