As passed by U.S. Congress on 2005, The REAL ID Act recommends that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” This Act established minimum security standards for state-issued drivers licenses and/or identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting, for official purposes, identifications that do not meet these standards.
These official purposes are:
Accessing certain federal facilties
Boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft
Entering nuclear plants
Starting on May 7, 2025, all state-issued drivers licenses and identifications must comply with these security standards. What does this mean for travelers? If you don't have a REAL ID driver license or identification, starting on May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use it to board a commercial airline. So, if you're not a passport holder, it is highly recommended that you get a REAL ID when time comes, otherwise, you won't be going on that amazing vacation... unless you can drive there 😉