US homeland security chief says travelers without REAL ID will be allowed to fly

7/5/2025 6:16

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said air travelers starting Wednesday who do not have enhanced ID cards may face enhanced security procedures but will not be denied access to flights.



Starting Wednesday, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant.



"If it's not compliant, they may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step, but people will be allowed to fly," Noem said at a U.S. House hearing on Tuesday. "This is a security issue."



Noem said earlier this week that 19 states issue driver licenses to immigrants who are not in the United States legally and enforcing the REAL ID will deny those individuals the ability to travel by air.