REAL ID is a new regulation for Identification while flying and entering certain properties. In the second half of this show Ron covers some of the new things. Harshman Travel Agency has been a host on Building Fortunes Radio since the beginning. There are hundreds of episodes starting from way before the Pandemic. Pam Harshman and Ron Harshman share interesting news on Building Fortunes Radio. On this episode, Pam Harshman shares her background before starting as a travel agency and Ron Harshman does the same. Peter Mingils hosts this on Building Fortunes Radio for Harshman Travel Agency.
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Starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will fundamentally change how Americans travel domestically and access certain federal facilities. Enacted by Congress in 2005 based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, the REAL ID Act aims to enhance security by establishing stricter standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The goal is to prevent fraud and ensure that IDs used for high-security purposes, like boarding commercial flights or entering federal buildings, are reliable and verifiable. After nearly two decades of delays due to logistical challenges and events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are set to enforce this requirement, marking a significant shift in identification protocols.
For travelers, the most immediate impact will be at airport security checkpoints. As of May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card to board domestic flights. A REAL ID is identifiable by a star (gold or black) in the upper right corner of the card, though California uses a bear with a star. Without a REAL ID, you won’t pass TSA checkpoints unless you have an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, Global Entry card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) issued by states like Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont. Children under 18 are exempt from this requirement when traveling with an adult. It’s critical to note that a REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport for international travel; you’ll still need a passport for trips abroad.
Obtaining a REAL ID involves visiting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, as online applications aren’t sufficient due to the need for document verification. Requirements vary slightly by state, but generally, you must provide proof of identity (e.g., a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security (e.g., a Social Security card or W-2 form), two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills or bank statements), and, if applicable, proof of legal name changes (e.g., a marriage certificate). Some states no longer require a physical Social Security document but still verify the number. This process is more rigorous than for standard licenses, reflecting the Act’s focus on security. As of early 2025, all states and territories are issuing REAL ID-compliant IDs, but only about 56-61% of licenses in circulation were compliant as of mid-2024, raising concerns about readiness.
If you lack a REAL ID by May 7, you risk significant delays at TSA checkpoints or outright denial of boarding unless you carry an alternative ID. The TSA has hinted at a “phased enforcement” approach, potentially issuing warnings rather than immediate bans, but details remain unclear, and full enforcement is expected by May 2027. DMVs are bracing for a rush, with long wait times already reported in states like New Jersey. To avoid last-minute stress, check your ID now—look for the star—and schedule a DMV appointment early. For convenience, many travelers may opt to carry a passport for domestic flights, but a REAL ID offers a streamlined alternative. With the deadline looming, acting now ensures you’re ready for seamless travel in a post-REAL ID world.
