Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles is reminding travelers to ensure they have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification as the federal enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, draws closer.
On May 7th, TSA will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant at TSA security checkpoints. All airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck® members, must present REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable ID, such as a passport, at TSA security checkpoints. Noncitizens illegally present in the U.S. who are voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will not be denied boarding under this requirement.
“As we approach a busy travel season in the US Virgin Islands, TSA’s focus is to enforce REAL ID effectively and efficiently,” said Mariely Loperena Moure, TSA’s Federal Security Director for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “I encourage travelers to get their REAL IDs! If you are unable to get a REAL ID compliant identification by May 7th, you must use your passport or other TSA acceptable identification or face delays with the possibility of additional screening. We are committed to the traveling public by raising the security baseline nationwide and ensuring their safety.”
Island residents are encouraged to upgrade to a REAL ID compliant license if their current license does not contain a star in the upper right corner. A standard license without the star won’t be accepted for domestic flights and you will face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the secure area of the airport.
Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles website for the required documents to obtain a REAL ID.