Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license will only be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports in the US if it is REAL ID-compliant. REAL ID-compliant licenses are issued by states that meet the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. Until this date, all state-issued driver's licenses will continue to be accepted, as well as other forms of ID such as passports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving license validity at airports | Driving licenses are currently accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. |
| Future validity | From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. |
| Alternative forms of ID | A U.S. passport or passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) are also accepted as valid forms of identification. |
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What You'll Learn
- A driving license is a valid form of ID at the airport until May 2025
- After May 2025, a non-REAL ID driver's license will not be accepted at the airport
- A REAL ID driver's license is compliant with post-9/11 security standards
- A temporary driver's license is not accepted as a valid form of ID at the airport
- Other valid forms of ID at the airport include a passport or DHS trusted traveler cards
A driving license is a valid form of ID at the airport until May 2025
For the time being, a driving license is a valid form of ID at the airport. However, this is set to change from May 7, 2025, when 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 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.
It is worth noting that this change only applies to domestic travel within the U.S. If you are traveling internationally, you will still need your passport, and a driving license will not suffice as a valid form of ID.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints, which will only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards if they are issued by a REAL ID-compliant state.
Until the enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, the TSA will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, including those from noncompliant states with a valid extension. After this date, passengers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID can expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed through the security checkpoint.
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After May 2025, a non-REAL ID driver's license will not be accepted at the airport
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, minimum security standards have been established for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards. From May 7, 2025, onwards, 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 US airports for domestic flights. This means that passengers planning to fly within the US after this date must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board their flight.
A REAL ID is a federally compliant, DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID. It is not required for some purposes, such as accessing health services, law enforcement proceedings, or constitutionally protected activities.
If you are a US citizen and a New York State resident, you can apply for a New York State Enhanced License, Permit, or Non-Driver ID that can be used instead of a passport to return to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. However, an Enhanced Photo Document is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.
If you do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, you may face delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry at the airport security checkpoint. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of identification before travelling after May 7, 2025.
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A REAL ID driver's license is compliant with post-9/11 security standards
A driver's license is currently a valid form of identification at airports. However, starting on May 7, 2025, only a state-issued driver's license or ID that is REAL ID-compliant will be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This means that passengers traveling after this date should ensure they have an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. This is because 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 identification documents, such as driver's licenses.
The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, strengthening their integrity and security, and reducing identity fraud and terrorism. It prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes. These purposes include entering TSA airport security checkpoints.
The REAL ID Act allows states to issue temporary, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards to applicants who provide valid documentary evidence of their "approved deferred action status." This includes individuals with valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Social Security Numbers (SSNs). Importantly, the REAL ID Act does not create a federal database of driver's license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique licenses and maintains its records. The purpose of the Act is to make identity documents more consistent and secure.
To identify whether a state-issued driver's license or ID is REAL ID-compliant, look for a circle with an inset star located in the upper right corner of the card. This marking indicates that the card is REAL ID-compliant.
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A temporary driver's license is not accepted as a valid form of ID at the airport
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 a temporary driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of ID at the airport unless it is a temporary REAL ID. Passengers traveling after this date should carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID, which can be obtained through their state DMV offices.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
For international travel, a passport is required, while for domestic travel within the U.S., only one valid form of identification, such as a REAL ID or a passport, is needed. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
Until May 7, 2025, TSA airport security checkpoints will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, including those from noncompliant states with a valid extension. However, some federal agencies may choose to stop accepting noncompliant marked cards before this date. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements of the specific agency or airport you are dealing with.
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Other valid forms of ID at the airport include a passport or DHS trusted traveler cards
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. Passengers are encouraged to 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. Other valid forms of ID at the airport include a passport or DHS trusted traveler cards.
DHS Trusted Traveler Programs include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. These programs provide expedited screening and clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. and, in the case of NEXUS, Canada as well. The TSA PreCheck® program also falls under DHS Trusted Traveler Programs and expedites traveler screening through participating TSA security checkpoints.
U.S. passports and U.S. passport cards are other valid forms of ID that can be used at the airport. It is important to ensure that your passport is up-to-date and not expired, as expired IDs are typically not accepted.
It is always recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation. This list can be found on the TSA Identification Requirements page and is subject to change without notice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a driving license is a valid form of identification at the airport, but only until 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.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
Other acceptable forms of identification at the airport include a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
