As of May 7th, 2025, anyone 18 or over planning to travel in the US needs a REAL ID or equivalent identification to board an aircraft. So, what is a REAL ID? The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. It came from the 9/11 commission’s recommendation that the U.S. set more standards for acceptable forms of ID for travel to prevent the use of false IDs. So why is it relevant 20 years later? The government has called for harsher restrictions on what a valid ID for air travel is and what isn’t. REAL IDs are driver’s licenses, permits, or non-driving IDs that have a gold or black star in the corner, making them verified. Acceptable substitutes for these IDs are Enhanced IDs, which have an American flag and the word “nhanced” printed on them. The best option other than a basic REAL ID would be a passport, which is also the document that allows international travel, but passports cost almost 100 dollars more than a REAL ID in some cases. According to TSA’s REAL ID FAQ, flyers who come with a non-Real ID form of identification will be taken aside and evaluated for travel on a case-by-case basis. Standard IDs can still be used for the purchase of age-restricted products, driving, and voting. If you are planning on traveling soon, be REAL ID ready!