Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted at airport security checkpoints in the US. This means that a standard driver's license will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification for adults over the age of 18. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the US, although some airlines may have specific requirements. Passengers can also use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, or enroll for a REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Additionally, TSA offers the option of using digital IDs at over 250 airports, which are more secure and private than physical credentials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to show a driving licence at the airport? | Adult passengers (18 and older) |
| What type of driving licence is accepted? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licences or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) |
| What other forms of ID are accepted? | Passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, US Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL), Enhanced ID (EID) |
| What if my driving licence is expired? | If your driver's licence expired on or after 1 March 2020 and you were unable to renew it, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver's licences or state-issued IDs for up to a year after expiration. |
| What if I don't have a REAL ID-compliant driving licence? | You can use another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices. |
| What if I don't have any acceptable form of ID? | If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. 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. |
| Can I use a digital ID? | Yes, TSA accepts digital IDs that are compliant with the 6 CFR Part 37: Minimum Standards for Driver's Licences and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes. You can add your acceptable state-issued eligible driver's licence or identification card to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet. |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driving licences
As per the REAL ID Act of 2005, REAL ID-compliant driving licences are required for air travel within the United States. From May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant driving licence or identification card to fly within the country. This means that state-issued driving licences and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driving licence, individuals can apply through their state DMV offices. The process and required documents may vary by state. In most cases, individuals will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-US citizens. Proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or Form W-2, is also required. Additionally, proof of residency may be requested, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.
It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant driving licences have specific markings. They typically display a star in the upper right corner of the card. Some states, like Tennessee, may have additional markings, such as a black or gold circle around the star. These markings indicate that the driving licence meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act.
If individuals are unsure whether their driving licence is REAL ID-compliant, they can check with their state department of motor vehicles. States like Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York issue both REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driving licences, both of which are acceptable for air travel. Washington state only issues enhanced driving licences, marked with a flag, which are also accepted.
It is recommended to check the TSA's list of acceptable forms of identification before travelling, as the list may change without notice. In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driving licence, other acceptable forms of identification for air travel include a passport, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
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State-issued enhanced driver's licences
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. Passengers must either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). They are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. EDLs are available to U.S. citizens who reside in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Ohio passed a law in 2023 to offer EDLs, but they are not yet available to residents of that state.
An EDL functions as both a driving license and an identity card with limited passport features. It is issued in some states in the U.S. and was formerly issued in some provinces in Canada. EDLs are only available to citizens of the country who are residents of the relevant region. They are issued in a secure process and include technology that makes travel easier.
In Canada, EDLs were introduced as another option to the Canadian passport. Four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec) were issuing EDLs to Canadian citizens. Canadian citizens could present an EDL when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
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Digital IDs
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, both physical and digital. Starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and IDs will be accepted at airports. Until then, standard licenses will be accepted.
To use a Digital ID, passengers must add their acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. Passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification, and their picture will be taken and compared to their physical or digital ID.
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TSA requirements for children
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Airlines do not require a form of ID for children under 18 for boarding, but a boarding pass is necessary. It is recommended that you contact your airline to see if they have any specific requirements for children.
TSA has developed modified screening procedures for children who appear to be 12 years old and younger. TSA officers will consult parents or the travelling guardian about the child's screening. Children 13 years and older are subject to standard TSA screening procedures. Carry-on property of all passengers, regardless of age, must be screened. All passengers who alarm will undergo additional screening.
If your child has a disability, medical condition, or medical device, inform the TSA officer. If your child is able to walk through the metal detector, they may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies, and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening is required. If your child is able to remain standing in the required position for 5 seconds, they may be screened through advanced imaging technology. If a child 12 and under goes through the machine and alarms, they have an opportunity to go through again, or the TSA officer may use other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down.
Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs, and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in carry-ons, along with liquid-filled teethers. If these items are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. Strollers, umbrella strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, and backpacks must be screened by X-ray. Place items in the stroller pockets or baskets, in a carry-on bag, or on the X-ray belt for screening. Equipment that does not fit through the X-ray machine will undergo a visual/physical inspection by TSA officers.
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Non-REAL ID-compliant licences
As of May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant licences will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers travelling with a non-compliant ID will need to bring an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or they may be denied boarding.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets minimum security standards for the issuance of driver's licences and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting noncompliant IDs for certain official purposes. This includes physical and digital licences, also known as Mobile Driver's Licences or "mDLs".
The Act was enacted as a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, which sought to establish minimum security standards for licence issuance and production. As a result, state driver's licensing agencies now require applicants to provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. It is important to note that REAL ID compliance is not mandatory, and you can still obtain a non-compliant driver's licence or state ID card. However, these cannot be used for air travel or to enter federal facilities or military installations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. This includes REAL ID-compliant driving licences.
A REAL ID-compliant driving licence meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. REAL ID-compliant licences are marked with a star at the top of the card.
You will need an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, to fly.
If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address.
Yes, digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports. You will need to add your acceptable state-issued eligible driving licence to your phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet.
