Texas Joins Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, and More in Facing Major Changes in US Domestic Travel Due to REAL ID by 2025: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 10, 2025

As the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025, approaches, Texas, along with Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, and more, faces major changes in domestic travel, requiring new IDs for federal access and flights. This shift, mandated by the REAL ID Act of 2005, will impact millions of travelers who will need to ensure their state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs meet federally accepted security standards. With the approaching deadline, states like Texas and California are bracing for a surge in applications as residents rush to obtain REAL ID-compliant cards, which are necessary for air travel and accessing federal facilities. From longer wait times at DMVs to heightened public awareness campaigns, these states are preparing for significant logistical and administrative challenges. This article breaks down the key changes and what travelers need to know as the May 2025 enforcement date draws near.

Overview of the REAL ID Act

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs, making them federally accepted for purposes such as domestic flights and accessing federal facilities. REAL ID cards feature a star on the upper-right corner and require various documents for issuance, such as proof of lawful status and state residency. The card displays personal information, including a photograph, and includes advanced security features. Despite its benefits, concerns about privacy, surveillance, and data misuse have arisen. Full enforcement of the REAL ID requirements for air travel and federal access will begin on May 7, 2025.

Changes States Will Experience in Domestic Travel Due to REAL ID

Increased Need for REAL ID Cards:

• Travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (or an alternative such as a passport) to board domestic flights within the U.S.
• States will see an increase in demand for REAL ID cards as people prepare for this new requirement.

Airports and Security Checks:

• Airport security will no longer accept standard driver’s licenses for domestic flights. Instead, passengers will need to show a REAL ID-compliant card or another federally accepted ID (e.g., U.S. passport, military ID).
• This will likely result in longer wait times and increased processing at airports until people become accustomed to using the new identification standard.

State-Level Compliance Efforts:

• States that haven’t fully implemented REAL ID standards will need to quickly ramp up efforts to ensure compliance.
• This includes upgrading their systems to issue REAL ID-compliant IDs and ensuring that residents are informed about the changes and deadlines.

Interstate Travel Requirements:

• People traveling between states will need to ensure that they carry a REAL ID-compliant card for smoother access to federal buildings and other high-security areas, not just for air travel.
• States that are slow in compliance may face challenges in processing applications for REAL IDs, potentially causing delays and confusion.

Enhanced Identification Process:

• States will need to maintain robust verification procedures to issue REAL ID-compliant cards, which will involve collecting more data from residents.
• This could increase processing times for ID issuance, leading to more paperwork and documentation requirements for individuals.

Increased Public Awareness Campaigns:

• States will have to launch public information campaigns to ensure residents understand the importance of obtaining a REAL ID by the deadline.
• These efforts will focus on educating residents about the upcoming deadline and the changes they’ll need to adapt to for domestic travel.

The REAL ID Act requires states to meet specific security standards for their driver’s licenses and identification cards. States that have not fully complied with these requirements or have been slower in implementing changes will face significant disruptions as they work to meet the upcoming May 7, 2025 deadline for full enforcement.

Texas: Gearing Up for a REAL ID Rush

As Texas is REAL ID-compliant, residents are ready for the changes, but the state will see a surge in demand as the May 2025 deadline approaches. Travelers will need REAL IDs for air travel and federal access, causing an influx of applications. This increased demand may lead to longer wait times at the Department of Public Safety (DPS). To handle this, Texas will need robust public education campaigns to inform residents and ensure they upgrade their IDs in time.

Colorado: Prepping for the REAL ID Stampede

While Colorado is fully compliant with REAL ID standards, the approaching deadline will bring a wave of applications as more residents realize they need a REAL ID. The state will face higher processing volumes and wait times at DMV offices. To avoid delays, Colorado will need to streamline its application processes and focus on outreach to make sure people understand the importance of the REAL ID.

Virginia: Getting Ready for the REAL ID Surge

Virginia is REAL ID-compliant, but as the May 2025 deadline nears, the state will face a spike in demand for REAL IDs, leading to longer wait times at DMV locations. While the state has laid the groundwork for compliance, increased applications could put pressure on the system. Virginia will need to educate residents and prepare for a smoother process to meet the deadline.

Georgia: Handling the REAL ID Wave

Georgia’s REAL ID-compliant system is set to handle the requirements, but as the May 2025 deadline approaches, the state will face a dramatic rise in applications. With more residents needing to upgrade, wait times at DMVs will increase, and the state will need to focus on streamlined processes and public education to avoid bottlenecks and ensure timely issuance of IDs.

Tennessee: Ready for the REAL ID Boom

Tennessee is fully compliant with the REAL ID standards, but as the May 2025 deadline looms, the state is preparing for a flood of applications. Residents will flock to DMV offices to get their REAL IDs, leading to potential delays. Tennessee will need to maintain efficient processing systems and outreach programs to help people understand the changes and meet the upcoming deadline.

California: Managing the REAL ID Flood

As the largest state in the U.S., California’s REAL ID-compliant system will face the greatest impact. With millions of residents needing to upgrade their IDs by May 2025, DMV offices will be flooded with applications, resulting in longer wait times and processing delays. To manage this, California will need public awareness campaigns and efficient processing systems to ensure smooth transitions and avoid overwhelming DMV offices.

Why These States Will Face Significant Changes:

• Delayed Implementation: These states have faced delays in adopting the necessary changes or have had compliance waivers extended.
• High Demand for REAL IDs: With the deadline approaching, residents in these states will need to apply for REAL ID-compliant IDs to meet federal travel requirements. This could result in longer processing times at DMVs and other state agencies.
• Public Education and Outreach: These states will need to conduct extensive public outreach campaigns to inform residents about the new requirements and ensure compliance by the deadline.
• System Upgrades: These states will have to ensure that their DMV systems and ID issuance processes are up to date to meet federal standards, which might require additional time and resources.

As the REAL ID deadline of May 7, 2025, approaches, Texas, along with Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, and more, faces major changes in domestic travel, requiring new IDs for federal access and flights.

Conclusion

As the May 7, 2025, deadline for full enforcement of the REAL ID Act draws closer, Texas, along with Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, California, and other states, will face significant changes in domestic travel. These states must adapt to the new requirement for REAL ID-compliant IDs, which will be necessary for federal access and domestic flights. The rush to upgrade IDs will lead to longer wait times at DMVs, increased demand for REAL IDs, and a need for extensive public education to ensure residents are prepared. As each state works to meet the deadline, travelers should stay informed and act promptly to avoid disruptions. Ultimately, the REAL ID Act will reshape the way we approach domestic travel, and understanding these changes will help residents navigate the transition smoothly by 2025.