COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) officials are reminding travelers to ensure they have the proper identification for domestic flights as REAL ID enforcement begins May 7, 2025.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. This federal mandate aims to enhance national security by ensuring the authenticity and reliability of identification documents used for official purposes, including domestic air travel.
Key points to remember:
- Individuals 18 years and older must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights.
- Federally compliant driver’s licenses include several enhanced security features and are marked with a star in the right-hand corner.
- If a passenger doesn’t have a compliant driver’s license, other acceptable documents for domestic air travel include:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI)
- U.S. military ID
- Other TSA-approved identification.
The REAL ID Act does not affect the use of standard driver’s licenses for purposes unrelated to federal requirements, such as driving, banking, or voting.
For more information about REAL ID visit https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.
