At the time of writing, May 7, 2025, travelers across the United States, must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities, marking the final phase of a long-anticipated security policy.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. It sets federal security standards for issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. Though the law was originally scheduled to be enforced in 2008, the deadline has been delayed multiple times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks the final implementation.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS), REAL IDs have been available in the state since 2009. Compliant licenses are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. The DPS website states, “If your driver’s license or ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner, you already have a REAL ID and are good to go.”
To obtain a REAL ID in South Dakota, residents must provide one document proving identity and date of birth (such as a certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport), one document proving Social Security number and two documents showing state residency.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske emphasized the importance of the transition in a press release earlier this year. “Identity verification is foundational to security,” said Pekoske. “I urge those who use a driver’s license or state-issued identity card as their primary form of identification to access federal facilities or board commercial passenger aircraft, to ensure these credentials are REAL ID-compliant.”
Travelers without a REAL ID can still use alternative forms of acceptable identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID. However, those who attempt to board a plane with a non-compliant ID may face delays or be denied boarding entirely.
South Dakota airports, including Sioux Falls Regional and Rapid City Regional, have been displaying signage warning passengers of the change.
