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Starting May 7th, US citizens and residents need a Real ID, passport, or other approved ID for domestic flights. Standard driver's licenses are no longer accepted. The Real ID, complying with the 2005 Real ID Act, enhances security by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge. All US travelers over 18 need a Real ID or alternative; those without may face additional screening or be denied boarding. Expect longer airport lines due to the change; travelers are advised to arrive earlier than usual.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.