Overview

• The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, will be enforced starting May 7, 2025, requiring compliant identification for domestic flights and access to certain federal facilities.
• Travelers without a Real ID or acceptable alternatives, such as passports, may face additional TSA screening or be denied boarding at airports nationwide.
• DMVs across the U.S. are experiencing long lines and increased demand as residents rush to obtain Real ID-compliant licenses before the deadline.
• Airports, including Cleveland Hopkins, are adding staff and implementing measures to manage expected delays and assist travelers with non-compliant IDs.
• Privacy concerns persist, as Real ID does not create a federal database but raises questions about state-level data management and potential future risks.