Hey Froggy 102.7 family! This is a crucial travel alert for all our busy mom listeners who might be planning summer getaways with the kiddos. The Real ID deadline is TODAY – May 7th!

The Bottom Line

Starting May 7th, if you’re flying domestically within the U.S., you’ll need a Real ID-compliant form of identification. For most of us, that’s a driver’s license with a little star in the corner. If you don’t have one, a U.S. passport will work too.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Real ID?

If you’re planning to fly without a Real ID, brace yourself for some serious travel headaches! The TSA is advising passengers without Real ID to arrive a full THREE HOURS before their flight for extra ID verification. Even with that buffer time, there’s no guarantee you’ll be allowed to board your flight.

As moms, we already know how challenging airport travel can be with kids in tow – now imagine adding an extra three hours to that experience!

How to Identify a Real ID

Not sure if your license is Real ID compliant? Check the upper right-hand corner – there should be a star. Some states like California have a stylized version (a star inside a golden bear), but most states use a standard star symbol.

Acceptable Alternatives

Don’t panic if you don’t have a Real ID yet! There are several other acceptable forms of identification including U.S. passports, passport cards, DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry), permanent resident cards, and various other government-issued IDs. Check your wallet – you might already have an acceptable alternative!

Time to Visit the DMV

If you don’t already have a Real ID, you should get to your local DMV as soon as possible. The documents required can vary by state, but you’ll typically need things like a birth certificate, social security card, and lease agreement or utility bills proving your address.

What This Means for Your Summer Travel Plans

For all our busy mom listeners who are planning summer vacations – this is serious! The deadline has been pushed back multiple times over the past 20 years, but officials insist there will be no last-minute reprieve this time. Without a Real ID, expect significant delays that could seriously disrupt family travel plans.

Our Advice

If you’re flying anywhere with the kids this summer, take 5 minutes right now to check your ID. Is there a star in the corner? If not, grab your calendar and schedule that DMV visit ASAP, or plan to bring your passport instead.

Have you gotten your Real ID yet? Call us at the station and let us know if this deadline is catching you by surprise!

Source: Matt Novak, “TSA Says Passengers Without Real ID Should Get to the Airport 3 Hours Early,” Gizmodo, May 3, 2025.