Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant document in order to board domestic flights in the United States. Though the deadline has been delayed before, this time the deadline is real. May 7th is approaching—expect airport chaos before and after the deadline, so be prepared and get through security with ease.

If you are wondering what this means for you as you look ahead to travel in 2025—we have answers:

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a drivers license or identification card that is a federally accepted form of ID by meeting security standards that were set by the REAL ID Act of 2005. A REAL ID has a star prominently featured at the top of the ID and is issued by your state’s DMV. After the deadline, standard state-issued driver’s licenses will not be accepted to board domestic flights unless they are REAL ID compliant. 

To get a REAL ID, you will need to bring proper documentation to your local DMV office to update. You will be required to bring a set of documents to prove your identity, residency, and citizenship or lawful status. 

Pro Tip: a U.S. passport is a REAL ID-compliant document—meaning you can bring your passport when you fly domestically if you have not updated to a REAL ID compliant driver’s license yet.

Do I Need Both a REAL ID and a Passport? We can help clear this up:

• For domestic flights, a passport will work! A REAL ID or any REAL ID–compliant document (passport, passport card, Global Entry card, etc.) can be used for domestic travel.
• For international flights, your REAL ID won’t cut it. You still need to bring a valid passport to fly internationally.

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Airports Will Be More Chaotic Than Ever—Be Prepared & Travel Without The Stress

Millions of Americans are still without REAL IDs, so you can expect airports to be more chaotic than usual leading up to the May 7th deadline. This means long lines at security, confusion by travelers, and more document checks—even with a REAL ID, you will have to prepare for this chaos. 

If you are looking for tips on how to get through airport security faster, especially around the REAL ID deadline, CLEAR Plus is the best way to travel.

CLEAR Is Here To Help

CLEAR Plus is an airport expedited service that gives you access to dedicated Lanes across the nationwide network. With an annual membership, you verify you are you with your face, so your ID stays in your pocket. Simply step into the CLEAR Plus Lane, get through security in seconds, and head straight to your gate—the best way to beat the REAL ID chaos.

But it’s more than just a faster security experience—CLEAR makes it easier for Members to be REAL ID ready.

Members should make sure they have a REAL ID-compliant document on file with CLEAR Plus, and can upload their passport directly into the CLEAR App to keep moving quickly in the airport. A passport is REAL-ID compliant and when you upload it to the CLEAR app, you can keep it in your pocket for one less thing to worry about as you go through airport security.
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Make Sure The Whole Family Is REAL ID Ready

Don’t leave anyone in your crew behind! With The CLEAR Family Plan, add up to three family members to your CLEAR Plus account, so everyone can avoid the REAL ID chaos and get through security faster. Have kids under 18? They can go through the CLEAR lane for free when they are with an adult Member.

Need a Passport Quickly?

Time is running out if you are looking to travel in 2025 and don’t have a REAL ID or a U.S. passport. Good news—CLEAR has partnered with RushMyPassport to help members get an expedited passport—so you can secure your REAL ID compliant document before the deadline.

Final Boarding Call

May 7, 2025 is going to be here before you know it. Without a REAL ID-compliant document, you won’t be able to fly domestically. Avoid the last-minute chaos, and get ready now:

• Check if your current state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant.
• If not, make sure you have your passport ready as an alternative.
• Get CLEAR Plus to speed through airport security and avoid the REAL ID airport chaos. 
• Upload your passport to the CLEAR App and keep your passport in your pocket.
• Always keep a REAL ID-compliant document with you when you fly.

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