Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, all adult travelers over 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or an acceptable alternative at the airport, or they will not be permitted through security. A REAL ID is a federally approved state driver's license with a unique design. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are also accepted at the airport and allow travelers to visit neighboring countries like Canada, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a driver's license accepted as ID at the airport? | Yes, but only if it is a REAL ID. |
| What is a REAL ID? | A federally-approved state driver's license. |
| What does a REAL ID look like? | It has a star in the top corner. |
| What other forms of ID are accepted at the airport? | US passport, US passport card, DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), US Department of Defense ID, US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), Permanent Resident Card, valid foreign passport, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), US military ID. |
| What if my driver's license is not a REAL ID? | You will need to provide another form of ID, like a passport, or you may be denied access to the plane. |
| What if I don't have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID? | You will not be permitted through the security checkpoint. |
| What if my ID has expired? | The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration. |
| What if I have a temporary driver's license? | A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. |
| When do REAL ID requirements come into effect? | May 7, 2025. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA will accept a REAL ID driver's license
As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will only accept a REAL ID driver's license as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that your driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant and include the REAL ID-compliant star marking. If your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, the TSA may ask you to provide another form of identification, such as a passport, or deny you access to the plane. This applies to US domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license must be issued by a state that follows the REAL ID security standards. All states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories are REAL ID-compliant and issuing REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and IDs. If you are unsure whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. The process of obtaining a new license can be lengthy, so it is recommended that you start the application process as soon as possible.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, there are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used at TSA checkpoints. These include a US passport, a US passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility. For example, you do not need a REAL ID to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian. Additionally, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
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A temporary driver's license is not accepted
As of May 7, 2025, all adult travelers over the age of 18 must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or another acceptable alternative, to be permitted through the security checkpoint at the airport. This means that a temporary driver's license will not be accepted as a form of identification.
REAL ID is a federally approved state driver's license. It is a result of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set forth a variety of airport security measures that would be adopted as a minimum standard for state-issued identification, like driver's licenses. The rollout of these security changes is incremental but significant. The TSA will accept your driver's license as an ID if it is a REAL ID. If your driver's license is non-compliant, the TSA can ask you to provide another form of identification, like a passport, and if you don't have it, deny you access to the plane.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification, according to the TSA website. This means that if you are traveling and your only form of identification is a temporary driver's license, you may be denied boarding. To avoid any issues, it is recommended to check the TSA website for the latest information on acceptable forms of identification and to allow plenty of time for obtaining a new license if needed.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, there are several other acceptable forms of identification that can be used at airport security checkpoints. These include a valid US passport, US passport card, DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), US Department of Defense ID, US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), and more. These alternative forms of identification are especially important for travelers from states or territories that are non-compliant with the REAL ID Act and have not received an extension. As of January 22, 2018, travelers from these states and territories cannot use their current state-issued driver's license or ID card and must present one of the acceptable alternative forms of identification.
It is always a good idea to keep a photo of your ID on your phone and to protect your ID, passport, and other valuable documents when traveling by carrying them in a secure pouch.
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REAL ID alternatives include a US passport
As of May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents in the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial aircraft. This means that a non-compliant driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of ID at airports. If your driver's license is non-compliant, you will be asked to provide another form of identification, such as a passport, or you may be denied access to the plane.
REAL ID-compliant licenses are federally approved state driver's licenses. They are marked with a "gold star" to differentiate them from non-compliant licenses. However, each state may also use alternative methods of marking to distinguish compliant cards from non-compliant ones, such as differences in color, lettering, and/or format.
If you plan to fly domestically or internationally after May 7, 2025, it is important to verify if your driver's license is considered a REAL ID-compliant document. If it is not, you will need to use an alternative form of identification, such as a US passport, to board your flight. Other acceptable forms of identification include a US passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License.
It is worth noting that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after expiration. Additionally, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, it is always a good idea to check with the airline regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
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Enhanced driver's licenses allow travel to Canada
As of May 7, 2025, adult travelers over 18 entering airports in the US must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or an acceptable alternative as proof of identification. This means that a standard driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of ID at airports in the US from this date. However, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license can be used as identification at airports and for domestic travel within the US.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued IDs that provide proof of identity and US citizenship when crossing the US border in a vehicle. They are currently issued to residents of Washington State, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, New York, or Vermont. EDLs are also issued by four Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
While EDLs are accepted as a valid form of identification for land and sea border crossings into the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, they cannot be used for air travel into Canada. This means that US citizens cannot fly to Canada using an EDL as their only form of identification. A valid US passport or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required for air travel into Canada.
It is important to note that a DUI or similar offense on record can cause issues when attempting to enter Canada, even with an EDL or a US passport. The Canadian border has access to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database, allowing them to flag individuals with criminal records.
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REAL IDs look different from state-issued IDs
As of May 7, 2025, all adult travelers over 18 years of age must present a REAL ID-compliant license, identification card, or another acceptable form of identification to be permitted through airport security. The TSA will only accept a driver's license as ID if it is a REAL ID. REAL IDs are marked by a star in the upper right corner. If your driver's license is non-compliant, you may be asked to provide another form of identification, such as a passport, and if you are unable to do so, you may be denied access to the plane.
REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, which will help fight terrorism and reduce identity fraud. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
While the DHS recommends that states adopt the general design marking (the "gold star"), states may submit alternative methods of marking documents to differentiate compliant cards from non-compliant cards. These alternative methods may include differences in color, lettering, and/or format. Non-compliant cards must clearly state that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards.
It is important to note that you will still be able to obtain a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. However, these cannot be used for air travel or to enter federal facilities or military installations. Each individual can only hold a REAL ID driver's license or a REAL ID ID card, but not both simultaneously.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a driving license is accepted at the airport as long as it is a REAL ID. If your driver’s license is not REAL ID-compliant, you must show another form of identification, such as a passport, even for domestic flights.
A REAL ID-compliant license has a star in the top corner of the identification card. It also includes standardized information such as the person's full name, date of birth, gender, and principal residence.
Alternatives to a REAL ID-compliant license include a valid U.S. passport book or passport card, valid passports from foreign countries, Permanent Resident Cards, Trusted Traveler cards, and valid U.S. military IDs.
The new REAL ID requirements come into 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.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you can start the application process with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You may need to provide certain biometric data and additional forms of identification.
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