Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted as a valid form of identification at US airports. REAL IDs are marked with a star in the top corner. Foreign passports are accepted as an alternative form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are another option, but these are only available to US citizens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Implementation | From May 7, 2025 |
| Forms of Identification Accepted | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, passports from foreign countries, Permanent Resident Cards, Trusted Traveler cards, valid U.S. military IDs |
| Forms of Identification Not Accepted | Temporary driver's licenses, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant |
| States/Territories Non-Compliant and Without Extension | American Samoa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Washington |
| States/Territories With Extension | Twenty-seven states and territories |
| States/Territories Compliant | N/A |
Explore related products
![ESSENTIAL Car Auto Insurance Registration BLACK Document Wallet Holders 2 Pack - [BUNDLE, 2pcs] - Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck, Trailer Vinyl ID Holder & Visor Storage - Strong Closure On Each -](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61px7jy3NmL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
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 means that a non-compliant ID cannot be used to board commercial aircraft or visit federal facilities.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state ID card must meet the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005. The Act established standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards, and prohibited federal agencies from accepting noncompliant IDs for certain official purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of residency. The specific documents required may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency. When you receive your REAL ID-compliant driver's license, it will have a star marking in the top right corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport or another acceptable form of identification to fly. Some other acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or a U.S. passport card. It's important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Airport Security Filming: What Are Your Rights?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs)
The EDL is a convenient and low-cost option for those who need to cross the US border by road or sea. It is currently available to residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. These states' EDLs are also acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and can be used for official REAL ID purposes, such as boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
The EDL includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, which signals a secure system to pull up the holder's biographic information. Importantly, no personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on the card's RFID chip, nor can such information be transmitted electronically. Instead, the card uses a unique identification number that links to information contained in a secure DHS database.
To apply for an EDL, individuals will need to provide their Social Security Number and any other relevant documentation as outlined by their state's requirements. It is important to renew the EDL before it expires to avoid unnecessary fees and restricted travel.
Airport Gate Meetings: Can Family Members Greet You?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID alternatives
As of 7 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. However, there are several REAL ID alternatives that can be used by foreigners at the airport. These include:
- A valid passport from their country of citizenship.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC).
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorisation Card (I-766).
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation. Additionally, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, preferably three hours before a domestic flight, to allow for any additional identity verification processes if your ID is not REAL ID-compliant.
Uber Drop-offs at Newark Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Non-compliant IDs
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that do not comply with REAL ID requirements are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints in US airports. This means that non-compliant IDs will not be accepted by federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA, for official purposes.
If you present a non-compliant ID at a TSA checkpoint, you will be notified of its non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may still be subject to additional screening.
To avoid any issues at the airport, it is recommended that passengers 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. A REAL ID-compliant card has a star marking in the upper right corner. Other acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), and an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) issued by certain states.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so it is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before traveling. Additionally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, but individual airlines may have their own ID requirements for travelers under 18.
How to Get an Airport Escort Pass
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID-compliant states
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Starting May 2025, travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a phased enforcement plan for the REAL ID Act, which will implement the Act in a measured, fair, and responsible way. As of 2017, some states were granted extensions, allowing federal agencies to accept driver's licenses and identification cards from these states. These included North Carolina, South Carolina, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a state-issued driver's license or identification card must include a star marking in the upper top portion of the card. Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
It is important to note that states may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific guidance and requirements.
Airport X-ray and Your iPad: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes. As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, is required to fly within the U.S.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that complies with the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005.
A REAL ID-compliant card typically has a star marking in the upper-right corner. You can also check with your state department of motor vehicles to confirm if your ID complies with REAL ID requirements.
