If you’re heading to the airport soon, you need to listen up!

We know the need for a REAL ID has been floating around for years now, but the deadline is just around the corner, and things are about to get, well, real.

Starting May 7th, 2025, you will need to provide a REAL ID during the check-in process when flying in the United States. REAL IDs are driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the federal REAL ID security standards.

If you’ve been to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the past few years, you likely already have a REAL ID. You can figure out if your card is a REAL ID by seeing if it has a star in the corner.

Each state may require different documentation to receive a REAL ID, but at minimum, you’ll need documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

You should check your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to see what documents you need before you go.

If you don’t have a REAL ID but will be travelling soon, these alternative methods of identification can also be used:

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Travelers over 18 who do not have a REAL ID or an approved alternative identification method will not be permitted through the security checkpoint starting May 7th. Minors are not currently required to have an ID when traveling with a companion who is 18 or older within the United States.

Now’s a great time to check your ID and make sure it’s a REAL ID. If not, start scheduling an appointment to get your new one before your next trip to the airport. Keep following Disney Food Blog for all of your travel news.

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The post HEADS UP! An Important NEW Airport Rule Starts Next Week first appeared on the disney food blog.