On Wednesday, May 7th, TSA will begin utilizing REAL IDs as the minimum security identification at airport checkpoints. 

The REAL ID Act of 2005 set the standard, but officials kept pushing back the start date. 

A REAL ID is identified as a state-issued ID with a special gold star at the top. 

If you don’t have a REAL ID yet, you can still use a passport to get through TSA security. If you have neither, your travel will be severely hampered. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2025/05/04/real-id-enhanced-id-passports