Source: https://nbaa.org News Editor, First Published March 18th, 2025
Beginning May 7, 2025, adult travelers using commercial air transportation within the United States, including Part 135 charter, will be required to carry identification compliant with the Real ID Act.
This requirement includes passengers of all commercial flights subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security programs, including the Twelve Five Standard Security Program.
While a Real IA-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification card is the primary document to meet Real ID Act requirements, the following forms of identification also are acceptable:
- S. passport or a passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
- S. military ID (active duty, retiree and reserve)
- Permanent resident card or other official U.S. government-issued IDs
- Foreign government-issued passport (if applicable)
- Border crossing card, for certain travelers from neighboring countries
- Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card (Personal Identity Verification)
“The enforcement of Real ID requirements for domestic air travel within the United States has been delayed several times,” said Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations. “As of the latest update, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) set the enforcement date for May 7. On that date, travelers will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport to board domestic commercial flights and access certain federal facilities.”
The Real ID compliance date was originally set for 2008 but has been postponed multiple times.
“We are not aware of any additional delays at this time, but if new guidance is provided by DHS, we will inform member companies immediately. In the meantime, commercial operators, including Part 135 charter operators, should update their policies and training programs so individuals responsible for verifying ID prior to boarding know how to identify a Real ID-compliant document,” Everington added.
Minors are not required to present identification. Also, Real ID-compliant identification is not required for private flights conducted under Part 91.
