For those 18 years or older, REAL ID enforcement is finally happening—for real this time, affecting educators leading tours and parent chaperones. After years of delays, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially set a firm deadline: Starting May 7, 2025, a standard driver’s license will no longer be enough for domestic air travel. If you don’t have a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification, you won’t be able to board your flight.

So, what does this mean for you? How do you get a REAL ID? And why should you avoid waiting until the last minute? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to keep your travel plans smooth and stress-free.

What Is REAL ID? 

REAL ID is a federally required security upgrade for state-issued identification, created to strengthen identity verification and reduce fraud. After 9/11, the government introduced these standards to enhance security measures for air travel and federal facility access. Without a REAL ID, you won’t be able to board domestic flights, enter certain government buildings, or visit secure sites. While you may never need access to a nuclear power plant, missing a flight because of an outdated ID is a real possibility.

Check your driver’s license or state-issued ID. If there’s a star in the upper corner, you’re all set. If not, it’s time to make the switch before the May 7, 2025 deadline catches you off guard.

Who Needs a REAL ID? (And Who Doesn’t?)

Anyone 18 or older who plans to fly within the U.S. must have a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification. A valid passport, military ID, or Global Entry card can work as an alternative, but depending on them isn’t always the safest bet. Forgetting a passport at home is an easy mistake, and realizing it at airport security is a stressful way to start a trip.

For international travel, the rules remain the same. A REAL ID won’t replace a passport or get you through customs in another country. What it will do is ensure you make it past the TSA checkpoint without a hitch, keeping your travel plans on track.

How to Apply 

Bad news first: You can’t get a REAL ID online. You have to visit your local DMV. The good news? If you bring the right documents, the process is pretty straightforward.

Here’s what you need:

  1. Proof of Identity – U.S. birth certificate or passport.
  2. Social Security Number – SSN card, W-2, or a pay stub with your full SSN.
  3. Two Proofs of Residency – Utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements.
  4. Name Change Documentation (if applicable) – Marriage certificate or court order if your name has changed from your birth certificate.

Some states might ask for additional documentation, so check with your DMV before heading out.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times vary by state, but it’s safest to expect at least a two-week wait for your REAL ID to arrive by mail. Some states issue them faster, but as the deadline approaches, delays are inevitable. Putting it off could mean long lines at the DMV and unexpected disruptions to your travel plans.

Plan ahead to avoid the rush. If your ID is expiring soon, renew it as a REAL ID now instead of waiting. Taking care of it early ensures you’re ready for May 7, 2025, without the stress of last-minute scrambling.

The Risks of Procrastinating

Putting off your REAL ID upgrade might not seem urgent, but waiting too long could create major travel headaches. Without a compliant ID, you risk missing your flight, since airlines won’t make exceptions at security. Relying on a passport as a backup isn’t always a quick fix either, as processing times have grown longer, with expedited services taking months. As the deadline approaches, DMV offices will become busier, making last-minute appointments harder to secure. A quick ID check today can save you from unnecessary stress later. If an upgrade is needed, now is the best time to take care of it.

What About Group Travel? (Especially for Students and Tours)

For student tours and group travel, the REAL ID deadline isn’t just another travel consideration — it’s an essential element that could make or break a trip. While organizations like NationsClassroom deliver once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, adults risk being left behind if they do not have the proper ID.

It’s important to note that the REAL ID requirements do not apply to travelers under the age of 18. Students who have not yet reached their 18th birthday can travel on domestic flights without a REAL ID-compliant identification, as they are exempt from this federal requirement. However, chaperones, teachers, and any adult travelers in the group must still have compliant identification.

Schools, tour organizers, and parents should start checking IDs to prevent last-minute stress and disruption to travel. If you’re booking a group trip in 2025 or years afterward, make sure each person has the correct identification well ahead of time. A single unprepared traveler can delay or derail the entire journey, so early preparation is key to a smooth and successful trip.

The Bottom Line

REAL ID enforcement isn’t a question of if or when. It’s happening on May 7, 2025. Waiting until the last minute could mean travel headaches and unexpected disruptions.

We know this can be confusing and hope this post is helpful. Educators leading tours, please contact your NationsClassroom representative, as the Nations Team is always here to serve and help you!

Nations Classroom