Ruth Haines
As of May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports in the US. This means that any state-issued driver's license that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of ID. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant license will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). It is recommended that travelers check the specific requirements for their state, as some states may have additional requirements for acceptable forms of ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is an old driver's license valid at the airport? | Only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted at the airport. |
| REAL ID Act | Passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation for the Federal Government to set standards for identification documents. |
| REAL ID Implementation Date | From May 2025, REAL ID will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. |
| REAL ID Compliant States | All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses. |
| Alternative Forms of Identification | 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. |
| Temporary Driver's License | Not accepted as a valid form of identification at the airport. |
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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 if your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to use another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to fly.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting noncompliant licenses and IDs for certain official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or ID card must include a star marking in the upper right corner. This indicates that the ID meets the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act. If your ID does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as a valid form of identification for air travel.
You can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID card through your state's DMV offices. The process and required documentation may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific information. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency when applying for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs, there are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used for air travel. These include passports, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs), and other forms of identification issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations or Indian Tribes. It's important to check the specific requirements before travelling, as the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice.
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State-issued Enhanced 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. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant license or card will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry, in addition to serving as a permit to drive. They include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that signals a secure system to pull up the holder's biographic information. No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on the card's RFID chip or can be transmitted electronically.
To apply for an EDL, individuals must provide the required documents, which may include their Social Security Number. It is important to renew the EDL before it expires to avoid unnecessary fees and restricted travel.
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REAL ID Act
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to enact the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of identification documents, such as driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act establishes minimum security standards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant forms of identification for certain official purposes.
From May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that anyone over the age of 18 travelling domestically or visiting certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. It's important to note that a passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used instead of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
If you plan to use your driver's license as identification when travelling, it's important to check that it is REAL ID-compliant with your state department of motor vehicles. If your license is not compliant, you may need to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. Obtaining a REAL ID typically requires taking an extra piece of paperwork to your DMV and does not usually incur an additional fee or take extra time.
It's worth noting that the REAL ID Act does not affect the use of driver's licenses or identification cards for purposes unrelated to the official purposes defined in the Act.
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Temporary driver's license
As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID. However, a Real ID-compliant driver's license is accepted.
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. 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.
If you are a non-immigrant but are authorized to be in the U.S., you may present a Temporary Resident Identification card or other temporary resident documentation. Your driver's license will remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card.
In California, once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue you a temporary driver's license until you receive your new driver's license in the mail. A temporary driver's license is also issued to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and for a specific period. To qualify for a Temporary Driver License, the applicant will be required to provide proof of temporary legal presence in the United States. The applicant will also have to pass the required vision, knowledge, and road skills tests when applicable.
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REAL ID-compliant star marking
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. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card, typically the top right corner:
- A star marking (gold star)
- Alternative markings such as differentiations in colour, lettering, and/or format approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity when boarding commercial aircraft. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, you will not be able to use it for air travel, but you can use a passport or one of the other acceptable forms of identification to fly.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot. 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.
A REAL ID-compliant license is a state-issued driver's license that meets the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. This Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for certain official purposes.
Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a DHS trusted traveler card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you can enroll through your state DMV offices. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as a pay stub with your name and SSN, so it is recommended to check your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific requirements.
