Get your Real ID ASAP
Get your Real ID ASAP
April 9, 2025 | 5:54 PM GMT
The deadline to get a Real ID is May 7. Travel reporter Natalie Compton explains what travelers need to know about the new state-issued ID rules.
What to know about the looming Real ID deadline for domestic flights
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From unpredictable flight prices to record-breaking heat waves and ever-changing rules about passports and Real IDs, travel today is more complicated than ever. This week on 'Try This,' host Cristina Quinn sits down with Washington Post travel reporter Natalie Compton, who shares her best tips for navigating it all without losing your patience (or your luggage). Natalie breaks down exactly when and how to book flights for the best deals and why compression bags and eye masks might be your secret weapons. Plus, smart advice about visas, passport renewals, travel safety and how to get through customs quickly — no Global Entry required. Whether you're planning an international getaway or a local beach vacation, this episode will help you travel better, spend smarter and stay cool (literally and figuratively) this summer. Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.
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TSA implements changes at U.S. airports. What to know when flying
If you're heading to the airport this summer, be sure you're up to date on the latest changes at security checkpoints. Federal officials with the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration brought changes to airport security screenings in 2025, starting new rules and ending others. When you fly domestically, you'll need to show your Real ID or other document to TSA agents, but you can keep your shoes on through the security screening. Be sure to check your portable electronics, any lithium-iron battery items must go in your carry-on bags. Here's what to know. The Transportation Security Agency is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for managing national security at U.S. airports and other transportation areas. Travelers now need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to fly within the U.S. after a May 7 deadline. If you don't have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you can carry other documents, including a U.S. passport or passport card to pass through TSA security checkpoints. A full list of TSA-acceptable documents is available online. TSA no longer requires travelers to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints, as of a July 8 news release. "Thanks to our cutting-edge technological advancements and multi-layered security approach, we are confident we can implement this change while maintaining the highest security standards," said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President's vision for a new Golden Age of American travel." Lithium-iron batteries are now banned in checked luggage, but are allowed in carry-ons. The batteries can pose a fire hazard, causing overheating and sparks, especially when damaged. These items contain lithium-iron batteries and are limited to carry-on: Power banks Cell phone battery charging cases Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries Cell phone batteries Laptop batteries External batteries Portable rechargers TSA has an online search option for passengers to check which personal items are allowed on flights. The Detroit Free Press contributed. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How airport security has changed in 2025
CNET
6 days ago
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Need a New Passport? Now You Can Renew Online, and It's Faster Than Ever
You'll need a new Real ID to fly domestically in the US these days, but if you're planning a visit overseas (or to Mexico or Canada), you'll need to have a valid passport that's up to date. Ordering a new passport used to be a painfully slow experience -- back in 2021, travelers had to wait up to 18 weeks -- but a new online system has made it faster than ever before. In September 2024, the US State Department finally opened its online renewal system for passports to all eligible citizens, and millions have already taken advantage of the opportunity. Due to the efficiency of the new online system, the routine processing time for passports is now only four to six weeks. Anyone who has an expired US passport that was issued in the last 15 years can now renew it online. The State Department estimates that the online application will take about 40 minutes, but if you have all your documents and payment information together, you can probably complete it in half that time. The big catch is that you'll need a MyTravelGov account to apply online -- we'll explain more below. Learn everything you need to know about the new online US passport renewals system, including who is eligible and how you can apply. How can I renew my US passport online? Most US citizens currently renew their passports by printing and filling out form DS-82, then mailing that form with a new passport photo and a renewal fee in the form of a check or money order. The online passport renewal system instead uses a website form and a payment system that allows credit cards, debit cards or online ACH transfers. Renewing your passport online doesn't mean that you'll receive it any sooner than usual, though. The State Department is sticking to its "routine service" for passport renewals, whether they're online or by mail. That means you'll receive your new passport in four to six weeks, no matter how you apply. If you need your passport sooner than that, you'll need to apply by mail and pay $60 more for expedited service. Who is eligible to review a US passport online? The most important qualifying factors for renewing your passport online are: You are at least 25 years old. You live in the US (state or territory). Your current passport is or was valid for 10 years. Your current passport must be at least 9 years old and have been issued within the last 15 years (2009-2015). You still have your existing passport and it's not mutilated or damaged. Along with the main eligibility requirements, the State Department provides a list of further restrictions for online renewal: You can only renew regular passports online, not "special issuance" passports (like diplomatic, official or service passports). You cannot change your name, gender, place of birth or date of birth from your previous passport. You must be able to pay for online renewal using a credit card, a debit card or ACH transfer. You must be able to upload a new passport photo. You cannot travel internationally for eight weeks after submitting your online renewal application. That last restriction is important because your existing passport, if still valid, will be immediately canceled as soon as your online renewal application is accepted. If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for renewing your passport online, you'll need to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency. Here are the steps for renewing your US passport online Before you can apply for an online passport renewal, you'll need to create a MyTravelGov account, which uses the government's system. If you don't already have a account, you can visit the MyTravelGov website, click on the blue Sign In button in the top-right corner, then click Create an account. You'll then need to enter an email address and your choice of language: is available in English, Spanish and French. After submitting your email address, you'll need to verify it by clicking on a link in an email message from after which you'll choose a password and preferred form of multifactor authentication. You'll then need to provide personal information for the account, at minimum your first and last name. Once you're finished, you should be able to access the online passport renewal page. Hit the blue Start button at the bottom of the page to begin the application. The State Department estimates that the online application process will take about 40 minutes. To begin the application for online passport renewal, you'll need the following items: Your existing US passport. A digital passport photo. Payment -- credit card, debit card or your bank's routing and account numbers for ACH transfer. In the first part of the application, you'll enter information about your current passport, your legal name and whether you want a passport book, passport card or both. Next you'll upload your digital passport photo, and then finally your payment information. MyTravelGov will send you two email verifications after you submit your renewal application: The first will confirm your pending payment, and the second will confirm that the payment has been received. One week after you apply, you can sign up for email updates about your passport using the State Department's online passport status system. You should expect to receive your new passport in the mail within six to eight weeks. The type of passport -- book or card -- that you renew depends on what you currently hold. MyTravelGov/CNET Can I also renew my US passport card online? Passport cards are objects that look much like US driver's licenses and can be kept in your wallet. They allow for travel from the US by land or sea to Canada, Mexico or Caribbean countries. They are not valid for any international air travel. You can renew both passport books and cards online. Basically, you can renew whichever US passport document that you currently hold. If you have an old passport book and passport card, you can renew both at the same time. If you have one or the other, you can only renew that specific document.
