Editorial · May 26, 2025
REAL ID Business Travel: What Employers Should Plan For
REAL ID business travel rules changed on May 7, 2025, the day federal enforcement began. From that date, a state driver's license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant, or you need another accepted ID, to board a domestic flight or enter many federal facilities. Employers should check their staff's IDs now.
What changed on May 7, 2025
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. It set minimum security standards for state licenses and ID cards. For years, enforcement was pushed back. Now it is in force.
Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), may only accept a state license or ID for certain purposes if it meets those standards. Those purposes are boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft, entering certain federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
All states, the District of Columbia and the five territories are issuing compliant cards. A compliant card carries a star marking near the top. Some states still issue non-compliant cards too, and those must say plainly that they are not acceptable for official purposes.
Who on your team is affected
Any adult who flies within the United States is affected. TSA requires adults age 18 and older to show valid ID at the checkpoint. Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights, though you should ask the airline about its own rules for minors.
Staff who visit federal buildings for meetings, contracts or inspections may also be asked for ID. The law does not require ID where none was needed before. TSA gives the public areas of the Smithsonian as an example. Each agency sets its own entry rules, so confirm with your host before the visit.
TSA PreCheck members are not exempt. A PreCheck traveler who shows a non-compliant license and has no other accepted ID gets the same treatment as anyone else.
Which IDs work instead of a REAL ID card
A passport is not the only option. TSA lists many accepted documents, and its list says it can change without notice. Among them are:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A state Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID card
- A DHS trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
- A U.S. Department of Defense ID
- A permanent resident card
- A foreign government passport
- A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Enhanced licenses are issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. Most do not show the star, and that is fine. They show a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced."
A traveler only needs one valid ID, not two. A REAL ID or an alternative such as a passport is enough for a domestic trip. TSA also still accepts expired ID for up to two years after the expiration date, for the listed types. A temporary paper license is not accepted.
What happens to a traveler without the right ID
A traveler with a non-compliant license and no other accepted ID will be told about the problem. TSA says they may be sent to a separate area and may get extra screening.
TSA also says an officer may try to verify identity by asking for details such as name and current address. If the officer confirms identity, the person may enter the checkpoint with added screening. If the traveler declines to take part, or the officer cannot confirm who they are, they will not be let through.
For a business trip, that is a real risk. A missed flight can mean a missed client meeting. It is far cheaper to check IDs in advance than to fix the problem at the airport.
A simple plan for employers
You do not need a complex program. A short checklist is enough.
- Ask staff who travel to check their card. Look for the star, or the word "Enhanced" with a flag.
- Record who has a passport. For anyone without a compliant card, a valid passport covers domestic flights and works as a backup.
- Point staff to their state licensing agency. To get a REAL ID, a person must show proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status. States may add rules, so check the state website first.
- Allow time. Some offices need an in-person visit, so build that into the schedule.
- Remind staff about international trips. A REAL ID card cannot be used to cross into Canada or Mexico, or for international travel or cruises. A passport is still required.
- Confirm federal site rules. Before a visit, ask the host agency what ID it will accept.
Bottom line
REAL ID business travel rules are now part of normal trip planning. The fix is usually small: a star on a card, or a passport in the bag. Check IDs for anyone with a flight or a federal visit on the calendar.
Sources
- Transportation Security Administration, REAL ID: tsa.gov/real-id
- Transportation Security Administration, REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions: tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
- Transportation Security Administration, Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification