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As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers traveling after this date should carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star in the upper portion of the card, though the style of the star may vary depending on the state.
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What You'll Learn
- From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted at airports
- REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star in the upper portion of the card
- The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards are also acceptable forms of identification
- Until May 7, 2025, TSA will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states
From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted at airports
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. It prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards that do not meet these minimum standards. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also use the interactive tool on the Department of Homeland Security website to find out if you're REAL ID ready. It is important to plan ahead and get a REAL ID as soon as possible if you need one, as there may be delays in obtaining an appointment.
If you do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, you may face delays, additional screening, or even be denied entry to the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address.
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REAL ID-compliant cards are generally marked with a star in the upper portion of the card
As of May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official federal government purposes, such as entering secure federal buildings or boarding domestic flights. This means that a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers traveling after this date should either obtain a REAL ID or carry another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.
While the star marking is a common indicator, some states may use alternative methods to differentiate compliant cards from non-compliant ones. These alternative markings may include differences in color, lettering, and/or format. However, it's important to note that the absence of the star marking does not necessarily mean that a card is non-compliant, as states have the flexibility to adopt different designs.
If you are unsure whether your ID card complies with the REAL ID requirements, it is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles. Additionally, it's always a good idea to verify the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the proper identification required for airport security checkpoints.
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The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards
The REAL ID Act was passed by the US Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Act established minimum security standards for the issuance of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The aim was to strengthen the integrity, accuracy, and security of the identification issuance process, thereby reducing identity fraud and combating terrorism and other crimes.
The REAL ID Act sets out new minimum issuance standards, including:
- Requiring proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address.
- Verifying the authenticity of documents presented for issuance.
- Incorporating additional security features into the card.
- Increasing security and privacy for personal information collected during the issuance process.
The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA and DHS, from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these minimum standards. This includes for the purpose of boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification will be accepted at airport security checkpoints. Passengers without a REAL ID will need to present an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, or expect to face delays and additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card, or, in the case of Texas, a gold circle with an inset star in the top right corner. It is recommended that individuals check with their state department of motor vehicles to confirm whether their ID complies with REAL ID requirements.
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Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards are also acceptable forms of identification
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers traveling after this date should carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID.
However, Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are acceptable forms of identification and can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID. These are state-issued photo IDs that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. They are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). EDLs/EIDs are currently issued by only five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These IDs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travelers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation. Additionally, while TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 may vary by airline.
For California residents, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) encourages residents to plan ahead and obtain a REAL ID at their earliest convenience. California residents can visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to learn more and make an appointment.
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Until May 7, 2025, TSA will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses and prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. This includes boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.
Until May 7, 2025, the TSA will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states. This means that if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. before May 7, 2025, it does not need to be REAL ID-compliant. However, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
After May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers traveling after this date should either carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. All states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories are REAL ID-compliant and are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and IDs. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act is a law passed by Congress in 2005 that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
The REAL ID Act will take effect on May 7, 2025. After this date, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports.
REAL ID-compliant cards are typically marked with a star in the upper portion of the card. The style of the star may vary depending on the state. You can also check with your state's department of motor vehicles or driver's licensing agency to determine if your license is compliant.
