Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all US citizens over the age of 18 must show proof of identification that meets the Real ID Act's rules when travelling by air. This has raised questions about how non-citizens will be affected, particularly those with green cards. While green cards are not considered Real IDs, they are accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints and can be used as evidence of legal presence when applying for a Real ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a Green Card a REAL ID? | No, a Green Card is not a REAL ID. REAL IDs are issued by states, and they require your signature and address. |
| Is a Green Card accepted at TSA checkpoints? | Yes, a Green Card is a valid form of identification at a TSA checkpoint. |
| Is a Green Card accepted at all airports? | It seems that Green Cards are accepted at most airports, but there is an instance of someone being told that it is not a REAL ID at an airport. |
| Do I need a Green Card to fly in the US? | No, but you do need a government-issued photo ID to get on an airplane. |
| What are other REAL ID options for non-US citizens? | State-issued enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced IDs, US passport cards, foreign government-issued passports, and Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards. |
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What You'll Learn
Green cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints
As of May 7, 2025, U.S. citizens over 18 years old must show proof of identification that meets the Real ID Act's rules to board a domestic flight. This has created some confusion about what it means for noncitizens, including green card holders.
The TSA accepts a range of other identification documents for non-U.S. citizens, including state-issued enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced IDs, U.S. passports or passport cards, foreign government-issued passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and lawful permanent resident cards (green cards).
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable identification.
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Green cards are not REAL IDs
As of May 7, 2025, all US citizens over 18 years old must show proof of identification that meets the 2005 REAL ID Act's rules. Green cards are not REAL IDs. This is because REAL IDs are state-issued, whereas green cards are issued by the federal government.
Green cards are, however, accepted as proof of identification at TSA checkpoints. They are also accepted as proof of residency to obtain a REAL ID. To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status.
While green cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints, some people have reported issues with using them as identification at airports. It is recommended that people flying within the US have a passport as a backup form of identification.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, all US citizens over 18 years old must show proof of identification that meets the Real ID Act's rules when flying domestically or accessing certain federal facilities. The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards for official purposes.
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Two proofs of address for the principal residence
- Lawful status
Some states may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific documentation requirements.
It is important to note that a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is not the only acceptable form of identification for domestic air travel. Other acceptable forms of ID include a passport, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a DHS trusted traveler card, a US Department of Defense ID, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
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Other acceptable forms of ID at airports
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 should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- 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
- Foreign government-issued passports
- Border crossing cards, a document used by Mexican citizens to enter the US
- School or university IDs
- Workplace IDs
- Expired IDs that would otherwise be acceptable (accepted up to two years after expiration)
- Passport cards
- Visas
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REAL ID Act and its implications
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government set standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes.
The REAL ID Act has been amended several times over the years. For example, in 2018, Congress amended the Act to clarify that citizens of the Freely Associated States (the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau) were eligible for driver's licenses and ID cards when admitted to the United States. In 2020, the deadline for states to comply with the Act was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent extension was granted in December 2022, pushing the deadline to May 7, 2025.
The REAL ID Act has several implications for US citizens, residents, and visitors. Firstly, starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID to access federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board commercial aircraft. This includes domestic flights within the US. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card. It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for international travel, including border crossings into Canada or Mexico, or international sea cruise travel.
The Act also has implications for individuals seeking asylum or with temporary immigration status. The REAL ID Act increased the burden of proof for individuals applying for asylum, requiring them to present evidence in addition to their testimony. For those with temporary immigration status, the Act allows states to issue temporary REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards. These temporary IDs will remain valid until the individual's lawful status expires.
In terms of obtaining a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. It is important to note that the requirements may vary by state, so individuals should check with their state's driver's licensing agency for specific documentation requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a Green Card is a valid form of identification at a TSA checkpoint. However, it is not considered a REAL ID, which is a term for a state-issued ID that meets certain federally-demanded criteria.
REAL IDs are state-issued IDs that meet higher federal security standards. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a transparent star, the card's expiration date, a gold bear, or a star cut out of a gold grizzly bear.
Examples of REAL ID-compliant IDs include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, US passports, and DHS trusted traveler cards.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant 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 providing information such as your name and current address.
