Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to board domestic flights in the United States. REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can use another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use my driver's license for ID at the airport? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. |
| What is REAL ID? | A law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs). |
| How do I know if my driver's license is REAL ID-compliant? | Your driver's license will have a star in the upper right corner if it is REAL ID-compliant. |
| When do I need to be REAL ID-compliant? | 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 United States. |
| What if I don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license? | You can use another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly. |
| What if I don't have any acceptable form of identification? | 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, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Real ID requirements for US air travel from May 2025
As of May 2025, a driver's license can be used as identification at the airport, but it must be a Real ID-compliant driver's license. This applies to US domestic flights and certain federal facilities. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.
When applying for or renewing a driver's license, you can choose to make it Real ID-compliant. The process and required documents vary by state, but generally, you must provide proof of identity and a Social Security number. To prove your identity, you can use a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are not a US citizen. A Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck can be used to prove your Social Security number.
Real ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star in the upper right corner. If your driver's license has this star, it can be used as identification at the airport for domestic flights. If your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to fly within the US.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Additionally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, but unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID.
Exploring Dublin Airport: Transit Possibilities and Restrictions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA acceptance of expired driver's licenses
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. This means that, in most cases, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
The TSA has extended its acceptance of expired driver's licenses and state IDs for domestic air travel, provided they expired on or after March 1, 2020, and are within one year of the travel date. This temporary measure allows the use of licenses expired for up to one year, providing flexibility while maintaining security standards. However, travelers are advised that this is a stopgap solution and that they should obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification well before the May 7, 2025 deadline to avoid potential travel disruptions.
It is important to note that the TSA's extended acceptance of expired licenses has inadvertently created a loophole, allowing some travelers with suspended licenses to fly domestically, which has sparked debates about potential security risks. Therefore, while the TSA currently accepts expired IDs, travelers should not rely on this as a long-term solution and should ensure they have valid, compliant identification as soon as possible.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. When applying for or renewing a driver's license or state ID, individuals can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. These IDs will have a star marking in the top right corner. The process of obtaining a REAL ID varies by state, and individuals can visit their state's driver's licensing agency website to learn more about the required documentation and application process.
In summary, while the TSA currently accepts expired driver's licenses and state IDs for domestic air travel, this is a temporary measure, and travelers should obtain REAL ID-compliant identification as soon as possible to ensure smooth travel experiences after the May 7, 2025 deadline.
Airports: Who Can Shut Them Down?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
State-issued ID requirements
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards must meet specific security standards. This Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes. Thus, starting May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to board domestic flights within the United States. This ID will have a star in the top right corner.
To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity and a Social Security number when applying for or renewing your driver's license or state ID card. Proof of identity can include a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), while a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck can be used to prove your Social Security number. The specific requirements may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check your state's driver's licensing agency website for detailed information on the application process and required documentation.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you may still be able to use other forms of identification, such as a passport, for air travel until May 7, 2025. After this date, only REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification will be accepted for domestic flights. It is important to note that children under 18 are not required to provide any form of identification for TSA screening when traveling within the United States, and airlines only require a boarding pass for boarding.
In certain cases, if you arrive at the airport without a valid REAL ID or acceptable alternative, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may perform an identity verification process by collecting your personal information, such as your name and current address, to confirm your identity. If your identity is successfully verified, you will be permitted to proceed through the screening checkpoint.
Drone Flying Restrictions: Airport Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Non-compliant driver's licenses and alternative ID
A non-compliant driver's license is a license that does not meet the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act. This Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and sets standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses and ID cards.
From May 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant license or ID card will have a star in the upper right corner. If your driver's license or ID card does not have this star, it is non-compliant, and you will need to provide another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight or access certain federal facilities. These alternative forms of ID include a passport or other acceptable forms of identification.
To make your driver's license REAL ID-compliant, you can apply for a REAL ID when you renew your license. The process of getting a REAL ID and the documents you must provide depend on your state. Generally, you will need to provide proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card), proof of a Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or Form W-2), and proof of residency (such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement).
It is important to note that a REAL ID is not required for all purposes. You do not need a REAL ID for accessing health or life-preserving services, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities.
Exploring Airports: Teenagers and Their Independence
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Identification for minors
As per the TSA, adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is considered a valid ID. However, a temporary driver's license is not accepted as a valid form of identification. Starting 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.
Now, for minors, the rules are a little different. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Additionally, children between the ages of 5 and 14 are not required to show ID at the time of check-in, but they are encouraged to have some form of identification during travel. This could be a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on a mobile phone.
Some airlines may have specific requirements for minors travelling alone. For example, American Airlines requires an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, which includes information about who is dropping off the child and who will pick them up at the destination. Additionally, if the child is travelling alone, they may need a consent letter signed by both parents, or by a single parent with proof of sole custody or the other parent's death certificate.
Therefore, while a driver's license is a valid form of identification for adults at airports, minors may not need an ID if they are travelling with an adult. However, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification for minors, and specific requirements may vary by airline and destination.
Airport Attire: Hats, Yay or Nay?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, starting from May 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.
When you apply for or renew your driver's license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. You will need to bring proof of identity and a Social Security number.
Yes, you can use a passport or another acceptable form of identification 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.
Yes, the TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs for up to one year after expiration.
