Passed by Congress in 2005 and not enforced until May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act required individuals over 18 to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued identification card to pass through TSA checkpoints, access certain facilities, and generally have their identity verified.

"REAL ID establishes security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting certain official purposes noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards," the Department of Homeland Security told USA TODAY in a statement. "Secure driver's licenses and identification documents are a vital component of our national security framework, as they prevent fraud, terrorism, and create more effective security standards."

Older ID cards and driver's licenses without a REAL ID-compliant marking – identified by a gold or black star (or bear in states like California) in the top portion of the card – are no longer accepted by federal agencies. However, certain alternative forms of identification, such as a passport or DHS Trusted Traveler cards, are also REAL-ID compliant.