Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, all state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs are required for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities. REAL IDs are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and are identifiable by a star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. It's important to ensure that your ID complies with REAL ID requirements before traveling to avoid any issues at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| REAL ID compliance deadline | May 7, 2025 |
| REAL ID purpose | To set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards |
| REAL ID usage | Boarding domestic flights, accessing certain federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants |
| REAL ID alternatives | U.S. passport, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID |
| REAL ID-compliant identification appearance | A star in the upper right corner |
| REAL ID application process | Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport), proof of Social Security number, proof of residency |
| TSA ID requirements for children | Children under 18 travelling within the U.S. do not need to provide identification |
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What You'll Learn
- From May 2025, a REAL ID will be required for domestic US flights
- REAL ID-compliant IDs include state-issued driver's licenses with a star in the top right corner
- REAL IDs cannot be used for international travel or sea cruise travel
- A US passport can be used instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights
- REAL IDs are also required for access to certain federal facilities
From May 2025, a REAL ID will be required for domestic US flights
From 7 May 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at US airports. This means that US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you should travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices. Other acceptable forms of ID include a State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, or an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
If you present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and you do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID, you will be notified of your non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting 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, where you may be subject to additional screening.
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REAL ID-compliant IDs include state-issued driver's licenses with a star in the top right corner
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant IDs will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant IDs include state-issued driver's licenses with a star in the top right corner. This is known as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a state-issued REAL ID. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibited federal agencies from accepting noncompliant forms of identification for certain official purposes.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Each state may have different requirements for the process of obtaining a REAL ID. In most cases, your state driver's licensing agency will require you to bring proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card, and proof of a Social Security number.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, you will need to use another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly within the United States. Other acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
If you present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and do not have another acceptable form of ID, you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting 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.
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REAL IDs cannot be used for international travel or sea cruise travel
REAL IDs are now required to fly within the United States. However, they are not valid for international travel or sea cruise travel. For international travel, a passport is required. For sea cruises, a New York State Enhanced License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID can be used instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. It is important to note that an Enhanced Photo Document is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.
A REAL ID is a federally-compliant, state-issued driver's license or ID card. It is marked by a star in the upper right corner. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes.
Starting May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid US passport, will be required. It is recommended that individuals submit their REAL ID application at least 30 days before their flight.
To apply for a REAL ID, individuals must visit their local DMV office or facility in person. The process is similar to obtaining a traditional license or ID card, and there is no additional fee for a REAL ID. However, it is important to note that a temporary driver's license or state ID will not be accepted as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
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A US passport can be used instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for US travelers to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. However, a valid US passport can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. This means that you do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid US passport.
The TSA recommends that travelers consider obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for convenience. Having a REAL ID means that travelers can use a standard driver's license without carrying their passport for domestic flights. However, it is not mandatory to have a REAL ID if you already have a valid US passport.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. The TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have acceptable identification. Additionally, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration.
A passport card, issued by the US Department of State, can also be used as an alternative form of identification for domestic flights. The passport card is wallet-sized and can be used instead of a traditional passport book. However, it is important to note that passport cards are not valid for international air travel.
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REAL IDs are also required for access to certain federal facilities
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required to access certain federal facilities in the US. Federal agencies, including the DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for accessing federal facilities if they were issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. This means the license or card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. All states, the District of Columbia, and the five US territories are REAL ID-compliant and are issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you may be able to use an alternative form of identification to access certain federal facilities. A US passport or passport card is an acceptable alternative form of identification and can be used in place of a REAL ID. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID cards (EIDs) are also acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs for accessing federal facilities. However, only five states currently issue EDLs/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility. For example, you do not need a REAL ID to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian. Additionally, the Act does not prohibit agencies from accepting other forms of identity documents. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with the specific federal facility you plan to visit to determine their identification requirements.
To obtain a REAL ID, you can visit your state's driver's licensing agency website or your local DMV office to find out the exact documentation required. It is recommended to check that you have acceptable identification before traveling to avoid any issues at the airport or federal facility.
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Frequently asked questions
Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the US.
A US passport or passport card, a US military ID, or a US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization card are all acceptable forms of identification for flying within the US.
The process of getting a REAL ID depends on your state. In most cases, you will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
The cost of a REAL ID is the same as a traditional license or ID card.
No, a passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used in place of a REAL ID.
