Travelers flying within the US starting Wednesday must use a state-issued ID that is “REAL ID compliant” or be subject to further screening. Things seemed to be operating relatively smoothly at a sampling of US airports Wednesday morning.

US travelers are facing additional complications from a new federal identification rule that threatens to snarl operations at the nation’s airports just ahead of the summer rush.

A TSA employee checks a traveler’s ID at a security checkpoint in San Francisco International Airport, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) A TSA employee checks IDs as people move through security at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark,

The TSA said things are going smoothly so far at airports nationwide and there have not been any significant disruptions.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said 81 percent of air travelers already present forms of identification that comply with REAL ID requirements, which went into effect on

There are a handful of other documents you can produce that will allow you to board domestic flights in the U.S.

REAL ID or other eligible identification is required to board domestic flights at PHL airport, or travelers risk added wait times at TSA checkpoints.