Room Escape Artist

Many of us travel all over in search of amazing escape rooms.

Starting on May 7, 2025, American citizens will need a “REAL ID” compliant form of identification for domestic airplane travel and to access certain federal facilities. 

Background

The law dates back to the post 9/11 security freakout of 2005. It was created to establish minimum security standards for state issued identification.  Rollout/ enforcement has been delayed repeatedly, but May 7, 2025 is the drop-dead enforcement date.

We’re going to set aside whether this is a good or bad idea and look at the facts as they pertain to escape room tourists.

Is My License a REAL ID?

It’s pretty easy to tell if your license is a REAL ID. It will have a star in the upper right quarter that looks like one of these:

Are all states using REAL ID compliant cards? 

Yes, all states, and the District of Columbia are REAL ID compliant and using REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs. 

Currently, there are 5 states that issue Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Cards (EDL/EID) – Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. According to the Department of Homeland Security website, these are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding an airplane. 

What Happens on May 7, 2025?

If you don’t have a REAL ID as of May 7, 2025, the TSA will require you to fly domestically with a valid passport. Otherwise they won’t let you through security.

Take a look at your license and make sure that your future travels won’t be disrupted by the change. Visit the TSA for more information on REAL ID.

Note that you will still need a passport for international travel, now and after May 7, 2025.

For Americans attending our escape room tour, Escape Immerse Explore Montreal 2025, make sure you have a passport. And if you have a passport, but not a ticket to this event, add yourself to the waitlist now. This event is sold out, but sometimes folks on the waitlist get lucky!