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From the New York Post: If your New Year’s resolution was to travel more, don’t just double-check your passport expiration.
Your ID may be rendered useless when flying due to new travel restrictions that will be enacted in 2025.
Starting in May, all travelers will be required to use a Real ID — or appropriate alternative, like a passport — in order to take domestic flights or enter some government buildings, according to Gothamist.
The implementation of the updated identification requirement has been postponed a number of times due to the pandemic, reported Good Morning America.
In most states, a Real ID is designated by a star in the upper right-hand corner of a driver’s license.
Beginning on May 7, 2025, TSA or federal agents can only accept a Real ID as a valid form of identification at airports or federal buildings. A statement on the DHS website reads:
Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities – including TSA airport security checkpoints – if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.
The Post also explained: When traveling across the pond, American passengers jet setting to the UK on or after Jan. 8 will be required to register with the Electronic Travel Authorization program in order to be vetted before entering the country.
Multiple airports and government agencies are posting reminders on social media:
Heads up – beginning May 7th of this year, a #REALID will be required for boarding domestic flights. Learn more about getting your REAL ID here: https://t.co/Slw0lvGZBz #iflyoak pic.twitter.com/YiSGzCB1Qt
— Oakland Airport (OAK) (@IFlyOAKland) January 2, 2025
Ready to fly with your #REALID? Starting May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights. Visit https://t.co/7vo2t93apa to understand which IDs are @TSA acceptable and how to get a REAL ID. #lehighvalley @tsa pic.twitter.com/koTyAQ2sOw
— ABE Airport (@FlyABE_) January 2, 2025
Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID, or other federally accepted form of ID, in order to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and access federal facilities.
Learn the facts about #REALID at https://t.co/Eh4Cdr6rzV. pic.twitter.com/9Zyfx0zM6F
— Missouri Department of Revenue (@MissouriRevenue) January 2, 2025
As we begin the new year, check your Mass ID and look for the ⭐️ !
Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID or other acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, to fly within the U.S. and enter certain federal buildings.
For more information, visit https://t.co/C5OVbEIVUO
— Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) January 2, 2025
The REAL ID deadline is approaching. Why is it important?
A REAL ID will be required to fly domestically after May 2025. You will also need one to access all federal facilities. Don’t delay—get your REAL ID today!
Find out how to be #RealIDReady: https://t.co/SvWG1VS1We pic.twitter.com/9YnW2jkBwQ
— USAGov (@USAGov) December 28, 2024
These are the documents you need in order to get a REAL ID in NJ https://t.co/0k67AUXIzd
— NorthJersey.com (@northjersey) January 2, 2025
Meanwhile, some people are asking questions. One X user wrote, “Let me get this straight … a Real ID will be required to fly domestically or enter a federal building, but it’s still racist to require an ID to vote and ìllêgals don’t need one to do anything. Am I wrong?”
Let me get this straight … a Real ID will be required to fly domestically or enter a federal building, but it’s still racist to require an ID to vote and ìllêgals don’t need one to do anything.
Am I wrong? https://t.co/opBhHoZw0V
— C-Reason🇺🇸 (@CreasonJana) January 2, 2025
What you need to know as NY’s Real ID deadline looms https://t.co/pMWgu4sAMg
— Gothamist (@Gothamist) December 3, 2024
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