A HUGE TSA Change Starts in 2 Months - And It Will Impact Your Disney Trip

A LOT of changes are coming to both Disney World and Disneyland. However, did you know that there’s a big change coming to HOW you get to Disney Parks?

For most folks, flying is the only option, but if you do plan on getting onto an airplane this spring, there’s a VERY important thing you’re going to need to know: ID requirements to get on that flight are changing, and you need to be aware of that change.

On May 7th, everyone who flies in the U.S. will need to provide a new proof of identification to get on an airplane. You’ll need a REAL ID seal on your state-issued identification documents unless you have a valid passport (which you can use instead). If you’re interested in flying on May 7th or after that, you’ll need to head over to your DMV to get it.

The REAL ID act was passed by Congress way back in 2005 in order to establish national standards for state-issued identification cards to enhance security. It was initially supposed to go into effect in 2008, but the deadline was extended multiple times to give states the chance to comply. Now, ten years later, the final deadline has been established: May 7th, 2025.

What is REAL ID anyway? Well, REAL ID is a special seal that you’ll see on your driver’s license or other state-issued identification. All states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories are now REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. Here’s what it looks like:

If you’re planning on flying on or after May 7th, you’ll need it to board federally regulated commercial aircraft (as in flights to Disney World), access certain federal facilities, and enter nuclear power plants. Most importantly, you’ll need it to get on a plane in the U.S. unless you have a valid passport.

If you need to get a REAL ID before the May 7th deadline, you’ll need to visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply for one. Each state has different requirements, but at the minimum, you’ll need to provide documents that show your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address at your main residence, and your lawful status.

For exact requirements, visit your state’s licensing agency website. There is also an additional fee to add the REAL ID seal to your license. It usually takes about 10 days to receive your new ID in the mail, so you’ll want to apply as soon as possible.

If you don’t have a REAL ID on or after May 7th, you can still fly, as long as you have a valid passport. However, if you just have a regular driver’s license or state-issued identification card without the REAL ID seal, you will not be permitted on your flight.

So keep this in mind if you’ll be flying in 2025. And check back with AllEars again soon for more.