TSA Begins REAL ID Enforcement on May 7

April 30, 2025

Are you REAL ID Ready? Transportation Security Administration (TSA) enforcement of the U.S. REAL ID Act will take effect May 7, 2025. Anyone 18 years and older (including TSA PreCheck members) using commercial air transportation within the United States, including Part 135 charter, will need a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID like a U.S. passport. State licenses that are REAL ID-compliant are marked with a star in the upper top portion of the card.

The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Starting May 7, the TSA will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID-compliant at TSA security checkpoints. "Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," according to a TSA statement.

Be prepared! To help keep private aviation flying, SPARROW Executive Jets has assembled some fast facts about the REAL ID requirement below. If you don't have a REAL ID, you can still use the following alternatives depending on the situation:

✈️ For Domestic Air Travel (after May 7, 2025)

You must present one of the following:

• U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
• DHS Trusted Traveler Card (e.g., Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
• U.S. Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Foreign Passport with valid U.S. Visa
• Tribal-issued photo ID
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Border Crossing Card

View the full list of acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint.

🛑 Don't Have Your Acceptable ID?

According to the TSA, if you don't have acceptable ID, the TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

🆔 If You're Not Flying 

The following non-REAL ID forms of identification will still be valid for daily use like driving, voting (depending on state), or private transactions:

• Standard state driver’s license or ID (non-REAL ID)
• School or employee ID
• Birth certificate or Social Security card (limited use, usually for backup)
• Utility bill or lease agreement (to prove residence, not identity)

🛩️ Find Out If You're REAL ID Ready

If you have questions or need personalized assistance about your upcoming flight with SEJ, contact your designated SEJ account manager. The Department of Homeland Security REAL ID website also offers frequently asked questions and a useful interactive tool to help you find out if you're REAL ID ready.