Jordan Higa has been a frequent flyer for most of his life. He uses his state-issued license, which happens to have a special star on it, to fly between states. Twenty years ago, these stars didn’t exist on state-issued driver’s licenses, but with the final deadline for federally mandated REAL IDs approaching, domestic travelers will have to make the switch.
“The only thing I had known about REAL IDs before now was that I had one on my driver’s license,” Higa said. “And that the TSA has been saying that they’re going to start requiring them ‘within the next year’ for like four years now.”
Congress signed the REAL ID Act into law in 2005 in response to a recommendation made by the 9/11 Commission to improve national security, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Even though the original deadline was set for 2008, the federal government was challenged by the new requirements for these IDs, since it was something previously handled on a state-by-state basis.
States struggled to update their DMV systems to accommodate the REAL ID policies, taking on administrative burdens, backlogs, and reapproval of ID cards.
“In theory, it makes it more secure for everyone when they’re flying,” Higa said. “However, in practice, all this does is alienate people who don’t have proper documentation.”
Under public pressure, the federal government extended the deadline several times to allow states to update their systems, and produce and distribute REAL IDs to their residents.
As of January 2024, approximately 56 percent of IDs in circulation were REAL ID compliant and only 61.2 percent of IDs would be REAL ID compliant by the deadline of May 7, 2025, according to the Federal Register.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raises concerns that because of the constant extensions, the public may no longer have the urgency to obtain a REAL ID, leading to last-minute surges up to and after the deadline passes.
“As of May 2025, you will need a REAL ID to fly domestically and enter certain federal facilities,” said DHS Special Agent Tim Yoon.
Since states are no longer allowed to issue a standard, state-issued driver’s license, if you received a license within the last decade, a star should appear on your license. This means your ID is REAL ID compliant.
“The REAL ID Act was created to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses,” Yoon said. “When I applied for my Hawaii driver’s license, I presented my passport, birth certificate, driver’s license from the state I moved from, and two pieces of mail to prove my address.”
As the REAL ID Act outlines, those who do not provide Real IDs past the deadline, such as persons without proper legal status, documentation, or visas, will no longer be allowed to access federal facilities, including commercial flights.
These policies prevent migrants from using outdated IDs such as standard state-issued driver’s licenses, creating barriers for those assimilating into the U.S.
“I have mixed feelings about the stricter regulations because, on one hand, enhanced security likely means more passenger and aircraft safety,” said University of Hawaii student Bo Maslen. “However, through the enforcement of these policies, they might pose issues such as privacy concerns, exclusion, and discrimination.”
