As of May 7, 2025, the much-anticipated real ID requirement is officially in effect throughout the United States.
After years of delays and anticipated installation, travelers will need to view actual ID-compliant driver’s license, valid passport, or another federally approved identification format for entry into domestic flights or a specific federal facility.
Rush to Comply has caused Packed DMVS, Long Lines and a lot of confusion, especially among retired servicemen, about what they actually need.
Fred, Oklahoma, summarised the concerns many have felt in a recent email to us.
“With the May 7 deadline approaching its actual ID, it may be time to talk about possible impact on retired troops. In April 2024, many of us were nervous and angry.
“It was suggested that the TSA solution would no longer be accepted as an alternative form of actual ID. Our IDs allow access to military facilities, which pisses us off, but in any case, there are no follow-up articles saying that the glitch has been fixed or that they will reject the TSA radical solution.
Let’s break down what’s changed, answer Fred’s questions and explain exactly how to get the actual ID if you still need it.
What is an actual ID and why is it necessary now?
Following recommendations from the 9/11 Committee, the Actual Identity Act was passed in 2005, strengthening the security standards for state-issued IDs. From today, people over 18 must display a Actual ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (Look for a star in the top corner), a valid passport, or other TSA-approved identification format identification format will access domestic flights or specific federal buildings. If you don’t have any of these, you could be turned away from airport security, even if you have used your current ID for years.
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Are you confused about the stars and flags of your license?
With all the new rules, it’s easy to get confused as to which IDs are accepted at the airport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Actual ID Compliant License There is always a star in the upper corner (gold, black, or in some states, a bear with a star). If your license has this star, it is best to go to domestic flights and federal facilities.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) Only five states are published: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. EDL is clearly marked as “enhanced” and may also display the American flag. These are also acceptable for airport security and land/sea border intersections.
- Licenses with only American flags are not automatically real IDs or expanded as they do not have a star or “enhanced” label. The flag alone does not guarantee that licenses will be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Special notes for New York Enhanced Driver License (EDL) holders
If you have a New York Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL), you may notice that there are no stars. Instead, it shows the American flag, and some new EDLs may not say “enhanced” in front. New York EDLS is effective for domestic flights and border intersections. Flags are official indicators of enhanced status in New York, even without the word stars or “enhanced.” If you are worried about TSA confusion, you can bring your passport as a backup or view this Official NY DMV sample.
Are you confused about the stars and flags of your license?
With all the new rules, it’s easy to get confused as to which IDs are accepted at the airport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Actual ID Compliant License There is always a star in the upper corner (gold, black, or in some states, a bear with a star). If your license has this star, it is best to go to domestic flights and federal facilities.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) Only five states are published: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. EDL is clearly marked as “enhanced” and may also display the American flag. These are also acceptable for airport security and land/sea border intersections.
- Licenses with only American flags are not automatically real IDs or expanded as they do not have a star or “enhanced” label. The flag alone does not guarantee that licenses will be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
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Does my retired military ID still work at TSA checkpoints?
Good news for Fred and other retired military personnel: Department of Defense issued IDs, including common access cards, uniformed service ID cards, and old retiree and family member cards, are still accepted by the TSA for domestic airline travel. This includes cards with an expiration date of “Indef” (indefinite) despite past confusion and software issues.
However, travelers have reported occasional issues at some airports where TSA’s systems may misinterpret “INDEF” dates when they expire. In such cases, TSA officers may request an ID with another acceptable ID, such as a driver’s license or passport that is based on your actual ID. If there is no other ID, the supervisor can check the document and allow it to continue, but you can expect a possible delay.
On the bottom line, military retirees and dependent ID cards remain valid for flights within the country today. If you have had problems in the past, it is wise to bring a backup ID if possible.
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What if I don’t have an actual ID yet?
If you appear at the airport today using a standard driver’s license that does not comply with your actual ID and do not have a passport or other approved ID, you may face delays, additional screenings or be denied entry at a security checkpoint. The TSA is urging travelers to verify their ID before heading to the airport.
However, if you have a valid Global Entry Card, you do not need to obtain a driver’s license that complies with your actual ID to fly domestically and internationally from May 7, 2025. The Global Entry Card is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trustworthy Traveler Card. This means that you can use the Global Entry Card at TSA Checkpoint to verify your identity when flying within the US. Other DHS trustworthy traveler cards, such as Nexus, Sentri and Fast, are also accepted as alternatives.
important: Although the Global Entry Card is officially accepted, some travelers have reported occasional confusion among TSA agents. To avoid delays, consider carrying an additional form of ID, such as a US passport or passport card.
By using the Global Entry Card, you can bypass the need to access the DMV for your actual ID and follow the TSA identification requirements for domestic air travel.
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How to get the actual ID
If you still need an actual ID, here’s how to get started. Even after deadlines, you can still apply and use your current license for driving and non-federal purposes.
1. Please check your current ID
- Look for a star (gold, black, or, in some states, a star-received bear) at the top of your license or state ID.
- If you see it, you are already following your true ID.
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2. Collect documents
Requirements vary depending on the condition, but are usually required.
- Proof of identity (valid, expired US passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security Number (PayStub with Social Security Card, W-2 or full SSN)
- Two proof of address (Utility invoices, bank statements, leases/mortgages, etc.)
- Proof of legal status (If you are not a US citizen)
Pro tips: If your name is changed (for marriage, divorce, etc.), it will bring legal evidence (marriage certificate, divorce judgment or court order).
3. I’ll make a reservation
- Visit the state’s DMV website and schedule an appointment for your actual ID.
- Reservations can be rare due to high demand, but keep checking as we add new slots every day and open our offices on earlier or extra days.
4. Go to DMV
- Bring all the necessary documentation
- Fill in the application (in some states you can start this online)
- Take photos and pay (varies from state to state, usually between $20 and $60).
5. You will receive the actual ID
- Some states will issue cards on the spot, while others will mail them to you.
- Get a new card before your next flight.
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What happens if I have a passport?
Valid US passports or passport cards are always accepted for domestic flights. If you have it, you don’t need to fly an actual ID, but it will be necessary for federal facilities that require an actual ID to enter. If you are traveling immediately, double check your ID and give them plenty of time at the airport. For the latest updates and a complete list of acceptable IDs, see TSA website.
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What happens if I miss the deadline?
You can obtain your actual ID from May 7th, but you cannot use it until you use the old license. In the meantime, you will need a valid passport or other approved ID to fly.
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Important takeouts in your cart
The actual ID deadline has finally arrived. It’s understandable if you feel a little overwhelmed by all the changes. Whether you’re a flyer often or just want to prepare for unexpected trips, it’s more important than ever to make sure you have the right ID. If you are a retired military member, you are relieved to know that your military ID is still accepted, but bringing back-ups is always a wise move.
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Now that they are officially enabled, what do you think about the new actual ID rules? Write us and let us know cyberguy.com/contact.
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