REAL ID Enforcement Starting May 7, 2025

After several extensions in past years, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that starting May 7, 2025,  all U.S. travelers will need to have REAL ID compliant identification in order to board a domestic flight. Faculty, students, and staff traveling on university business are advised to prepare for this implementation by obtaining the necessary identification prior to this date.

All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. TSA continues to urge travelers to obtain a REAL ID-compliant, state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or another form of acceptable ID before May 7, 2025 to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints.

Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.

To learn more about the REAL ID program, check whether you are REAL ID ready, or see if your state is REAL ID compliant, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page.

As a reminder, fees associated with obtaining a REAL ID are not a CMU business expense and must be paid for personally.