Airports Requiring Enhanced Licenses: A Traveler's Guide

As of May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued identification cards that allow US citizens to enter the US from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean through land or sea. EDLs are currently issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. While EDLs are not REAL IDs, they can be used as an alternative form of identification for domestic air travel.

Enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) are not REAL IDs

While EDLs are similar to the United States passport card in that they allow for international land and sea travel to countries that recognize them, they are not valid for air travel. This means that EDLs cannot be used to enter Canada, Mexico, or any other international travel destination by air. Additionally, EDLs are not a substitute for passports for air travel and are only valid for land or sea travel.

The REAL ID Act sets federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, requiring them for air travel and entry into federal facilities starting May 7, 2025. To be REAL ID-compliant, a license or ID card must have a star in the top right corner. If a state resident does not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card by the deadline, they will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to access federal facilities and board domestic flights.

It is important to note that the REAL ID Act only applies to domestic flights within the United States. For international travel, including travel to Canada, Mexico, or any other international destination, a passport or other accepted form of identification is required.

EDLs are issued by only five states

Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued IDs that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. They are currently issued by only five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These states are all located on the Canadian border.

Each state has its own rules for obtaining an EDL. For example, in Michigan, you can upgrade to an EDL as long as there are no violations on your current driver's license that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle. The Michigan Secretary of State issues EDL upgrades, and applicants must make an in-person appointment and provide documents such as their Social Security number, proof of U.S. citizenship, and identity. In Minnesota, residents must be at least 16 years old and complete a 120-item questionnaire to apply for an EDL. They must also provide proof of identity, U.S. citizenship, and Minnesota residency. In New York, drivers can upgrade their current license to an EDL by visiting their local DMV.

EDLs are not a substitute for passports for air travel, only for land or sea travel. They are equipped with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that signals a secure system to pull up the holder's biographic and biometric data for inspection by a CBP officer. The chip can also be read electronically if RFID isn't available. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that no personally identifiable information is stored on the RFID chip. EDLs also come with a shielded sleeve to prevent unauthorized reading of the license.

Starting May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license, ID, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. REAL ID-compliant cards feature a star in the top right corner. This means that EDLs, which are not valid for air travel, cannot be used to board domestic flights within the U.S.

EDLs are not valid for air travel

Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are state-issued licenses that are currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. They are a form of REAL ID and allow land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. However, it's important to note that EDLs are not valid for air travel, including international and domestic flights.

For international air travel, a passport book is required. While an EDL can facilitate quick land or sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, it is not a substitute for a passport for air travel. In case of emergencies, such as unexpected flights home from Canada or Mexico, a passport book is necessary. Even if you're on a road trip or a cruise, it's advisable to carry a passport book as you may need to fly home unexpectedly.

Additionally, starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will take full effect. From this date onwards, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or passport card, to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. This means that an EDL will not be sufficient for domestic air travel within the US from this date onwards.

To ensure compliance with the REAL ID Act, individuals should check their state-issued IDs or licenses. REAL ID-compliant cards feature a star in the top right corner. If your ID is non-compliant, you will need to provide an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights after the deadline. It's worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to a year after expiration, but this does not apply to domestic air travel, which requires valid and compliant identification.

EDLs allow land and sea border crossings

Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are a convenient, low-cost alternative to passports for land and sea border crossings. They are currently issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs are valid for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and they also serve as a permit to drive.

EDLs were introduced as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was implemented after the 9/11 attacks to enhance border security and streamline travel documentation. The initiative aimed to provide a secure and convenient way for travelers from certain border states to enter and exit the country.

EDLs include security features and technologies designed to make travel easier and safer. Each EDL contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) barcode that officers can scan to quickly access the holder's biometric information. This technology is available at the top 39 land ports of entry in and out of the US, facilitating speedy travel for those with EDLs.

While EDLs are a convenient option for land and sea border crossings, they cannot be used for international air travel. For domestic air travel within the US, EDLs qualify as a REAL-ID, which will be required for all domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. However, for international air travel or travel to other countries besides Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, a passport is still required.

REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory from May 7, 2025

From 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, such as a passport, to enter federal facilities, including airports, and to board domestic flights. This is because airports are considered federal facilities, and the REAL ID Act affects one's ability to enter them and board flights.

The Real ID Act sets federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, and only compliant IDs will be accepted for domestic flights. A REAL ID-compliant card will feature a star in the top right corner, and many states have been issuing them for years. However, a REAL ID cannot be used as a substitute for a passport for international travel. It is also important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, one must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if one is a non-US citizen. Additionally, proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency are required. These documents can be provided to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

It is worth noting that this rule will apply to adult passengers aged 18 and older, as identification is not required for children under 18 when travelling within the United States.

Frequently asked questions