As of May 7, 2025, Arkansas residents will be required to present a REAL ID or another federally accepted form of identification in order to board domestic commercial flights. This change follows a federal mandate that enforces new identification standards at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints nationwide. For travelers in Arkansas who rely on airports like Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Northwest Arkansas National Airport in Highfill, or Fort Smith Regional Airport, the new rules mean it’s time to check your driver’s license and make sure it meets the updated requirements.
REAL ID is a national security initiative born from the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. The law was designed to prevent the use of fraudulent identification by setting minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card has enhanced verification processes behind it and includes a visible indicator—in Arkansas, this appears as a gold star on the top right corner of your license. If your ID doesn’t display this symbol, it will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights starting in May 2025.
Arkansas residents who do not upgrade to a REAL ID will still be able to use their standard driver’s license for day-to-day needs like driving, voting, or buying age-restricted items. However, it will not qualify as a valid form of identification for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal locations such as military bases or federal courthouses. For those who travel even once a year, having a REAL ID will soon become a necessity, not a convenience.
To obtain a REAL ID in Arkansas, residents must visit a participating Arkansas Revenue Office in person and present a set of documents that verify identity, Social Security status, and residency. Required documentation includes one proof of legal presence in the U.S. (such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid passport), one document displaying your full Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2 form), and two proofs of Arkansas residency (such as utility bills, mortgage statements, or bank correspondence). If your legal name differs from the name on your birth certificate, you’ll also need to bring documentation of that change, such as a marriage license or court order.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), which oversees driver services in the state, has made it easier for residents to understand the process by providing a detailed checklist and appointment scheduling tool on its website. Walk-ins are accepted at many locations, but scheduling an appointment can help minimize wait times. The cost of converting your current license to a REAL ID version is the same as renewing your license—currently $40 for an 8-year license in Arkansas—although prices may vary if you’re applying for a different credential type or replacing a lost ID.
It’s worth noting that REAL ID is not the only form of identification accepted at airports. Other TSA-approved IDs include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler cards such as Global Entry. However, not everyone carries these documents for everyday travel. For most Arkansas residents, having a REAL ID as your primary identification is the simplest way to meet federal travel requirements without relying on a passport.
The REAL ID deadline has been postponed multiple times in the past, but May 7, 2025, is currently the final extension. The Department of Homeland Security has indicated there will be no further delays. Once the deadline hits, TSA agents at every domestic airport will be required to enforce the REAL ID requirement. If you show up at the security checkpoint with a non-compliant driver’s license and no backup form of ID, you could face delays, be subjected to extra screening, or be denied entry altogether.
Across Arkansas, signs and public service announcements are beginning to appear in airports and DMV offices, urging residents not to wait until the last minute. The closer we get to the enforcement date, the more crowded Revenue Offices are expected to become. Early adopters will avoid last-minute rushes and reduce the chance of delays impacting their travel.
For Arkansas residents who don’t fly often or who may be uncertain whether they need a REAL ID, it’s still smart to upgrade during your next license renewal. It costs no more than a standard license and offers broader use in federal settings. Even if you don't plan to fly, having a compliant ID ensures you’re prepared for situations where federal identification is required.
Those with further questions or unique documentation circumstances—such as name changes or immigration status—can find guidance and contact information through the official Arkansas DFA website at www.dfa.arkansas.gov. There, you’ll also find the list of REAL ID offices, acceptable documents, and appointment availability.
The transition to REAL ID is about making sure our airports and secure facilities are safer for everyone. By verifying identity with greater accuracy and consistency, this program helps reduce the risk of security breaches. For Arkansas residents, preparing now means you can travel with peace of mind and avoid unnecessary airport setbacks.
Whether you're planning a trip this summer, visiting family across the country, or simply updating your license, take the time to upgrade to a REAL ID. It’s one simple change that keeps your travel plans on track and your identification compliant with federal law.