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Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
Outside the box.
Upcoming REAL ID Changes Set to Impact Domestic Travel in the United States
New identification requirements for domestic travelers will take effect on May 7, 2025, potentially causing significant delays.
Starting May 7, 2025, domestic travelers within the United States will be required to present compliant identification that meets the REAL ID specifications established by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Individuals without the appropriate identification may be denied boarding on domestic flights, according to the DHS.
This change is part of the long-term implementation of stricter photo ID requirements, which were first proposed by the US Congress following the September 11 attacks in 2001. While the changes received Congressional approval in 2005, there have been multiple delays, leading to the establishment of the current deadline.
The new regulations aim to create minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and to restrict federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not comply with these standards.
The DHS has indicated that foreign government-issued passports will remain an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that travelers aged 18 and older who do not present a REAL ID-compliant document or a passport may experience delays and additional screening at security checkpoints.
Currently, approximately 81 percent of travelers at TSA checkpoints are using some form of acceptable identification, including REAL ID-compliant state-issued cards.
In light of the impending changes, the Australian government has issued alerts via its Smartraveller portal, advising citizens to familiarize themselves with US entry requirements.
The portal emphasizes that US authorities possess broad discretion in determining eligibility for entry and may consider individuals inadmissible for various reasons under US law.
Additionally, the TSA has communicated that it will maintain heightened screening protocols for travelers presenting non-compliant forms of ID until they are no longer deemed a security risk.
This adjustment aims to enhance the overall security of air travel within the nation.
As part of the continuing efforts to streamline travel procedures, a program aimed at reducing paperwork and wait times at US airports will be expanded to include Australian passengers by the latter half of 2025.
Individuals without the appropriate identification may be denied boarding on domestic flights, according to the DHS.
This change is part of the long-term implementation of stricter photo ID requirements, which were first proposed by the US Congress following the September 11 attacks in 2001. While the changes received Congressional approval in 2005, there have been multiple delays, leading to the establishment of the current deadline.
The new regulations aim to create minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and to restrict federal agencies from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not comply with these standards.
The DHS has indicated that foreign government-issued passports will remain an acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel.
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that travelers aged 18 and older who do not present a REAL ID-compliant document or a passport may experience delays and additional screening at security checkpoints.
Currently, approximately 81 percent of travelers at TSA checkpoints are using some form of acceptable identification, including REAL ID-compliant state-issued cards.
In light of the impending changes, the Australian government has issued alerts via its Smartraveller portal, advising citizens to familiarize themselves with US entry requirements.
The portal emphasizes that US authorities possess broad discretion in determining eligibility for entry and may consider individuals inadmissible for various reasons under US law.
Additionally, the TSA has communicated that it will maintain heightened screening protocols for travelers presenting non-compliant forms of ID until they are no longer deemed a security risk.
This adjustment aims to enhance the overall security of air travel within the nation.
As part of the continuing efforts to streamline travel procedures, a program aimed at reducing paperwork and wait times at US airports will be expanded to include Australian passengers by the latter half of 2025.
