The clock is ticking for senior travelers across America. Beginning May 7, 2025, a significant change will affect how you travel domestically by air. On this date, every American adult will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. This isn’t just another government regulation—it’s an important security measure that requires your attention before your next trip to visit the grandkids or that long-awaited vacation.
A REAL ID-compliant license is easy to spot: just look for a star in the upper right corner. This small star makes a big difference in your travel plans going forward.
Key Dates & Requirements
May 7, 2025, marks the full enforcement deadline for REAL ID requirements. After this date, if you show up at the airport without a compliant ID, you simply won’t be flying that day.
REAL ID-Compliant Licenses are distinguished by a star in the upper right corner. This star isn’t just decoration—it’s your ticket to hassle-free domestic travel.
If you’re wondering about Alternative Forms of ID, rest assured you have options. A valid passport or passport card will work perfectly fine, as will certain other forms of federal identification such as a Department of Defense ID. The key is planning ahead to ensure you have an acceptable form of identification ready.
Who Needs a REAL ID? Every traveler 18 years or older must present either a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights within the United States after the enforcement date.
There’s good news for grandparents traveling with youngsters: Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling domestically. However, the adults accompanying them will need compliant identification.
How to Get Your REAL ID
The process isn’t complicated, but it does require some preparation. First, you’ll need to visit your state’s DMV in person. This isn’t something you can handle online or by mail—a face-to-face visit is necessary.
Before heading to the DMV, gather your Required Documents. You’ll typically need:
- Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Social Security Number (your Social Security card or a W-2 form)
- Two documents proving your current residence (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
Once you’ve obtained your new license or ID card, check for the star in the upper right corner. This star is the visual confirmation that your ID meets REAL ID compliance standards.
If you’re still unsure if you’re driver’s license is compliant with the new Real ID requirements, the Department of Homeland Security provides this tool that can help you determine if you’re within compliance.
Why is the Department of Homeland Security Doing This Now?
Many seniors wonder why these Real ID requirements are being implemented so many years after they were first conceived. The REAL ID Act actually dates back to 2005, when it established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
The implementation has been delayed several times, but the final deadline is now approaching. This change ensures that the TSA and other federal agencies can rely on consistent and secure forms of identification when verifying who you are.
The REAL ID Act wasn’t created arbitrarily—it was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation to establish stronger standards for identification documents. By standardizing IDs across all states, security officials can more easily verify the authenticity of travelers’ identification.
What This Means for Senior Travelers
For many of our senior clients at GOMO Travel, this change raises practical questions. Will your current driver’s license work? If it doesn’t have a star, then no—not after May 7, 2025. Do you need to act now? We strongly recommend not waiting until the last minute.
DMV offices across the country are likely to experience increased traffic as the deadline approaches. By taking care of this simple but important task now, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and potential travel disruptions later.
Remember that safe, smooth travel experiences come from good preparation. Ensuring your identification meets Real ID compliance standards is just one more way to guarantee your upcoming adventures are memorable for all the right reasons.