The New TSA REAL ID Rule: How's It going?

How Have Travelers Been Prepared for Real ID?

As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began full enforcement of the REAL ID Act at airport security checkpoints across the U.S. This means that travelers aged 18 or older must present a REAL ID–compliant state driver’s license or identification card, or another acceptable form of federal identification (e.g., U.S. passport, military ID, enhanced driver’s license from accepted states) when boarding domestic flights.

To support the rollout, TSA and related agencies had long warned of potential delays, confusion, and increased volume at DMV offices as people sought to upgrade their IDs.

Early Results & Compliance Rates

So far, the transition has gone more smoothly than worst-case scenarios feared, though not without some challenges.

High Compliance Numbers

TSA reports that over 93% of IDs presented at checkpoints are now either REAL ID-compliant or another acceptable form.
According to a local report, compliance “in the high 80s to 90s” has been observed in many regions. “We are seeing a very high rate of compliance with REAL ID licenses or acceptable alternative licenses,” said TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.
A TSA Federal Security Director in Idaho stated:

“We have seen little to no disruption in our security operations since REAL ID enforcement started on May 7.”
TSA had projected that roughly 81% of travelers were already using compliant or acceptable identification prior to enforcement, which has helped mitigate major disruptions.
On the state level, before the enforcement, several states reported very high compliance. For example: Texas (~98%), Mississippi (~97%), Hawaii (96%), Utah (96%), Vermont (92%).

These figures suggest that many travelers were already early adopters or held passports/alternative IDs, which eased the enforcement burden.

Issues & Pain Points

Even with relatively strong compliance, several challenges surfaced:

Residual non-compliance (~7%)
- According to Reuters, as of mid-May 2025, nearly 7% of U.S. air travelers were not meeting the new identification requirements.
- Those travelers may face extra screening, delays, or re-routing through identity-verification lanes.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed travelers without REAL ID would still be allowed to fly, but may face additional scrutiny.
DMV Backlogs and Appointment Bottlenecks
- In several states, DMV appointment slots have been overwhelmed in the weeks leading up to the deadline. For instance, in Oregon, DMV Administrator Amy Joyce noted:
  
  “We’re seeing long lines and appointments can be hard to come by.”
- Many people scrambling for upgrades late encountered delays in getting the required documentation or had to make repeat visits.
Confusion Over Acceptable IDs
- Some travelers remain unclear on which forms of identification will still be accepted (e.g., enhanced licenses vs standard IDs, tribal IDs, etc.) There is confusion about whether temporary or paper licenses are acceptable (in many cases, they are not acceptable for checkpoint use)
Operational & Scanning Glitches
- Although not widespread (as of available reporting), some states’ REAL ID cards have experienced scanning or barcode-reading issues at checkpoints. For example, in Maine, there were reports of certain Real IDs being “sporadically rejected” by TSA scanning equipment.
- Some observers have noted that airports did not always fully staff additional identity-verification lanes to handle surges, potentially causing delays during peak travel periods.
Public Messaging & Awareness Gaps
- Despite broad communication campaigns, some travelers claimed they only learned about the REAL ID deadline at the airport.
- The “phased enforcement” concept introduced some ambiguity, as some wondered whether non-compliant IDs would still “work” temporarily without being completely denied.

What Travelers Need to Know Going Forward

Always carry a backup ID — If your REAL ID (or enhanced license) fails to scan or isn’t accepted, a U.S. passport, military ID, or other accepted forms can be used. Arrive earlier than usual — Travelers without a REAL ID (or with uncertain documentation) should plan for extra time for identity verification at checkpoints.
Check your ID for the REAL ID star or marking — If your state-issued driver’s license doesn’t show the star (usually in the upper corner), it's likely non-compliant.
If you haven’t upgraded yet, start the process sooner rather than later — Don’t wait until the last moment. Get your documentation in order (birth certificate, Social Security, proof of address, etc.).
Report issues — If your REAL ID is rejected at the checkpoint, ask the TSA officer what alternative processes are available and document the issue. Some states have offered replacement IDs for problematic scanning units.

Conclusion

Though initial projections warned of major delays, airports nationally appear to have managed the REAL ID transition with relatively few disruptions. The fact that many travelers were already compliant with the new standards has mitigated worst-case scenarios. Still, the remaining 5–10% of travelers without acceptable identification remain vulnerable to delays and complications.

From DMV bottlenecks to scanning glitches and informational confusion, this enforced shift in U.S. air travel ID policy is not without its growing pains. Over the coming months, continued coordination among TSA, state DMVs, and airports will be essential to smoothing out operational kinks.

If you like, I can generate an image or infographic to accompany this post (e.g., showing the rate of compliance, the steps to get REAL ID, or “what to bring to the checkpoint”). Do you want me to create one?