USA REAL ID: Everything you need to know
By now, you’ve probably already heard a thing or two about REAL IDs in the U.S. But do you really know how the incoming REAL ID mandates will impact your travel programme?
At FCM, we are on a mission to make travel effortless and help your programme run as smoothly as possible, so here’s everything you need to know about the REAL ID – including how it works and what this means for your travel programme starting 7th May 2025.
Firstly, to be clear, REAL ID only affects U.S.-based travellers.
The REAL ID Act: a breakdown
The REAL ID Act is the U.S. federal government’s way of telling states that their IDs need to become more secure and more difficult to falsify.
The Act, which was passed in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, also aims at eliminating airline terrorism, by increasing federal requirements for U.S. residents to obtain documents that would grant them access to domestic planes. As such, it prohibits TSA and other federal agencies from accepting any ID cards that do not meet revised security standards for domestic air travel.
What is a REAL ID card?
A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state ID card that doubles as a federally recognised form of identification. It's an ordinary driver’s license, but you need to present extra documentation to your state’s DMV or driver’s license agency.
It’s possible that your employees already have a REAL ID. How can you find out? Ask them to look for the star!
If they see a black or gold star in the upper-right corner of their ID card, that means they already have a REAL ID.
If they do not see a star OR their ID says something along the lines of “Federal Limits Apply,” that means they only have a standard ID. These are not federally approved forms of identification and, as such, will not be accepted at U.S. airports starting May 2025.
What happens if my employees don’t have a REAL ID?
Due to various roadblocks and the COVID-19 pandemic, it has taken the federal government over 18 years to fully implement the REAL ID Act. However, all U.S. passengers who are of at least 18 years of age will need REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights beginning 7th May 2025.
For a full list of REAL ID-compliant identification cards, check out the TSA’s official website.
Anyone who is unable to produce a valid REAL ID-complaint identification card will be unable to board their flight.
Sure, if this happens to one employee, that’s an inconvenience. But what if you have a couple dozen employees attending an out-of-state conference, and half of them are unable to produce eligible identification? That’s money lost on multiple non-refundable tickets, multiple charges on rebooking fees, multiple itineraries that need to be readjusted; if they can get a new licence in time.
At that point it’s not just an inconvenience – it’s a liability.
Getting your employees REAL ID ready
Luckily, a REAL ID is just a trip to the DMV away.
To obtain a REAL ID, employees will have to provide the minimum required documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of residency, and lawful status. Some states may require additional documentation. Ask your employees to visit their state’s DMV website for a list of all required documents before booking their appointment.
Interested in learning more about REAL IDs? Check out the Department of Homeland Security’s official website for more information on deadlines, frequently asked questions, and more.
At FCM, we are always here to help your travel programme run as smoothly as possible. Although we do not directly manage REAL IDs, customers are encouraged to reach out to us for more information on domestic travel in the United States.
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