SALT LAKE CITY - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) today reminded the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft.
To determine if a Utah credential is REAL ID-compliant, look for a gold star in the top right corner. The presence of this image will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and who do not have another acceptable form of photo identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified.
“With enforcement of REAL ID set to begin in about two weeks, now is the time to confirm you have the proper photo identification needed to verify your identity the next time you travel by air,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Utah Matt Davis. “A small investment of your time now will save you from potential delays and more when traveling through a TSA security checkpoint on May 7, 2025, and beyond.”
“SLC International Airport reminds passengers to plan ahead and be prepared with the proper identification before arriving at the airport,” said Bill Wyatt, executive director, Salt Lake City Department of Airports. “To ensure a smooth experience through the airport, allow extra time and arrive at the airport two hours prior when flying domestically and three hours for international flights.”
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials to residents in 2019. Eligibility requirements include providing proof of identity, proof of social security number and proof of Utah residency. DPS estimates that 95% of Utahns have a Utah REAL ID-compliant credential. Nationally, 81% of travelers at TSA airport security checkpoints present an acceptable form of identification.
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.