How to make sure you can fly after the REAL ID deadline arrives

As of today, May 7, 2025, the long-awaited REAL ID requirement is officially in effect across the United States. 

The rush to comply has led to packed DMVs, long lines and plenty of confusion about what's actually required, especially among retired military members.

Fred from Oklahoma summed up the concerns many are feeling in a recent email to us.

"It was suggested that TSA's solution was to no longer accept our ID as an alternative form of REAL ID. It angers us because our ID allows access to military installations, but we're not allowed to fly? At any rate, there has been no follow-up article that either says the glitch was fixed or dismisses the TSA radical solution.... Maybe you can shed some light on this."

Let's break down what's changed, answer Fred's question and walk you through exactly how to get a REAL ID if you still need one.

With all the new rules, it's easy to get confused about which ID is accepted at the airport. Here's what you need to know:

With all the new rules, it's easy to get confused about which ID is accepted at the airport. Here's what you need to know:

However, travelers have reported occasional issues at some airports, where TSA's system may misread the "INDEF" date as expired. In those cases, TSA officers may ask for another acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport. If you have no other ID, a supervisor may review your document and allow you to proceed, but expect possible delays.

The bottom line is that military retiree and dependent ID cards remain valid for flying domestically as of today. If you have experienced problems in the past, it's wise to bring a backup form of ID if possible.

If you show up at the airport today with a standard driver's license that isn't REAL ID compliant, and you don't have a passport or other approved ID, you could face delays, extra screening or even be denied entry at the security checkpoint. TSA is urging travelers to check their IDs before heading to the airport.

However, if you have a valid Global Entry card, you do not need to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to fly domestically after May 7, 2025. The Global Entry card is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card that meets federal identification standards and is explicitly accepted by TSA as an alternative to a REAL ID. This means you can use your Global Entry card at TSA checkpoints to verify your identity when flying within the United States. Other DHS Trusted Traveler cards, like 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 U.S. passport or passport card.

By using your Global Entry card, you can bypass the need to visit the DMV for a REAL ID and still comply with TSA identification requirements for domestic air travel.

If you still need a REAL ID, here's how to get started. Even after the deadline, you can still apply and use your current license for driving and non-federal purposes.

Requirements vary by state, but you'll typically need:

Pro tip: If your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, etc.), bring legal proof (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order).

You can still get a REAL ID after May 7, but you won't be able to use your old license for air travel until you do. In the meantime, you'll need a valid passport or other approved ID to fly.

The REAL ID deadline has finally arrived, and it's understandable if you're feeling a little overwhelmed by all the changes. Whether you're a frequent flyer or just want to be ready for an unexpected trip, making sure you have the right ID is now more important than ever. If you're a retired military member, it's reassuring to know your military ID is still accepted, but bringing a backup is always a smart move just in case.

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