REAL ID is now required for air travel in America. Here’s what to expect at airports across the US
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “REAL ID is now required for air travel in America. Here’s what to expect at airports across the US” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- Starting Wednesday, passengers nationwide must use a state-issued ID or license that is “REAL ID” compliant to travel within the US. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner, no matter what state you live in. The 20-year-old law requires state drivers’ licenses to meet certain federal requirements to be used for boarding a plane or accessing federal facilities. About 19 percent of people flying nationwide do not have a REAL ID yet, the TSA says. The deadline for obtaining a REALID is May 7, but people can still get one after that. The TSA says passengers without one will not be turned away at airports, but they may face additional screening if they show up without a REAL IDs. The new requirement for air travel goes into effect on Wednesday.
- A standard driver’s license or state ID will no longer pass muster at airport security checkpoints. Passengers will instead need to present a security-enhanced, star- or flag-emblazoned Real ID or another approved form of identification like a passport. Real IDs are marked with a star — generally gold or black — or an American flag, and vary in appearance by state or territory. Any resident of a U.S. state or. territory who wishes to use a driver’s license or nondriver ID at a T.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant. Some noncompliant IDs will also have the words “Federal limits apply.” We are having trouble retrieving the article content. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account.
- The Department of Homeland Security is set to begin enforcing Real IDs on May 7. Old driver’s licenses will no longer be considered an acceptable form of identification for adults boarding domestic flights. Real IDs will be required to grant access to certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. Though Real IDs are a form of. identification, Homeland Security says they are not considered proof of citizenship, though they can be issued by any state, depending on. Depending on the state, Real IDs can cost up to $1,000. The US Congress formally passed the Real ID Act in 2005, but the federal government has delayed enforcing it several times over the past two decades. The deadline is fast approaching, meaning travelers could have their vacations derailed this summer if they don’t secure a Real ID. The federal government says it will enforce Real IDs from May 7 to September 15. The U.S. government has not said how many people will need Real IDs.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
Starting Wednesday, passengers nationwide must use a state-issued ID or license that is “REAL ID” compliant to travel within the US. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner, no matter what state you live in. The 20-year-old law requires state drivers’ licenses to meet certain federal requirements to be used for boarding a plane or accessing federal facilities. About 19 percent of people flying nationwide do not have a REAL ID yet, the TSA says. The deadline for obtaining a REALID is May 7, but people can still get one after that. The TSA says passengers without one will not be turned away at airports, but they may face additional screening if they show up without a REAL IDs. The new requirement for air travel goes into effect on Wednesday. Read full article
The Real ID Deadline Is Here. Here’s What You Need to Know. – The New York Times
A standard driver’s license or state ID will no longer pass muster at airport security checkpoints. Passengers will instead need to present a security-enhanced, star- or flag-emblazoned Real ID or another approved form of identification like a passport. Real IDs are marked with a star — generally gold or black — or an American flag, and vary in appearance by state or territory. Any resident of a U.S. state or. territory who wishes to use a driver’s license or nondriver ID at a T.A. checkpoint must make sure that it is Real ID-compliant. Some noncompliant IDs will also have the words “Federal limits apply.” We are having trouble retrieving the article content. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account. Read full article
Here’s what happens if you don’t have a Real ID after May 7
The Department of Homeland Security is set to begin enforcing Real IDs on May 7. Old driver’s licenses will no longer be considered an acceptable form of identification for adults boarding domestic flights. Real IDs will be required to grant access to certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. Though Real IDs are a form of. identification, Homeland Security says they are not considered proof of citizenship, though they can be issued by any state, depending on. Depending on the state, Real IDs can cost up to $1,000. The US Congress formally passed the Real ID Act in 2005, but the federal government has delayed enforcing it several times over the past two decades. The deadline is fast approaching, meaning travelers could have their vacations derailed this summer if they don’t secure a Real ID. The federal government says it will enforce Real IDs from May 7 to September 15. The U.S. government has not said how many people will need Real IDs. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Original Article
- The Real ID Deadline Is Here. Here’s What You Need to Know. – The New York Times
- Here’s what happens if you don’t have a Real ID after May 7
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/07/us/real-id-travel-dmv-passport-license