5 TSA Changes for 2025

As we look forward to traveling in 2025, it’s important to review the new rules for getting through security. Whether you’re a frequent or occasional flyer, keeping up with these updates is crucial to enjoying the start of your trip.

While some changes have been anticipated for a long time (looking at you, REAL ID!), others reflect the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) ongoing efforts to balance passenger security with traveler convenience in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Here are the key updates you need to know before your next flight, along with practical tips to help you navigate the new requirements without adding stress to your journey.

1 REAL ID Enforcement Finally Begins (May 7, 2025)

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’ve heard about this, but it’s been long-delayed so you may not have tended to it. 

After many delays, the real enforcement of REAL ID starts this spring. You’ll need either a REAL ID-compliant state driver’s license or an acceptable alternative (like a valid passport) to board domestic flights.

Here’s how to verify your license is REAL ID-compliant:

1. Look for a star – most REAL IDs have a star marker in the upper right corner. It may be black or gold, depending on your state. Some states (like California) use a bear with a star–Hawaii uses a gold star within a circle.
2. Check the issue date – if your license was issued after your state began REAL ID compliance, you’re good; however, some states offer people the choice between a REAL ID and a standard license, so the issue date alone isn’t enough. Check your state’s REAL ID implementation on the Department of Motor Vehicles website.

See this website and click the map to check your state’s compliance.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your license is compliant, don’t wait until the last minute to check. The closer we get to the May 7, 2025, deadline, the more crowded DMV offices will be with people seeking compliant IDs.

2 Phased Enforcement Approach

While the initial rollout of REAL ID begins May 7, the TSA has stated that it will take a phased enforcement approach, which means different airports may have varying implementation schedules.

Yikes. You might need a real ID at the start of your trip and not on the way back!

In addition, at some airports, the checkpoints themselves may differ, with some taking only REAL IDs and others accepting standard-issue licenses. We can only hope that the TSA officers are fully trained to recognize REAL IDs from all states, but in the interim, travelers can expect some level of delay as everyone works out the kinks in the system.

Here’s how you can best prepare:

1. Make sure you have a REAL ID-compliant license, and if not, plan to travel with your passport or passport card instead.
2. Consider carrying alternative acceptable IDs (the passport card is a great example) for the first half of 2025 as things get figured out – just in case!
3. If you are concerned, check the websites for the airports you are traveling through to find out what their requirements are.
4. If you haven’t already, get a TSA PreCheck, better yet, Global Entry, to help you avoid potentially longer lines.

Pro tip: At least for the first few months of enforcement, consider arriving 30 minutes earlier than usual to account for potential delays and confusion in the security lines.

3 Alternative ID options

There are multiple valid identification alternatives you may not know about. Here are some to consider if your REAL ID is missing, not issued, or delayed.

Passport options:

• Valid passport card
• Foreign government-issued passport (must be current)
• A US passport that has expired less than 1 year can be used as backup identification in a pinch
• Trusted traveler program cards like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST

Enhanced driver’s licenses are another alternative, but they’re currently available in only a few states. EDLs serve as both REAL ID and land/sea border crossing documents (like if you want to take the ferry from Seattle into Canada). EDLs are marked with an American flag icon.

Federal and military IDs:

• Active duty military IDs (this will also let you board the plane early, you lucky dog)
• Department of Defense civilian IDs
• Veterans Health Identification Cards
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo IDs
• HSPD-12 PIV cards for federal employees
• Transportation Worker Identification Credentials

Other acceptable documents:

• Permanent resident cards (Green Cards)
• DHS-designated enhanced tribal cards
• Foreign government-issued national IDs
• USCIS Employment Authorization Cards (I-766)

Pro tip: While these alternatives are acceptable, you may experience additional scrutiny. If using an alternative ID, consider arriving at least 15 minutes early to allow for more time in front of the security officers.

4 Digital Documentation Integration

Finally, the TSA is now accepting mobile driver’s licenses at some airports; key participating airports include:

• LAX (Los Angeles)
• ATL (Atlanta)
• DEN (Denver)
• DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth)
• PHX (Phoenix)
• BWI (Baltimore/Washington)

Not all states have mobile driver’s license initiatives, but for those that do, here’s how mDLs work:

You store your license information digitally in Apple Wallet or the Android equivalent and then tap or scan it at security checkpoints. It displays only necessary information – not personal information, which is better for your personal security.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Download your state’s official DMV app
2. Scan or enter your physical driver’s license
3. You may need to take a new selfie-style photo for verification
4. Complete the identity verification steps

And there you go!

Pro tip: If your state is offering mobile driver’s licenses, it’s 100% a good idea to take that step in case your wallet or license is stolen. This could save you if you need to board a plane.

5 New Security Screening Technology

New CAT-2 Units (Credential Authentication Technology) are being installed in airports around the country and it means these things for travelers:

• A faster security experience with less unpacking of electronics and liquids plus, in some places, automated bin systems for speedier throughput.
• Laptops and tablets can stay in your bags.
• Reportedly, there is less need for pat-downs and better recognition of medical devices.

And to answer some of the questions that may be coming to mind:

• No, you don’t need new luggage.
• Yes, you can still opt for traditional screening.
• No, your personal data isn’t stored.
• Yes, children can use all the new technology.

These technological upgrades may mean temporary changes in how you typically get through security, but in the long run, they should speed up the process. We’re looking forward to breezing through security faster in 2025!

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