Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This is a result of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued identification. While some states became compliant early on, others received extensions to become compliant. Maryland residents can check their REAL ID compliance using the REAL ID Lookup Tool provided by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a Maryland driver's license sufficient for airport travel? | From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID is required for airport travel. A Maryland REAL ID license has a star in the corner. |
| What are the acceptable forms of ID? | A valid U.S. passport book or passport card, a valid foreign passport, permanent resident cards, trusted traveler cards, valid U.S. military IDs, and enhanced driver's licenses demonstrating U.S. citizenship. |
| What are the requirements for a REAL ID-compliant license? | The REAL ID Act mandates that each ID card includes the person's full name, date of birth, gender, principal residence, a digital front-facing photograph, an identification number, the person's signature, and security features to prevent tampering or duplication. |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant licenses
As of May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident in the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial aircraft, enter a nuclear power plant, or access a federal facility. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. This was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for identification documents such as driver's licenses.
A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star marking in the top right corner. To get a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals can visit their state's driver's licensing agency website to review the process and the documentation required. The documentation required may vary by state, but in most cases, individuals will need to bring proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If an individual does not have a REAL ID-compliant license, they will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. However, it is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or international travel, including international sea cruise travel.
In the state of Maryland, residents will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board an airplane starting in May 2025. The Maryland REAL ID driver's license has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations. Maryland residents have the option to upgrade to a REAL ID or keep a standard driver's license. However, a standard license without the star will not be valid for boarding domestic flights or accessing secure federal facilities.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued card that functions as a driving license and identity card with limited passport features. EDLs are available to US 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.
As a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant travel document, an EDL may be used for "official purposes" (such as boarding a domestic flight) covered by the US Real ID Act. However, it's important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. 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 without a REAL ID-compliant license will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.
A Maryland REAL ID driver's license, for example, has a small star on it to indicate that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards. As of May 2025, Maryland residents will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board an airplane.
To summarize, while an EDL can be used for airport travel, it is important to check the latest requirements and ensure that your EDL is REAL ID-compliant.
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U.S. passport
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. Maryland residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight. A Maryland REAL ID license has a star in its corner. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.
A U.S. passport is a valid form of identification for air travel. However, it is important to note that processing times for passport applications can vary, and it may take some time to receive your passport after it has been printed. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the total time it will take to obtain a passport when booking travel. If you are a first-time applicant, you can apply early by attending a Passport Fair held across the United States.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. For specific requirements regarding travellers under 18, it is advised to contact the airline.
If you are unsure whether your current form of identification is compliant, it is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles or refer to the official TSA guidelines before travelling to ensure you have acceptable ID.
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DHS trusted traveler cards
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 Maryland residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board an airplane. A Maryland REAL ID license has a star in its corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or to enter a secure federal facility or military base.
To use a Global Entry card for lawful US entry, you must be a Global Entry member who is a US citizen, US lawful permanent resident, or Mexican national. You can activate your Global Entry card by logging into your Trusted Traveler Program account and clicking on the "Activate Membership Card" button under the Program Membership(s) section.
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Other TSA-acceptable forms of ID
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 Maryland residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board an airplane. A Maryland REAL ID license has a star in the corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, there are several other forms of identification that are acceptable for domestic flights in the US. These include:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- 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 recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
In addition, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it must be a REAL ID-compliant license. This is indicated by a star in the corner.
You will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base.
You can check your REAL ID compliance using the REAL ID Lookup Tool provided by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA).
Starting May 7, 2025, travelers 18 years of age or older must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
