REAL ID Rules: What Travelers Need to Know

Traveling for Your Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, or Just Taking a Much-Needed Vacation? Here’s what to know About REAL ID Requirements:

Whether you’re heading off on your honeymoon, traveling for a destination wedding, or just finally getting that well-earned vacation, there’s one thing you don’t want to overlook: your ID.

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will begin enforcing REAL ID requirements at all U.S. airports. That means you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of ID to board any domestic flight within the United States. While this change won’t affect international travel directly, it’s still something to pay close attention to, especially if your trip begins with a U.S. leg before you fly abroad.

Let’s break it down! So, what exactly is a REAL ID? It’s a more secure, federally standardized version of your driver’s license. You can usually spot one by looking for a star or similar symbol in the top corner of your license. This upgrade is part of an effort to enhance travel security and it will become a requirement for domestic air travel.

Now, if you’re heading overseas, say, to Mexico, Europe, or the Caribbean, you’ll still use your passport as your main travel document. REAL ID is not needed for international flights. However, what happens if you’re flying from your home city and connecting within a U.S. airport like Miami or Dallas before your international destination? You’ll still need to show valid ID for that first domestic flight. The good news is that your U.S. passport also works for domestic travel, so you don’t need both a passport and a REAL ID to get through TSA.

If you’re not planning to get a REAL ID, there are still other TSA-approved options available,a valid U.S. passport, passport card, Global Entry card, or U.S. military ID. These will also get you through domestic airport security.

Getting a REAL ID isn’t difficult, but it does require a visit to your local DMV. You’ll need to bring a few specific documents, including proof of your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and two documents that prove your current address. Since each state’s DMV has slightly different requirements, it’s best to check online and make an appointment before you go.

As your go-to travel advisor, my goal is always to keep your travel stress-free. Avoid the scramble by checking your documents now so your trip is smooth from takeoff to touchdown.