By Eric Hrubant, Founder & CEO of CIRE Travel
After many (many!) starts and stops, it’s finally here: REAL ID! As of May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers aged 18 and over will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. We’ve answered a few frequently asked questions below, but don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert travel team with any questions.
“What if I don’t have a REAL ID?”
Don’t worry! You can still fly anywhere with your valid passport. But it’s probably a good time to make that trip to the DMV sooner rather than later.
“How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?”
If your Driver’s License is REAL ID compliant, it will have a star in the upper right corner. The star will be gold or black, or white in a gold or black circle or other shape (like a bear in California!). Best bet is to search your state DMV website and compare your ID to what’s on the official site.
“Why do I need a REAL ID?”
This initiative, stemming from the REAL ID Act enacted in 2005, aims to enhance security standards for state-issued identification.
Change is hard
We know this type of thing can be annoying, but our team at CIRE is here to help! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about how REAL ID will impact your upcoming business trip or luxury vacation. Given the anticipated surge in applications as the deadline approaches, it’s advisable to plan ahead to avoid potential delays. Here’s a helpful link with all the details!
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.