DHS Chief Kristi Noem Announces All Adult U.S. Citizens Must Have REAL ID to Fly Starting May — Here Are Other Forms of Identification You Can Use

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that effective May 7, 2025, all adult U.S. citizens must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or a valid passport to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.

This enforcement marks the culmination of the REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to enhance the integrity and security of state-issued identification documents. ​

On December 17, 2018...