ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and the Alaska Department of Administration today reminded the public that starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need to have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, instruction permit or identification card or another acceptable form of ID to board a U.S. commercial aircraft. Enforcement of REAL ID is five days away.
To determine if a Alaska driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, look for the black circle with a white star cutout in the upper righthand corner. The presence of this icon indicates the credential is REAL ID-compliant.
Once enforcement begins, travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued credential or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification.
“With five days to go before the enforcement of REAL ID begins, TSA is reminding travelers to make a plan now for what type of photo identification you will show the TSA officer to verify your identity when you travel by commercial aircraft the next time,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Alaska Peter Duffy. “Fortunately, TSA accepts multiple forms of photo identification from travelers, so please check to see if you are already prepared for the enforcement of REAL ID.”
"Air travel is essential to life in Alaska, and we want every traveler to be ready when the new REAL ID requirements take effect," said Angie Spear, Director of the Alaska International Airport System. "By planning ahead and updating identification early, we can help ensure that families, businesses, and communities across our state stay connected without interruption. We’re proud to work alongside TSA to support Alaskans through this important change."
Passengers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL-ID compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport or passport card; any government-issued passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or NEXUS card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents; ID card issued by any federally-recognized tribe; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver’s licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
Alaska began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials in January 2019. To get a REAL ID-compliant credential, you need to apply in person at an Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles office. You will be required to show one primary document which shows your date of birth true full name, identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status. Alaska maintains a REAL ID checklist web page at https://online.dmv.alaska.gov/REALIdChecklist It can take up to three weeks to receive your REAL ID card in the mail, and TSA will not accept the temporary paper card given at the DMV.
Signs are currently posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be mandatory for commercial air travel beginning May 7, 2025. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.