Technology
How to make sure you can fly after the REAL ID deadline arrives
As of today, May 7, 2025, the long-awaited REAL ID requirement is officially in effect across the United States.
After years of delays and mounting anticipation, travelers must now show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a valid passport or another federally approved form of identification to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.
The rush to comply has led to packed DMVs, long lines and plenty of confusion about what’s actually required, especially among retired military members.
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Fred from Oklahoma summed up the concerns many are feeling in a recent email to us.
“With the May 7th deadline for everyone to have a REAL ID approaching, it may be time to do a story on the possible impact on retired military. Back in April 2024, a story made many of us nervous or angry. Apparently there was some glitch in TSA software reading an ‘indefinite’ expiration date. Those of us over 65 have a retired ID that never expires.
“It was suggested that TSA’s solution was to no longer accept our ID as an alternative form of REAL ID. It angers us because our ID allows access to military installations, but we’re not allowed to fly? At any rate, there has been no follow-up article that either says the glitch was fixed or dismisses the TSA radical solution…. Maybe you can shed some light on this.”
Let’s break down what’s changed, answer Fred’s question and walk you through exactly how to get a REAL ID if you still need one.
What is the REAL ID and why is it required now?
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 to strengthen security standards for state-issued IDs, following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. Starting today, anyone 18 or older must show a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (look for a star in the upper corner), a valid passport or another TSA-approved form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal buildings. If you don’t have one of these, you may be turned away at airport security, even if you’ve used your current ID for years.
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Will retired military IDs still work at TSA checkpoints?
Good news for Fred and other retired military members: Defense Department-issued IDs, including Common Access Cards, Uniformed Services ID cards and older retiree and family member cards, are still accepted by TSA for domestic airline travel. This includes cards with “INDEF” (indefinite) expiration dates, despite past confusion and software glitches.
However, travelers have reported occasional issues at some airports, where TSA’s system may misread the “INDEF” date as expired. In those cases, TSA officers may ask for another acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a passport. If you have no other ID, a supervisor may review your document and allow you to proceed, but expect possible delays.
The bottom line is that military retiree and dependent ID cards remain valid for flying domestically as of today. If you have experienced problems in the past, it’s wise to bring a backup form of ID if possible.
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What happens if you don’t have a REAL ID yet?
If you show up at the airport today with a standard driver’s license that isn’t REAL ID compliant, and you don’t have a passport or other approved ID, you could face delays, extra screening or even be denied entry at the security checkpoint. TSA is urging travelers to check their IDs before heading to the airport.
However, if you have a valid Global Entry card, you do not need to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to fly domestically after May 7, 2025. The Global Entry card is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card that meets federal identification standards and is explicitly accepted by TSA as an alternative to a REAL ID. This means you can use your Global Entry card at TSA checkpoints to verify your identity when flying within the United States. Other DHS Trusted Traveler cards, like NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST, are also accepted as alternatives.
Important: Although the Global Entry card is officially accepted, some travelers have reported occasional confusion among TSA agents. To avoid delays, consider carrying an additional form of ID, such as a U.S. passport or passport card.
By using your Global Entry card, you can bypass the need to visit the DMV for a REAL ID and still comply with TSA identification requirements for domestic air travel.
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How to get a REAL ID
If you still need a REAL ID, here’s how to get started. Even after the deadline, you can still apply and use your current license for driving and non-federal purposes.
1. Check your current ID
- Look for a star (gold, black, or in some states, a bear with a star) at the top of your license or state ID.
- If you see it, you’re already REAL ID compliant.
2. Gather your documents
Requirements vary by state, but you’ll typically need:
- Proof of identity (valid, unexpired U.S. passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 or paystub with full SSN)
- Two proofs of address (utility bills, bank statements, lease/mortgage, etc.)
- Proof of lawful status (if not a U.S. citizen)
Pro tip: If your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, etc.), bring legal proof (marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order).
3. Make an appointment
- Visit your state DMV’s website to schedule a REAL ID appointment.
- Appointments may be scarce due to high demand, but keep checking as many states add new slots daily and are opening offices earlier or on extra days to help.
4. Go to the DMV
- Bring all required documents
- Fill out the application (some states let you start this online)
- Get your photo taken and pay the fee (varies by state, usually $20-$60).
5. Receive your REAL ID
- Some states issue the card on the spot, others mail it to you.
- Make sure you get your new card before your next flight.
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What if you have a passport?
A valid U.S. passport or passport card is always accepted for domestic flights. If you have one, you do not need a REAL ID to fly, but you will need it for federal facilities that require a REAL ID for entry. If you’re traveling soon, double-check your identification and give yourself plenty of time at the airport. For the latest updates and a full list of acceptable IDs, visit the TSA website.
A man carrying his passport (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What if you miss the deadline?
You can still get a REAL ID after May 7, but you won’t be able to use your old license for air travel until you do. In the meantime, you’ll need a valid passport or other approved ID to fly.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
The REAL ID deadline has finally arrived, and it’s understandable if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the changes. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just want to be ready for an unexpected trip, making sure you have the right ID is now more important than ever. If you’re a retired military member, it’s reassuring to know your military ID is still accepted, but bringing a backup is always a smart move just in case.
How are you feeling about the new REAL ID rules now that they’re officially in effect? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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I’ve recommended several OLED gaming monitors to readers over the years, and I’ve finally taken my own advice to buy one. Alienware’s new 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED has all the features that I want and a low $350 price that was too tempting to ignore.
