News

TSA Issues New Travel Rules—Here’s What You’ll Need for US Air Travel!

Published on: April 15, 2025 at 7:39 AM ET
Shrobana Rakshit
Written By Shrobana Rakshit
News Writer
Archana Shenoy
Edited By Archana Shenoy
Managing Editor
TSA’s New Travel Document Could Catch You Off Guard
TSA’s New Travel Document Could Catch You Off Guard. (Cover image source: Twitter)

A warning has been issued that everyone above the age of 18 who wishes to travel by plane after May 7 will be required to present a specific document or be turned away. According to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials, in order to board a commercial aeroplane in the United States, passengers must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card, or another approved form of ID.

If tourists and other travellers do not have one of the permitted forms of ID, they can expect to be delayed at the TSA security checkpoint beginning May 7. According to officials, the length of the delay will be decided by the number of other passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another form of identification accepted by the TSA for identity verification.

TSA Federal Security Director Kc Wurtsbaugh stated, “With the federal enforcement of REAL ID just four weeks away, I can’t overstate the necessity of travellers being prepared. Take a few minutes now to decide what type of photo identification you will use to prove your identity the next time you travel by plane.

“If you need to apply for a REAL ID from the state of Montana, make plans to do so now. Even if you don’t have plans to travel by air now, your plans could change. Now is the time to make a plan.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of BZN Brian Sprenger added: “On behalf of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), we would like to remind all travelers that possessing proper identification is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. We strongly encourage travelers to verify they have a valid form of ID ahead of time. This simple step will help ensure a seamless journey.”

Passengers can prevent delays in air travel by verifying that their identification credential is REAL-ID compatible or bringing another approved form of ID.

Apart from a state-issued driver’s license or identification card, the TSA offers a comprehensive list of approved pieces of identification that can be submitted at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Alternative forms of acceptable identification include a U.S. passport or passport card, any government-issued passport, a Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card, such as a Global Entry or SENTRI card, active duty and retired military ID, including IDs issued to dependents, an ID card issued by any federally recognised tribe, and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, enacting the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to establish baseline security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act also prevented federal entities, including the TSA, from recognising state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that did not satisfy the minimal requirements.

REAL ID is designed to increase the dependability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identity cards while limiting terrorists’ and others’ capacity to avoid discovery by using counterfeit identification.

Signs are currently posted at airports across the country informing the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be required for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.

Adult passengers aged 18 and older must present acceptable identification at the airport checkpoint in order to fly:

  • Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
  • 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)
TAGGED:
Share This Article