Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, standard 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 a non-compliant state driver's license or ID will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints, and travelers will not be able to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top right corner, while Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) feature a U.S. flag symbol on the front of the card and are also accepted at airport security checkpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of implementation | 7 May 2025 |
| IDs accepted at TSA checkpoints | REAL ID-compliant driver's license, EDL, or another acceptable form of identification |
| IDs that are not accepted | State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant |
| Alternative IDs accepted | Passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), US Department of Defense ID, permanent resident card, foreign government-issued passport |
| TSA requirements for identity verification | Name, current address, and other personal information |
| TSA requirements for children under 18 | No ID required when travelling within the US |
| TSA requirements for expired ID | Accepted up to two years after expiration |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant cards feature a star in the top right corner
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant card will be mandatory for official federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant cards are identified by a star in the top right corner, which can be gold or black. This star indicates that the ID complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act was passed to improve the integrity and security of state-issued IDs, helping to fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals must provide various documents to prove their identity, lawful status, SSN, and residency. This typically includes a valid, unexpired U.S. passport or birth certificate, as well as proof of address and name changes, if applicable. It is important to note that each state may have specific requirements, so it is recommended to check with the local DMV or an official website for a detailed list of required documents.
For those who do not have a REAL ID-compliant card, alternative forms of identification are accepted at airports and federal facilities. These include a U.S. passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or other acceptable tribal or state-issued photo identity cards. However, it is always good to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling, as it may change without notice.
The REAL ID-compliant card is not mandatory for everyone. For example, children under 18 traveling within the United States do not need to provide identification. Additionally, individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals may still be eligible for REAL ID-compliant credentials under certain circumstances, such as parolees from Afghanistan with valid documentation.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are accepted at TSA checkpoints
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 TSA checkpoints in airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before arriving at the airport, as the list is subject to change without notice. Additionally, TSA Cares can be contacted for any questions or assistance regarding the TSA checkpoints.
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US passports are accepted at TSA checkpoints
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 TSA checkpoints in US airports. Passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask for additional information to verify the passenger's identity. If the identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the necessary documentation.
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DHS trusted traveler cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints
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 TSA checkpoints in airports. Passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license issued by their state DMV.
Other acceptable forms of ID at TSA checkpoints include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, and a State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), is also permitted.
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. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration.
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TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration
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 should either 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.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date for the above-listed forms of identification. This means that if your ID expired within the past 24 months, you can still use it as a valid form of identification at airport security checkpoints. However, it's important to note that this policy is subject to change, and the TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), Enhanced ID Cards (EID), U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. These IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints and for boarding domestic flights, visiting federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
In addition to these forms of identification, TSA also accepts other documents as proof of identification. These include an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), and a U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential. For TSA PreCheck applications, travelers must provide an unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID), also known as a "Green Card," or an unexpired foreign passport with an immigrant visa. An expired U.S. passport within 12 months of its expiration date can also be used, but only as proof of citizenship and alongside another form of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant licenses will be accepted at TSA checkpoints. This was passed by Congress in 2005 to set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top of the card. The placement and appearance of the star differ slightly depending on the state that issued the license.
You will need another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a DHS trusted traveler card.
You can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license by making an appointment at your local DMV office. Some offices offer special hours for those trying to get a REAL ID before the deadline.
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable 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.
