REAL ID becomes effective May 7 to board domestic flights

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers 18 and older must have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and enter some federal buildings. A valid passport is also accepted. Noncompliant identification will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights after this date.

A REAL ID is a federally compliant driver’s license, learner permit, or non-driver ID issued by your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV or Motor Vehicles). The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005.

What You Need to Do

We strongly urge you to get your REAL ID-compliant card immediately to avoid travel delays.

In New York State (NYS), if you have a license or state-issued ID card that has a flag or a star on it, you are compliant. A flag is pictured on the Enhanced NYS driver’s license, and a star is pictured on the REAL ID card. If you are not compliant, see the NYS Enhanced or REAL ID page for instructions.

Outside NYS, visit the REAL ID website for state-specific resources. Your state’s DMV/Motor Vehicles website will tell you what documentation you need to present to get a compliant ID, if you don’t have one.

If you have questions, please contact the Cornell Concur Travel Team.