The AW2726DM model has five things that make it stand out for the price: a 1440p QD-OLED screen with lush contrast, a fast 240Hz refresh rate, a semi-glossy screen coating to enhance details, a low-profile design without flashy RGB LEDs, and a great warranty (three years with coverage for burn-in).
I’ve been using Alienware’s new monitor for a couple days, and I’ve already spent hours with it playing Marathon. It was my first opportunity to see Bungie’s new first-person extraction shooter in its full HDR glory, and I can never go back. Switching on HDR wasn’t automatic, though it already looked so much better than my IPS panel without being activated.
Enabling it transformed how Marathon looked for the better, but made everything else about the OS look pretty washed-out. It’s a Windows issue, not an Alienware issue. It’s easy to enable HDR every time I launch a game and disable it afterward with the Windows + Alt + B keyboard shortcut, but unfortunately triggers HDR for all connected displays. This includes my IPS monitor that imbues everything with a terrible gray hue when HDR is on. So, using the system settings is the best way to adjust HDR for just the QD-OLED.
I landed on this QD-OLED after having spent a ton of time researching pricier models. The unanimous takeaway from reviewers was that LG’s Tandem RGB WOLED panels are some of the brightest out there, but also tend to exhibit lousy gray uniformity in dark scenes. QD-OLED monitors, on the other hand, offer slightly better contrast than WOLED and don’t suffer from those same uniformity issues. However, blacks sometimes appear as dark purple in bright rooms on QD-OLED panels, meaning they’re ideal for rooms that don’t have a bunch of light bouncing around.
There’s no perfect choice, and honestly I got tired of doing research, so I jumped in with the cheapest OLED. I’m glad that I did. Shopping for an OLED gaming monitor can be hard, but it can also be this easy. AOC makes a model that’s discounted to $339.99 at the time of publishing, and its specs are comparable.
As expected, the AW2726DM isn’t a cutting-edge monitor. Its QD-OLED panel isn’t as fast or as bright as some other pricier options, and it doesn’t have USB ports for connecting accessories. Considering its low price, it’s easy for me to overlook those omissions. I’d have a much harder time accepting them in a pricier display.
The fact that I mostly use my computer for text-based work at The Verge is what prevented me from upgrading to an OLED monitor. My 1440p IPS monitor is bright, it’s good at showing text clearly, and it has a fast refresh rate for gaming. Alienware’s QD-OLED is less bright, and some might be bothered by how text looks (I have to really squint to see the slight fringing from this QD-OLED’s subpixel layout). But I have a life outside of work, which includes playing a lot of PC games. That’s the slice of myself I bought this monitor for, and I’m so happy I did.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
Technology
Michael and Susan Dell surpass $1 billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project
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Billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have become the first donors to give more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin, funding a massive new medical research campus and hospital system powered by artificial intelligence.
The couple’s latest investment includes a $750 million gift to help build the UT Dell Medical Center, a planned “AI-native” hospital expected to open in 2030 as part of a more than 300-acre advanced research campus.
University officials said the project will integrate research, clinical care and advanced computing to improve early disease detection, personalize treatment and expand access to care in the rapidly growing Austin region.
The Dells’ support builds on decades of contributions to UT, including funding for its medical school, scholarships and research programs.
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Michael Dell and Susan Dell attend the Breakthrough Prize ceremony as they become the first to donate more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin. ( Craig T Fruchtman/WireImage)
“By bringing together medicine, science and computing in one campus designed for the AI era, UT can create more opportunity, deliver better outcomes, and build a stronger future for communities across Texas and beyond,” Michael Dell and Susan Dell said.
The gift ranks among the largest in the history of higher education, alongside major contributions like Phil Knight’s $2 billion pledge to Oregon Health & Science University and Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University.
The new UT Dell Medical Center will be developed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, integrating cancer care into a system designed to connect prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
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The University of Texas at Austin campus at sunset. (iStock)
“We will deliver better outcomes for patients by providing research-driven cancer care that is precise, compassionate and hope-filled,” Peter WT Pisters, president of UT MD Anderson, said.
Officials said the facility will be built from the ground up to incorporate AI, rather than retrofitting older infrastructure — an approach they say could transform how hospitals operate.
Independent experts have cautioned that AI in health care can introduce risks if not carefully validated. A widely cited study published in the journal Science by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago found that a commonly used healthcare algorithm underestimated the needs of Black patients due to biased training data, highlighting broader concerns about equity in AI-driven systems.
The project also includes funding for undergraduate scholarships, student housing and the Texas Advanced Computing Center, where officials are developing one of the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputers.
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Artificial intelligence technology is expected to play a key role in diagnosis and patient care at the planned UT Dell Medical Center. (iStock)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the investment will help position the state as a national leader in healthcare innovation.
“Texas already dominates in technology, energy and business, and now we will further cement our leadership in health care innovation as well,” Abbott said.
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The university said it plans to break ground on the medical center later this year and has launched a broader campaign to raise $10 billion over the next decade.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
SpaceX and Cursor are now working closely together to create the world’s best coding and knowledge work AI.
The combination of Cursor’s leading product and distribution to expert software engineers with SpaceX’s million H100 equivalent Colossus training supercomputer will allow us to build the world’s most useful models.
Cursor has also given SpaceX the right to acquire Cursor later this year for $60 billion or pay $10 billion for our work together.
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