Wednesday, May 7 is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S. Why it matters: If you aren't Real ID compliant, you may experience longer wait times at the airport,

Transportation Security Administration officials will not accept state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID compliant. Under the new REAL ID enforcement rules, all airline passengers 18 and older will need REAL ID-compliant identification or another federally accepted ID at airport security checkpoints.

As of May 7, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints or expect to go through additional security measures.

As the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches, U.S. residents must prepare for the new Real ID requirements to fly domestically or access federal facilities. However, some states offer alternatives, easing the transition for their residents.