DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Announces All Passengers Will Need REAL ID In Order To Fly

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has announced that all passengers will need a REAL ID to fly.

Noem wrote in a post on X, “Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists.”

She added, “If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!”

Here’s what the REAL ID is according to Georgia Driver Services:

“Real ID, in general terms, refers to the federal legislation intended to deter terrorism by implementing several new homeland security regulations. The rules establish the minimum standards, procedures, and requirements that must be met if a state-issued driver’s license or identification card is to be accepted by the Federal government for official purposes.”

Watch her announcement here:

Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!https://t.co/rmP0renGHs pic.twitter.com/f92iT0uygA

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 11, 2025

Here’s what Reuters reported:

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration said on Friday it will begin enforcing long-delayed stricter ID requirements at U.S. airports starting May 7 and warned passengers could be denied access to flights.

On May 7, TSA will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant. Congress in 2005 approved new, stricter federal standards for issuing identification cards but enforcement has been pushed back repeatedly.

TSA said Friday that next month passengers 18 or older without passports or the enhanced ID “can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.”

TSA said 81% of travelers at checkpoints are currently presenting an acceptable identification including a state-issued REAL ID and the agency added that it “will continue with additional screening measures for those without a REAL ID until it is no longer considered a security vulnerability.”

It is still unclear how vigorously the TSA will enforce the new rules. U.S. airlines are already worried about weaker demand given international tariff tensions and economic concerns.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted that people also need those IDs to visit a federal building starting May 7.

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TSA in December 2022 pushed back the “REAL ID” enforcement deadline until May 2025.

The 2005 law enacted the Sept. 11, 2001, commission’s recommendation that the U.S. government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The law sets minimum security standards for license issuance and production.

Every state is Real ID compliant.

This is not new. I don’t know why people are treating it like it is.

— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) April 12, 2025

The Trump administration are the chosen puppets to push “Real ID” just like they rolled out the “15 Days To Slow The Spread” lockdown & “Operation Warp Speed” vaccine program.

The real “stolen election” is that both candidates are actors & you can’t vote your way out of it.

— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) April 12, 2025

Per CNBC:

Travelers take note: The federal government says it will start enforcing Real ID requirements at U.S. airports starting May 7 — for real this time.

That means travelers will need a Real ID-compliant license or other accepted form of identification like a passport to get through security before a domestic U.S. flight.

The Transportation Security Administration said 81% of people approaching airport checkpoints already have Real ID-compliant identification, though it varies by state.

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Federal and state officials in recent weeks have urged travelers to make appointments at motor vehicle departments to update licenses and other ID cards before the deadline, though availability has become scarce.

“Make your appointments now as quick as possible,” John Essig, the Transportation Security Administration’s federal security director for New York City-area airports, said at a news conference at LaGuardia Airport earlier this month. “We certainly don’t want to hold up anyone without Real ID at the checkpoint,” Essig said.