PROVIDENCE, RI – Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing REAL ID rules at airports nationwide. All airline passengers aged 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. Military ID when passing through TSA security checkpoints at airports across the United States.

Many states, including Rhode Island, have issued REAL ID-compliant licenses for years.  Rhode Island’s DMV began offering REAL ID-compliant licenses in 2018.  If you haven’t renewed your Ocean State driver’s license since 2018, now is a good time to act.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed says the Trump Administration should also be taking action to get the word out and explain the transition to people to prevent unnecessary travel delays and disruption.

Reed sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noting that millions of Americans still do not have a REAL ID compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification.  Senator Reed wants the Trump Administration to spell out its REAL ID plans for travelers, writing: “Since it seems likely that many travelers will not have a compliant ID by May 7th, please describe how you will ensure that there are not delays at TSA security checkpoints and what steps the TSA is taking to process travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without REAL ID compliant identification.”

According to the TSA, 81 percent of travelers at airport security checkpoints are currently presenting an acceptable identification including a state-issued REAL ID.  TSA says after May 7, air travelers without a Real ID could face more screening and longer efforts to validate their identity.

Senator Reed says this effort has been years in the making and there should be a clear plan and public education to ensure people know the rules and can avoid last-minute issues at the airport.

Full text of Senator Reed’s letter follows:

Dear Secretary Noem:

I write regarding the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) plans to enforce REAL ID travel requirements beginning on May 7, 2025.

Following the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed, and then-President George W. Bush signed, the REAL ID Act of 2005, which requires minimum security standards for driver’s licenses or other identification of anyone seeking to board a domestic flight. Recognizing the time and complexity involved in switching to REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, President Trump signed legislation in 2020 that confirmed the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion over when to begin enforcing this requirement. Last week, TSA confirmed that enforcement will begin on May 7th.

According to the TSA, around 20 percent of air travelers still use a form of identification that is not compliant with REAL ID requirements. Indeed, millions of Americans still do not have a REAL ID compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification, such as a passport or a military identification card. As you told the President at a recent cabinet meeting, “We don't want anybody to get delayed and not be able to travel when they get to an airport.” Since it seems likely that many travelers will not have a compliant ID by May 7th, please describe how you will ensure that there are not delays at TSA security checkpoints and what steps the TSA is taking to process travelers who arrive at airport security checkpoints without REAL ID compliant identification.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,