Starting May 7, 2025, travelers across the United States will face a new hurdle when boarding domestic flights, entering certain federal buildings, and accessing military facilities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the REAL ID Act, requiring all travelers over the age of 18 to present a REAL ID-compliant identification or an accepted alternative, such as a passport, to fly domestically or access federal facilities. Here is why the REAL ID matters for immigrants.
If you think your passport will keep you covered, think again. There are nuances to the REAL ID Act’s enforcement that might catch even seasoned travelers off guard.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to enhance the security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. It establishes minimum security standards for ID issuance and prohibits federal agencies from accepting IDs that do not meet these standards.
The enforcement deadline has been pushed back several times over the years, but May 7, 2025, is now set in stone. After this date, standard driver’s licenses or identification cards without the REAL ID star marking will no longer be sufficient for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal buildings.
While passports are considered a valid alternative to REAL ID-compliant identification, they are not foolproof in every situation. Travelers relying on passports for domestic flights may run into issues if their passports:
To prepare for the upcoming changes, consider the following steps:
For immigrants living in the United States, the REAL ID requirement adds another layer of complexity. Noncitizens may need to provide additional documentation to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. This often includes proof of lawful status, such as:
If you’re an immigrant navigating the process of obtaining a REAL ID or have questions about your eligibility, consulting an experienced immigration lawyer can make the process smoother. As a Chicago-based immigration lawyer serving clients nationwide, I can help you understand what documentation you need and how to avoid common pitfalls.
The May 7, 2025, deadline is fast approaching, and the consequences of not being prepared can range from travel disruptions to denied access to essential services. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or an immigrant, taking action now will save you stress and ensure a seamless transition to REAL ID compliance.
If you have questions about how the REAL ID requirements impact you or your family, contact our office today. With years of experience helping clients across the nation, we can guide you through this process and address any immigration concerns you may have. Don’t let a simple ID requirement stand in the way of your travel plans or daily life.
Immigration laws are complex and change frequently. It is important to know and understand updated laws to make sure you are making the decisions that are right for your family. An experienced family immigration lawyer can help your family achieve the American Dream.
The skilled immigration lawyers at Godoy Law Office can answer any questions about citizenship and immigration and guide you through every step of the citizenship process. Call us today at 630-345-4164.
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
