REAL ID requirements for those flying domestically begin

If you don't have one you'll sit in longer lines, and Homeland Security says you should be prepared for extra scrutiny.

Mark Sudol

May 7, 2025, 10:24 AM

Updated 15 hr ago

Share:

REAL ID requirements for those flying domestically began Wednesday.
The TSA says a REAL ID makes travel easier at the airport.
If you don't have one, you'll sit in longer lines, and Homeland Security says you should be prepared for extra scrutiny.
You will need a REAL ID in order to board a domestic flight. Travelers will still be able to use passports as an alternative form of identification at airports.
It could take up to 20 days to get a hard copy of the ID.
Homeland Security officials say that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements.
The Connecticut DMV started offering REAL IDs in 2011.