Real ID Deadline Approaches as U.S. Travelers Brace for New ID Requirements and Digital Boarding Upgrades

The long-anticipated deadline for Real ID enforcement is now just weeks away, sparking a nationwide surge in Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) appointments as travelers scramble to upgrade their licenses before the new rules take effect. Under the federal mandate, beginning May 7, travelers aged 18 and older must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter secure federal facilities. Those without a Real ID will need to use alternative forms of identification such as a valid passport or certified birth certificate.