TSA to start enforcing REAL ID requirements
If you or someone you know are planning to fly soon, understand that the TSA plans to begin enforcing REAL ID requirements starting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This means every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
“I am pleased to share that Wyoming residents who have a credential such as a driver license, instruction permit, or identity card issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation are prepared for the enforcement of REAL ID on May 7, 2025,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Wyoming Jamie K. Hicks. “While these state-issued credentials that meet REAL ID standards can be used for identity verification, TSA will also continue to accept other forms of photo ID including passports, passport cards, and many more.”
Does your driver’s license meet the REAL ID requirements?
To determine if a Wyoming credential is REAL ID-compliant, look for a white star in the middle of a black circle in the top right corner. Wyoming began issuing REAL ID-compliant cards in 2011 and is 100% compliant with federal requirements related to REAL ID. So, if your Wyoming driver’s license is up to date, you should be good to fly.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Once enforcement begins, any passenger who presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified.
Eventually, there will be full enforcement and if you do not have a REAL ID to present, you will not be allowed to fly. When that will be has not yet been determined.
Why do we need a REAL ID?
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. Nationally, TSA estimates that 81% of travelers have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable form of identification. Wyoming is well-ahead of the national average.
You can find Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.