Real ID Has Entered the Chat: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

After years of delays and more extensions than a reality show reunion, the Real ID deadline has finally landed. As of May 7, the rules are officially in effect at airports across the United States. Translation? If you plan on using your driver’s license to board a domestic flight, it better be a Real ID—aka the ID with the little gold star that says, “I’m special, secure, and approved for takeoff.”

The Real ID is the federal government's way of saying, "Let's make it a bit harder for fraudsters to impersonate Grandma and jet off to Vegas." These upgraded licenses have extra security features and require more documentation to obtain, which is why some states began issuing them automatically with renewals, while others still make you ask nicely (and show up with a birth certificate, two proofs of address, and a good attitude).

If you don’t have a Real ID yet—don’t panic. You can still use a valid U.S. passport or passport card to fly. And for now, TSA agents aren’t tossing people into a no-fly spiral if they show up with the wrong license. Most travelers without a Real ID are simply flagged for additional screening, which usually means a longer wait and a few extra questions. Fun times!

Moral of the story? Check your license. If it’s Real, you’re ready to roll. If not, it might be time to make a DMV date (I know... I'm cringing too). Either way, don’t let a little star be the thing that grounds your travel dreams.