Real ID Act requirements impact charter, jet card flights (maybe)

Private aviation flights beginning in May must comply with the Real ID Act.

The new rules go into effect May 7, 2025.

The rules impact Part 135 and Part 121, which govern American, Delta, United, Southwest, and other airlines.

Part 135 includes both ad hoc charter and jet card flights.

However, leases, fractional owners, and programs also fly under Part 135.

Per the National Business Aviation Association:

This requirement includes passengers of all commercial flights subject to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security programs, including the Twelve Five Standard Security Program.

Real IA-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification card are the primary documents to meet Real ID Act requirements.

Also acceptable are:

• U.S. passport or a passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST)
• U.S. military ID (active duty, retiree, and reserve)
• Permanent resident card or other official U.S. government-issued IDs
• Foreign government-issued passport (if applicable)
• Border crossing card for certain travelers from neighboring countries
• Federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card (Personal Identity Verification)

NBAA Director of International Operations and Regulations notes, “The enforcement of Real ID requirements for domestic air travel within the United States has been delayed several times.”

However, she warns, “As of the latest update, the Department of Homeland Security set the enforcement date for May 7.”

She notes, “On that date, travelers will need a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued ID or an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to board domestic commercial flights and access certain federal facilities.”

Delayed Since 2008

We could have waited to post this on April 1st.

According to NBAA, the Real ID Act was initially set for 2008.

That’s not a typo.

It has been delayed multiple times.

Everington says, “We are not aware of any additional delays at this time, but if new guidance is provided by DHS, we will inform member companies immediately.”

The trade group is urging Part 135 operators to update their policies and training programs so individuals responsible for verifying ID before boarding know how to identify a Real ID-compliant document.

Minors are not required to present identification.

Real ID-compliant identification is not required for private flights conducted under Part 91.