Millions Must Update IDs Before the 2025 REAL ID Deadline Hits

Summer travel plans are taking shape for millions of Americans, but 2025 brings a fresh set of rules that could catch the unprepared off guard. Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will enforce REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints, a long-delayed mandate that changes how travelers board domestic flights. At the same time, a surge in international travel has the U.S. Department of State urging citizens to check passports and plan ahead to avoid delays.

The stakes are high. With only about 61-66% of U.S. ID holders possessing a REAL ID-compliant license as of early 2025, millions risk being turned away at airports. For those venturing abroad, the State Department is issuing over 500,000 passports weekly, a record pace driven by demand and streamlined processes like online renewals. These changes reflect a broader push to modernize government services while keeping travelers safe and prepared.

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks, sets stricter standards for state-issued IDs to boost security. Come May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or an alternative like a U.S. passport to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. Non-compliant IDs will no longer cut it, and the transition could snarl airport operations.

Data paints a worrying picture: up to 475,000 travelers daily might present non-compliant IDs, potentially causing long lines or missed flights. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that 78,000 passengers could be denied boarding on day one, with $40 million in travel spending at risk. States are scrambling to issue compliant IDs, but many report long DMV wait times, and at least 16 states lag below 50% compliance.

Travelers have options. A U.S. passport book or card, enhanced driver’s licenses from certain states, or trusted traveler cards like Global Entry are all valid alternatives. Children under 18 are exempt, but adults without proper ID face real disruptions. The TSA plans a phased rollout to ease the shift, yet experts urge travelers to act now to secure compliant identification.

For international travel, a valid passport book remains essential, and the State Department is pulling out all stops to keep up with demand. Routine processing now takes four to six weeks, expedited service two to three, a sharp improvement from the pandemic-era backlogs of 12-18 weeks. The launch of a fully online renewal system in September 2024 has been a game-changer, letting eligible adults skip mailing documents and handle everything digitally.

The online system, accessible via a secure Login.gov account, serves those renewing 10-year passports expiring within five years or soon to expire. About two million Americans have already used it, with the State Department eyeing up to five million annual users. While it doesn’t speed up processing, it cuts administrative hassles, aligning with a 2021 federal mandate to improve public-facing services.

Still, not everyone qualifies for online renewal. Expedited requests or applications with name changes require traditional methods. The State Department advises applying early, especially with summer travel looming, and offers email reminders and online tracking to keep applicants in the loop. For urgent travel within 14 days, in-person expedited options are available at passport agencies.

As U.S. citizens take to the skies—108.8 million international trips were logged in 2024—safety remains a priority. The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program lets travelers register trips to receive real-time alerts on health, weather, or security risks. Consular services also provide emergency support, from replacing lost passports to aiding Americans caught in crises abroad.

Travel advisories, updated regularly, guide decisions with risk levels ranging from normal precautions to outright travel bans. With geopolitical tensions and natural disasters affecting some destinations, enrolling in the program and checking advisories can make all the difference. The State Department’s global network of embassies and consulates stands ready to assist, a role it has played since 1789.

The convergence of REAL ID enforcement, digital passport renewals, and robust consular services marks a pivotal moment for U.S. travelers. Domestic flyers face a clear deadline to upgrade their IDs, while those heading abroad must navigate processing timelines and stay vigilant about global risks. The State Department’s efforts to modernize and inform are easing the way, but personal responsibility is key.

With travel volumes soaring and disruptions looming, planning ahead is non-negotiable. Whether securing a REAL ID, renewing a passport, or enrolling in safety programs, travelers who act early will move with confidence. The journey starts long before the airport—it begins with preparation.