TSA Confirms Five States Exempt from REAL ID Requirement After May 7

Starting May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another federally approved identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities, a requirement stemming from post-9/11 legislation aimed at strengthening security. However, residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont can use Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) as an alternative, since these meet federal standards. While the majority of states require a REAL ID, alternative documents such as passports or military IDs are also accepted at TSA checkpoints. In the lead-up to the deadline, travelers have reported delays and confusion at airport security due to some new state IDs, particularly from New Hampshire and Tennessee, not being automatically recognized by TSA’s verification systems, prompting manual checks. TSA and state agencies acknowledge these technical issues and are working to resolve them, urging travelers to carry backup identification to avoid disruptions. Authorities recommend travelers prepare in advance to prevent delays, as enforcement is expected to increase and the deadline is not a cutoff for obtaining a REAL ID.