REAL ID Deadline Chaos: Why Millions of Americans Are Still Unprepared to Fly in 2025

With the May 7 deadline fast approaching, a growing number of American travelers are facing a harsh reality: without a REAL ID, they may soon be grounded for domestic flights. But for many, the process of obtaining one has proven more frustrating than they ever expected.

From long DMV lines to unexpected fees, and even confusion over what documents are required, the journey to REAL ID readiness has been anything but smooth. As airports and motor vehicle departments around the country brace for a last-minute rush, some Americans are simply opting out—choosing instead to travel with their passports, or delay the process entirely.

“It was a financial decision,” said Lisa, a traveler from Oregon who spoke with us at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. “It was an extra cost, and I’d rather put that money toward a passport.” Like many others, Lisa isn’t against getting a REAL ID—just not now.

REAL ID, a federally mandated identification program developed after the 9/11 attacks, sets stricter security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, these enhanced IDs—or an acceptable alternative like a passport—will be required to board domestic flights in the U.S.

But while the intention is national security, the rollout has sparked a different kind of turbulence.

The Cost of Compliance

Each state sets its own fee for the REAL ID, and while some offer discounts for seniors or low-income residents, many Americans are discovering that getting compliant means navigating bureaucratic hurdles—and budgeting extra cash.

California, for example, waives fees under certain circumstances, including for people over 62 or those who are homeless. But such benefits aren’t widely known. Even those willing to pay are often discouraged by the wait times and paperwork involved.

“The DMV was a zoo,” recalled Lesley, a California resident whose coworker had to rush to get a REAL ID for a last-minute work trip. “She had to wait about two to four hours. The DMVs there are always packed.”

Why the Hold-Up?

Some travelers we spoke to had perfectly valid reasons for not yet making the switch. Kelsey, visiting from Bloomington, Illinois, said, “I didn’t feel an urgency. My ID expires in November, so I figured I’d just take care of everything then.”

Others, like her travel companion Nick, are content using their passports. “I usually travel internationally, so I just use my passport anyway,” he said. “I’d like to learn more about REAL ID, but it hasn’t been a priority.”

For Victoria from Phoenix, the issue wasn’t time or money—it was travel frequency. “I just don’t fly that often,” she said. But she hopes her parents—both without a passport or REAL ID—will get theirs soon so they can travel during retirement. “They’re not really motivated to make that DMV appointment. The lines are always long.”

A Nationwide Patchwork

Despite widespread advertising campaigns—including signs, countdown clocks, and QR code flyers in airports—many Americans remain unaware of the specific documentation required. Married women, for instance, sometimes face unexpected roadblocks when their name on a birth certificate doesn’t match their current legal name, requiring extra paperwork to bridge the gap.

Meanwhile, motor vehicle departments in some states have added Saturday hours or extended weekday schedules. But others remain closed on weekends, making it harder for working Americans to squeeze in an appointment.

A Passport Alternative—For Now

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that passports and other federally issued IDs like Global Entry, military IDs, and permanent resident cards will still be accepted for domestic air travel. That’s the fallback many travelers are counting on.

But passports come with their own cost—and not everyone has one.

The Bottom Line

With time running out, the scramble is on. While some Americans are forging ahead with the paperwork and appointments, others are rolling the dice, hoping their existing documents will be enough.

Whether it’s financial concerns, long wait times, or simple procrastination, the reasons for delaying vary—but the stakes are the same. Come May 7, a standard driver’s license just won’t cut it at the airport checkpoint.

So if you’re still on the fence, it might be time to check your wallet—and your calendar. Because whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or just a quick visit across state lines, one thing’s for sure: the sky won’t be the limit without the right ID in hand.