Airport Security: State Id Travel Verification

As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state ID cards will be accepted by the TSA at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights within the US. This means that IDs and driver's licenses that do not have a star in the upper right-hand corner will not be accepted. However, other forms of federally issued ID, such as passports, will still be accepted.

State IDs are accepted at airport security until May 7, 2025

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in response to a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, which stated that the Federal Government should "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The Act ensures that all state-issued driver's licenses and IDs meet the same high standards of identity verification. This includes the incorporation of specified data, common machine-readable technology, and anti-fraud security features. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documents proving their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status.

Currently, the TSA accepts regular state-issued driver's licenses and state photo ID cards as valid forms of identification at airport checkpoints for domestic flights. However, as of May 7, 2025, all such IDs must be REAL ID-compliant. This means that IDs must have a star in the upper right corner to indicate compliance. If an individual's ID is not REAL ID-compliant by the deadline, they will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.

It is worth noting that REAL IDs are not sufficient for international flights, which will still require passports. Additionally, individuals can still obtain a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant, but these cannot be used for air travel or to enter federal facilities or military installations.

With the deadline approaching, it is recommended to check the status of your ID and ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. This can be done by looking for the star in the upper right corner of the ID. If you plan to travel by air after May 7, 2025, and your ID is not compliant, it is advised to start the process of obtaining a REAL ID as soon as possible, as many states are experiencing backlogs in processing requests due to the pandemic.

After May 7, 2025, only REAL IDs will be accepted

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the deadline for REAL ID enforcement to May 7, 2025, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After this date, only REAL IDs will be accepted at airport security for domestic US flights. This means that a current driver's license or state ID will no longer be sufficient identification to board a domestic flight unless it is a REAL ID. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID will have a star in the upper right corner.

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005, following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Act sets out stricter measures for how people can obtain a state driver's license and establishes more rigorous standards for the information displayed on licenses. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting state driver's licenses and IDs that do not meet the minimum security requirements set by the Secretary of Homeland Security. These requirements include the incorporation of specified data, common machine-readable technology, and anti-fraud security features.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documents that prove their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status. It is important to note that the process and specific documents required to obtain a REAL ID may vary by state. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the state's driver's licensing agency to determine the exact documentation needed and the steps to obtain a REAL ID.

If an individual does not have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, they will need to use a passport or another acceptable form of federally compliant identification to fly domestically. Other acceptable forms of identification include a US passport card, DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), or another form of ID approved by the TSA. It is worth noting that a REAL ID will not be sufficient for international flights, as a passport is still required for such travel.

REAL IDs have stricter requirements for identity verification

The REAL ID Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting state driver's licenses and IDs unless those documents meet minimum security requirements. These requirements are set by the Secretary of Homeland Security and include the incorporation of specified data, common machine-readable technology, and certain anti-fraud security features. To be issued a REAL ID, individuals must provide documents that prove their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status. This includes providing original documents, as temporary documents and photocopies are not accepted.

Additionally, the REAL ID Act requires that applicants demonstrate name traceability, which means there must be a connection between the name on the source document and the name requested to be on the REAL ID. States have the flexibility to choose the specific types of documentation individuals should present as evidence of this traceability. It is important to note that individuals are not required to provide a list of all previously used names.

The deadline for obtaining a REAL ID has been extended multiple times, most recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID will be required to board domestic flights. If individuals do not have a REAL ID, they can use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport, to fly domestically.

REAL IDs are identified by a star in the top right corner

REAL IDs are now mandatory for air travel in the US. As of May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents must present a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID card to board a domestic flight. This means that a regular driver's license or state ID will not be accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification at airport checkpoints. However, there are alternative forms of identification that will be accepted, such as a passport or certain other federally-issued documents.

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documents that prove their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of address and lawful status. The specific documents that are accepted as proof may vary from state to state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency. In most cases, a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) can be used as proof of identity, while a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck can be used as proof of a Social Security number. For proof of residency, individuals may need to provide a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.

It is important to note that Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. These EDLs do not need to have the star marking to be considered valid. Additionally, individuals with temporary or limited-term licenses or identification cards do not need to re-submit identity source documents unless there has been a material change in their personally identifiable information.

Passports are accepted as an alternative form of ID

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will require your state ID to be a REAL ID to be accepted as a valid form of identification for domestic flights. REAL IDs are federally approved state driver's licenses that meet a set of minimum security requirements. If your state ID is not a REAL ID, you will need to provide another form of identification, such as a passport, to be allowed to board the plane.

In addition to a U.S. passport, other acceptable forms of federal identification include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. These forms of ID can be used in place of a REAL ID driver's license for domestic flights.

It is important to note that the REAL ID Act only applies to domestic flights within the U.S. For international flights, a passport is typically required, and a REAL ID driver's license is not sufficient. The name on your e-ticket should match the name on your passport or other proof of identity presented at the airport for entry, check-in, and boarding.

If you are unsure whether your state ID is REAL ID compliant, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, you can look for a star in the upper right corner of your ID, which indicates that it is REAL ID compliant.

Frequently asked questions