Starting May 2025, it's REAL ID or go home for domestic flights

As a meeting or event planner, ensuring a seamless travel experience for your attendees is crucial. One major upcoming change could impact domestic travelers heading to your events: starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. airline passengers aged 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States.

What is REAL ID and Why Does it Matter?

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established federal security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Beginning on May 7, 2025, TSA airport security checkpoints will no longer accept standard state-issued driver’s licenses that do not meet REAL ID requirements. Travelers without a REAL ID or another approved form of identification will not be permitted to board their flights.

How Can Attendees Prepare?

To ensure a smooth travel experience for your attendees, encourage them to check their identification well in advance. A REAL ID-compliant license is typically marked with a star in the upper right-hand corner. If attendees do not have a REAL ID, they will need to obtain one from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or use another acceptable form of ID, such as:
A valid U.S. passport
A Department of Defense ID
An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont

Resources for Planners and Attendees

To make this transition easier, Airlines for America (A4A) has launched a “Travel Like a Star!” campaign to raise awareness and provide travelers with the necessary information. This campaign includes:
REAL ID Website: Provides up-to-date information, state-by-state guidance, and links to TSA resources.
Informational Video: A fun and engaging video demonstrating the importance of REAL ID compliance and how to prepare.
Social Media Updates: A4A will share key messages across X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to remind travelers of the upcoming deadline.

What Does a REAL ID Compliant Card Look Like?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card.

If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.

Key Takeaways for Event Planners

Communicate Early & Often: Include REAL ID reminders in attendee emails, registration pages, and event websites.
Direct Attendees to Resources: Share links to REALIDReady.com and the TSA website for detailed information.
Encourage Attendees to Check Their IDs Now: Avoid last-minute travel disruptions by urging travelers to verify their ID status well in advance.

With record numbers of travelers flying each day, being prepared with the right identification will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for your attendees. Don’t wait—start spreading the word now to make sure your event runs seamlessly.

Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.

Photo by Real ID