Airports And Driver's Licenses: Accepted Forms Of Id

As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID can be identified by a star or the word Enhanced in the upper right-hand corner. The TSA also accepts other forms of identification, such as a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, and foreign government-issued IDs. It's important to note that temporary or interim licenses and ID cards are not accepted as proof of identification.

From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to fly within the US

As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to fly within the US. This means that your state-issued ID or license must be REAL ID-compliant if you plan to use it to fly within the country. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set stricter measures on how people can obtain state driver's licenses and established more thorough standards for what information is displayed on the licenses. The Act also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet its minimum standards. These standards include requiring proof of:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

Additionally, states may impose further requirements on top of these federal standards.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, there are alternative forms of identification that are accepted. These include:

• A US passport or passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses (issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont)

It is important to note that REAL ID cards are not required for individuals under 18 when traveling with a companion within the US.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the exact documentation required. It is recommended that you start the application process early, as appointments and wait times can be lengthy.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are obtainable at DMVs in all 50 states

As of May 7, 2025, all US air passengers aged 18 and over must show a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card to travel on a domestic flight. This means that the ID must be compliant with the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005. The Act sets out minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting IDs that do not meet these standards for official purposes. These purposes include accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

Some states may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended that you check with your state's driver's licensing agency website before visiting in person. The cost of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license includes a \$10 fee, plus the cost of the driver's license or ID card.

It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant licenses will have a star in the upper right or left-hand corner. If your ID does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.

The TSA does not accept temporary driver's licenses

The TSA has strict requirements for the types of identification documents that are accepted at airport checkpoints. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA. This means that if you are planning to fly within the US, you will need to present another form of identification that is compliant with TSA regulations.

The TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and older to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, a DHS trusted traveler card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a foreign government-issued passport, or a Canadian provincial driver's license, among other forms of ID. It's important to note that the TSA does not accept weapon permits or temporary driver's licenses as valid forms of identification.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets forth new federally mandated requirements for all state driver's licenses and ID cards. This Act ensures that driver's licenses issued by all states meet the same high standards of identity verification set by the federal government. As a result, starting May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted at TSA checkpoints nationwide. This means that if your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to present another acceptable form of federal identification, such as a passport, for domestic air travel.

It's important to note that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification. However, this is subject to change, and travelers are advised to check the latest TSA guidelines before their travel dates. Additionally, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States, but the airline may require proof of age.

A digital driver's license on your smartphone may be accepted at some airports

As of May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 and above must show a valid REAL ID-compliant identification at the airport to travel within the US. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a US passport, or a passport card.

A digital driver's license on a smartphone may be accepted at some airports. For example, at select airport checkpoints, the TSA accepts mobile driver's licenses and ID passes saved on travelers' smartphones in apps like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps. Major airports such as Los Angeles International Airport, Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport, New York JFK, and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, among others, accept eligible digital IDs.

However, it is important to note that even with a digital driver's license, travelers must still carry a physical ID. In case of any technical glitches, a TSA officer will ask to see the hard copy of the driver's license to verify manually. Therefore, travelers should always plan to carry valid and REAL ID-compliant physical identification when heading to the airport.

The REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are obtainable at DMVs in all 50 states and US territories. The process involves showing additional paperwork, such as a birth certificate, passport, social security card, and proof of residence. The state DMV website will have a list of the required documents. Additionally, a REAL ID-compliant license can be identified by the presence of one of the following symbols in the upper corner: a gold or black star, a white star with a gold or black circle around it, or a gold bear with a white star on top.

Other forms of ID, such as a passport, are also accepted at airports

As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of federal identification is required. A US passport is one such acceptable form of identification and may be used instead of a REAL ID driver's license or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.

If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, the TSA website provides a list of identification accepted at TSA checkpoints. It is important to note that children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 should be confirmed with the airline.

In the case that you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be permitted to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to proceed to the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

It is worth mentioning that the REAL ID Act sets forth federally mandated requirements for state driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act ensures that driver's licenses issued by all states meet the same high standards of identity verification set by the federal government. This enhances the security of driver's licenses and identification documents, making them a vital component of national security.

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