Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, a driver's license can only be used as a valid form of identification at airports in the US if it is REAL ID-compliant. This means it must meet the minimum security standards for license issuance and production as set out by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. If a driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a federal ID issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a driver's license be used as ID at airports? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant from May 7, 2025. |
| REAL ID-compliant driver's license requirements | Must have a star in the upper right corner. |
| Alternative IDs accepted by TSA | U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), Permanent Resident Cards, Foreign government-issued passports, Federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe. |
| Age requirements | All travelers 18 years of age or older must have a valid ID. |
| Temporary driver's license | Not accepted as a valid form of identification. |
| TSA identity verification process | Passengers may be asked to provide personal information such as name and current address. |
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What You'll Learn
- From May 7, 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be used as ID at airports
- REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the top right corner
- REAL ID Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID
- Other acceptable forms of ID include a US passport, passport card, or Permanent Resident Card
From May 7, 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be used as ID at airports
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license will have a star in the top right corner. If your driver's license does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as a valid form of ID at the airport. In this case, you will need to present an alternative form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
To make your driver's license REAL ID-compliant, you can apply for a new one through your state DMV office. The process and required documentation may vary depending on your state, but generally, you will need to provide proof of identity and a Social Security number.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and it is always a good idea to check the latest requirements before traveling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the top right corner
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, federal agencies are prohibited from accepting non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain official purposes. Starting May 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID has a star in the top right corner. If your driver's license has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is REAL ID-compliant, and you can use it as a valid form of identification at airports. If your driver's license does not have the star, it is not REAL ID-compliant, and you will need to present another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must provide specific documentation to your state's driver's licensing agency. The required documents typically include proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-U.S. citizens. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or Form W-2. Additionally, proof of residency may be required, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. It is important to note that the process and required documents may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for specific requirements.
In some states, such as Indiana, all new license applicants must provide documents that prove identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and residency. In return, the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will issue a REAL ID-compliant credential. A non-compliant driver's license is indicated by the words "Not for Real ID Purposes" on the front of the card. It is important to ensure that you have the correct documentation before applying for a REAL ID-compliant license to avoid any delays or complications in the process.
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REAL ID Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses
A driver's license can be used as ID at airports, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act was enacted in response to the September 11 attacks and established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses, prohibiting federal agencies from accepting noncompliant forms of identification. This includes physical and digital licenses, or Mobile Driver's Licenses ("mDLs").
The REAL ID Act standardizes the requirements for driver's licenses and identification cards issued by US states and territories. To be accepted for accessing federal government facilities, nuclear power plants, and boarding airline flights in the US, the ID must be REAL ID-compliant. This means that the ID must include security features and verification of the personal information presented when applying for the document. The Act also requires that states include an individual's gender on each driver's license and identification card issued.
To check if your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, look for a star in the upper right-hand corner. If your license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, when travelling. This is because, as of May 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
To upgrade your driver's license or state ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you can visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to learn about the application process and what documentation you will need to provide. This may include proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of a Social Security number.
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A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID
A driver's license can be used as ID at airports, but it must be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for license issuance and production.
In some states, temporary licenses specifically state that they are not valid forms of identification. For example, in Massachusetts, temporary driver's licenses have the words "not valid for ID" printed in red. Therefore, it is important to read the fine print on your temporary license before attempting to use it as a form of ID.
Even if your temporary driver's license includes your photo and was issued by your state, it is still not considered a valid form of ID at airports. This is because the TSA has specific requirements for acceptable forms of identification, and temporary driver's licenses do not meet these requirements.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. It is always best to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable identification.
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Other acceptable forms of ID include a US passport, passport card, or Permanent Resident Card
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
REAL IDs are subject to higher security standards and are marked with a star in the top right corner. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of residency. Acceptable forms of ID for proof of identity include a US passport, passport card, or Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card).
A US passport is a valid form of identification to verify an individual's age and identity. It is a government-issued document that includes the holder's name, photograph, and date of birth. For international travel outside of Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and Mexico, US nationals will need a valid, unexpired passport.
The Permanent Resident Card, also known as the Green Card, is another acceptable form of ID for those who are not US citizens. This form of ID is commonly used by parents of US citizen children when applying for a US passport.
In addition to a US passport or Permanent Resident Card, individuals can also use other forms of ID to obtain a REAL ID, such as a US birth certificate or Social Security card.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. This rule will come into effect on May 7, 2025. A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star in the upper right corner.
Other acceptable forms of ID at airports include a passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or a federally-issued Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe ID.
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can enroll for one through your state DMV. Alternatively, you can use another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to pass through airport security.
