Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have 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. REAL ID-compliant licenses have a small star in the upper right corner, indicating they meet federal regulations for minimum security standards. North Carolina residents can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license by visiting their local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and providing certain documents, such as proof of identity and a Social Security card.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use your NC driver's license as ID at the airport? | Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant, indicated by a star in the top right corner. |
| REAL ID-compliant driver's license requirements | Proof of identity (passport or U.S. birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of North Carolina residency, your social security card (if issued), and a current driver's license. |
| Alternative forms of ID | U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, etc. |
| TSA requirements for children under 18 | Children under 18 traveling within the U.S. do not need to provide ID. Unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID. |
| TSA policy on expired IDs | Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after expiration. |
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What You'll Learn
- A North Carolina driver's license with a gold star is REAL ID-compliant
- From May 2025, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID is required to board domestic flights
- A standard North Carolina driver's license without a star is not valid for domestic flights
- A U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative form of ID for North Carolina residents
- REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the top right corner
A North Carolina driver's license with a gold star is REAL ID-compliant
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 a North Carolina driver's license with a gold star, which is REAL ID-compliant, can be used as ID at the airport.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of identification, such as driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibited federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs. This includes domestic flights and certain federal facilities.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license in North Carolina, you must visit your local North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents, including proof of identity, proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizens, two proofs of North Carolina residency, your social security card, and a current driver's license if you are exchanging one from another state. The North Carolina REAL ID is just like a traditional license or ID but has a star at the top, indicating that it meets federal regulations.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the proper identification.
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From May 2025, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID is required to board domestic flights
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID are required to board domestic flights in the US. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production. Federal agencies are prohibited from accepting non-compliant IDs for certain official purposes.
The TSA strongly encourages travelers to check that they have acceptable ID before arriving at the airport. If a traveler presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. They may also be asked to complete an identity verification process. If their identity cannot be verified, they will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
REAL ID-compliant IDs include driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not considered acceptable identification. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID requirements, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.
Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, and an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC).
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A standard North Carolina driver's license without a star is not valid for domestic flights
As of May 7, 2025, a standard North Carolina driver's license without a star will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports within the U.S. This is because the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for licenses and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs.
The North Carolina REAL ID is a REAL ID Act-compliant driver's license that is similar to a traditional license but has a star at the top, indicating that it meets federal regulations. This star is located in the upper right corner of the card and shows that the license is REAL ID-compliant. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must visit their local North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents, such as proof of identity and proof of a Social Security number.
If you have a North Carolina driver's license without a star, you will need to present another form of approved identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. It is important to note that this requirement only applies to domestic flights within the U.S., and international travel may have different requirements.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law that aims to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver's licenses and identification cards. According to Beth Walker, TSA's Federal Security Director for Charlotte International Airport, "The improvements are intended to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification." By establishing minimum security standards for license issuance, the Act enhances the security of air travel and federal facilities.
It is recommended that North Carolina residents who plan to travel by air after May 7, 2025, obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to ensure they can pass through TSA checkpoints without issue. Individuals can visit the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about the requirements and application process for a REAL ID-compliant license.
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A U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative form of ID for North Carolina residents
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 North Carolina residents with a non-compliant driver's license will need another form of approved ID, such as a passport, to board their flight or enter a secure federal facility or military base. A U.S. passport is therefore an acceptable alternative form of ID for North Carolina residents.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibited federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs. This includes physical and digital driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act was enacted to improve the reliability and accuracy of these documents and inhibit terrorists' ability to evade detection using fraudulent identification.
To be REAL ID-compliant, North Carolina residents must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and state residency. Required documents include proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), two proofs of North Carolina residency, and a social security card (if issued one). A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card will have a small star in the upper right corner.
If a North Carolina resident does not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, they can present a U.S. passport as an alternative form of ID at the airport. A U.S. passport card is also accepted as a form of ID by the TSA. It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travelers are encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses have a star in the top right corner
As of 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 if your North Carolina driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it as a valid form of ID at the airport.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are not a U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The specific requirements may vary from state to state, so it is recommended to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or driver's licensing agency.
If your North Carolina driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present an alternative form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, when passing through TSA checkpoints at the airport. Without acceptable identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs.
Yes, but it must be REAL ID-compliant. NC driver's licenses that are REAL ID-compliant have a star in the top right corner. If your license does not have a star, you will need another form of approved identification, such as a passport.
To get a REAL ID-compliant license, you will need to visit your local North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles office in person and bring certain documents to prove your identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
