Domestic Business Travel In 2025?

Whether your domestic business travel entails a client meeting, business conference, trade show, or company-wide retreat, don’t forget about REAL ID!

After years of postponements and implementation delays, the REAL ID deadline is approaching once again!

Starting May 7, 2025, all air travelers age 18 and older will be required to present a REAL ID compliant state-issued driver license, learner permit, or identification card, state-issued Enhanced driver license, learner permit, or identification card (currently issued in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont & Washington), or other form of acceptable identification in order to board US domestic flights.

REAL ID compliant documents will also be required to enter certain federal buildings and military facilities.

State-issued standard driver licenses, learner permits, and identification cards (which are not REAL ID compliant) will no longer be an acceptable form of identification for these purposes.

REAL ID compliant state-issued driver licenses, learner permits, and identification cards should be identifiable by the star printed on the card. State-issued Enhanced driver licenses, learner permits, and identification cards should be identifiable by the American flag and the word “Enhanced” printed on the card.  

Standard documents may include the language “Not For Federal Purposes” or “Federal Limits Apply” printed on the card; however, older cards may not contain such language. If you are uncertain whether your state-issued driver license, learner permit, or identification card is a standard, REAL ID compliant, or Enhanced document, check with your state’s Motor Vehicles agency. 

Until the May 7th deadline, air travelers may continue to use their existing standard documents, though travelers are encouraged to replace their standard documents with either a REAL ID compliant or Enhanced document ahead of the deadline.

Motor Vehicles offices may become inundated as the deadline approaches so travelers who want to replace their standard document should do so sooner rather than later.

Replacement of your existing standard (non-REAL ID compliant) state-issued driver license, learner permit, or identification card is NOT mandatory. However, after the deadline, air travelers without a REAL ID compliant or Enhanced state-issued driver license, learner permit, or identification card will need to present an alternative form of acceptable identification like a US Passport or US Passport card to board domestic flights, enter certain federal buildings and military facilities.

Obtaining a REAL ID compliant or Enhanced state-issued driver license, learner permit, or identification card will require a visit to your local Motor Vehicles office and there are certain documentation requirements.

Generally, you will need to bring the following original or certified proof documents: Proof of Identity, Proof of Name, Proof of Social Security Number or Social Security Number ineligibility, Proof of US Citizenship or legal status, and Proofs of State Residency.

Check with your state’s Motor Vehicles agency for specific documentation requirements and for a list of acceptable documents that may be presented to satisfy the requirements.

With a potentially busy travel season, domestic business travelers should be proactive rather than reactive.