State Department Reminds Public of May 7 Real ID Deadline

All states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories are required to comply with Real ID requirements.

Passengers check in for Southwest Airlines flights at Chicago Midway International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 18, 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images

The federal government has issued a reminder to Americans that a Real ID will be required for air travel beginning May 7.

The State Department announced on April 7 that travelers will have to present the new identification requirements at security checkpoints to board domestic flights.