The time has finally come, the Real ID deadline is officially within a year from now. The original date for air travelers to get their Real ID was by October 1, 2020, in order to board a domestic flight. However, that deadline has been bumped a few times during the pandemic and is now May 3, 2023.
By May 3, 2023, all U.S. travelers 18 and older (kids traveling domestically with an adult don’t need to provide identification) will be required to present a driver’s license to U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents that is considered Real ID–compliant when passing through airport security in order to be able to fly domestically. If you don't have a REAL ID by that date, you'll have to show another acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States, such as a valid passport, permanent resident card, or DHS trusted traveler program card.
If you don’t have a Real ID, valid passport, or other acceptable form of identification by May 3, 2023, you won’t be allowed to fly domestically.
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