Today’s the Day: No Real ID, No Easy Boarding
Pop culture might be obsessed with flying cars and AI pilots, but back here in reality, you still can’t board a domestic flight without the right ID—and the TSA just made that a lot stricter. After years of delays, announcements, and polite warnings, the Real ID Act officially goes into full effect today. If you’re over 18 and still don’t have one of those special driver’s licenses with the gold star in the corner, brace yourself.
The Transportation Security Administration has confirmed that as of this morning, domestic flyers must present a Real ID-compliant license or one of several acceptable alternatives—or risk being turned away at the security checkpoint.
What Happens If You Don’t Have One?
You’re not totally grounded, but it won’t be a smooth ride. The TSA recommends arriving at least three hours early. That’s not just for check-in—it’s for the extra screening you’ll endure if you show up without a Real ID. You’ll also need to bring multiple forms of identification, ideally with photos. Even then, entry isn’t guaranteed.
And yes, that includes your library card. Desperate times.
Acceptable Alternatives to Real ID:
If you’re passport-ready, you’re golden. Here’s what else gets you through the gate without hassle:
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- State-Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (marked with a star or U.S. flag)
- Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs or HSPD-12 PIV cards
- Permanent Resident or Border Crossing Cards
- Federally Recognized Tribal IDs
- Foreign Passports
- Canadian Driver’s Licenses
- TWIC Cards
- Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials
- Veteran Health ID Cards
Bottom line? If you don’t have a Real ID or one of these alternatives, consider delaying your travel—or start planning that DMV visit pronto. Security lines are about to get real.
