A lot of rules are changing for travelers, including the TSA finally ending the rule that you must take your shoes off when going through security.
One of the biggest changes, however, is the shift to REAL ID, which means bringing different travel documents along. According to the TSA, “As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.”
Related: TSA is stopping passengers for an incredibly embarrassing reason
Real ID complaint IDs include, but aren’t limited to, a REAL-ID complaint license issued by your state DMV, a passport or passport card, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, a DHS trusted traveler card, a Department of Defense ID, and a permanent resident card.
If you do not have the correct ID, you’re going to have issues at security, with TSA warning, “Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area, and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.”
As consumers get used to this change, TSA took to Facebook to issue a stern warning about an important issue related to your ID at the airport.
Image source: Gritchen/Orange County Register via Getty Images
TSA speaks out on REAL ID requirements
The TSA posted its warning on August 13, 2025, starting out with a story about TSA officers who were able to intercept someone who was not in compliance with airport identification policies.
“Incredible job by TSA officers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) who spotted 34 fraudulent passport cards inside a passenger’s carry-on bag last week. Each passport card (some are pictured below) contained one of the same two photos, but each passport card had different information such as name, address, date of birth. Talk about an identity crisis!” The Facebook post read.
More on travel:
- U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengers
- Delta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will like
- United Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response
The TSA explained that the flyer had multiple IDs in his bag with different names on them. This, of course, is not allowed in the airport or elsewhere, since having a fake passport is a crime.
Now, TSA doesn’t necessarily think there’s going to be an epidemic of people bringing fake IDs aboard, although the agency did issue a reminder that “passports and passport cards are absolutely an acceptable form of ID, and meet REAL ID requirements. You’ll just want to get yours from our friends at U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs, and not from some guy stashing dozens of them in his backpack.”
The real focus of the TSA’s post was to issue a stern warning reminding passengers why the shift to REAL ID is so necessary.
TSA warns: REAL IDs are key to keeping the skies safe
As the TSA Facebook post made clear, the person who was trying to fly with the fraudulent passports is a clear example of why the change in ID requirements was necessary, even if it is a bit of a hassle for travelers who may have had to get a new, compliant ID.
“This is an example of why REAL ID requirements are in place,” the TSA Facebook post said. “To better secure and streamline the issuance of IDs. Reducing identity fraud, increasing security standards – really good things to put in place when it comes to air travel, access to federal buildings, etc.”
Related: TSA issues stern warning forbidding popular summer item
Obviously, if people are falsifying their identity, there are usually not good intentions behind that decision, so having a better way to verify that someone is who they say they are is a win/win.
Still, if you are flying in the future, you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to fulfill the new ID requirements.
If you have questions about whether your ID is valid, the TSA recommends reaching out to AskTSA by texting “REALID” to (275-872).
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)
Make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
