Domestic air travel has officially entered the digital age. As of May 7, 2025, the REAL ID is mandatory, or you’ll likely face longer security wait times. That said, travelers now have alternatives like mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and touchless facial recognition. This guide breaks down what’s accepted, where to use it, and how to breeze through TSA with confidence and clarity.
REAL ID Enforcement Is Fully Rolled Out
Starting May 7, 2025, you must present a REAL ID–compliant credential, or another TSA-acceptable form such as a passport, military ID, or enhanced driver’s license, to board domestic flights. According to TSA, all states and territories now issue REAL IDs marked with a star or distinct symbol. If you lack one, arriving early and undergoing extra screening may still get you through, but anticipate delays. Media outlets have reported that while most airports handled the transition smoothly, lines backed up at DMVs nationwide amid rushes to renew.
What Counts as a REAL ID
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card marked with a star (or similar) that meets federal standards. Enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) from select states like Michigan, New York, and Washington also qualify. Other accepted documents include U.S. passports, passport cards, Global Entry cards, and military IDs.
Digital IDs & Facial Recognition: The Next Frontier
Mobile IDs are gaining traction. TSA now accepts mDLs at more than 250 checkpoints across at least 16 states, for example, Louisiana’s LA Wallet app uses a secure QR and photo scan that’s cleared at TSA. TSA also reports deploying Credential Authentication Technology-2 (CAT-2) scanners at over 250 airports to verify IDs more efficiently. Their PreCheck Touchless ID lane, supported by biometric face scans, is live at 15+ airports and optional for travelers. According to oversight reports, facial images are encrypted and deleted within 24 hours, and TSA allows travelers to opt out without penalty.
How to Breeze Through Checkpoint Hassles—Your Travel Blueprint
| Need | What to Do |
|---|---|
| You don’t have REAL ID yet | Use a passport or other TSA-approved ID. Arrive early for potential extra screening. |
| You prefer a mobile ID | Install your state’s mDL app or use CLEAR where available—but always carry a physical backup. |
| You’re a TSA PreCheck member | Opt in to Touchless ID via your airline app and use the dedicated lane where available. |
| You want privacy | Decline biometric scanning and follow standard ID procedures. TSA assures no delay or penalty. |
How to Breeze Through Checkpoint Hassles – Your Traveler’s Toolbox
If you don’t yet have a REAL ID, use a passport or other TSA-accepted ID and arrive early. If you prefer a mobile ID and your state supports mDLs, bring it along, but always carry a physical backup. TSA PreCheck members can opt into Touchless ID via their airline app and use dedicated biometric lanes where available. If privacy matters, feel free to decline biometric screening and go through the standard ID check instead.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Check with your state’s DMV or TSA site to verify your ID’s REAL ID status. Use digital ID lanes when available. Bring backup ID. Watch for signage and boarding pass markers for Touchless ID access.
The future of U.S. air travel is digital, biometric, and fast, but for now, smooth flying means preparing the right ID, knowing your options, and heading to the gate confidently.
References
- TSA, “TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement May 7” and “Real ID FAQs,” tsa.gov
- Washington Post, “TSA’s Faster PreCheck Lane Wants to Scan Your Face” (August 12 2025)
- AP News, “Most Airports Operated Smoothly on the First Day of the REAL ID Requirement”
- TSA, “Participating States for Mobile Driver’s Licenses,” tsa.gov
- TSA, “TSA Fact Sheet: Facial Comparison Technology”
- PCLOB Oversight Report on TSA’s Use of Facial Recognition Technologies (May 2025)
