Jazmin Li
Travelling can be stressful, especially when it comes to documentation. As of May 7, 2025, all state-issued IDs must be REAL ID-compliant for domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities in the U.S. This means that passengers over 18 years old must carry a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID card with a star in the corner, or another acceptable form of photo identification, such as a passport. It is recommended to apply for a REAL ID at least 30 days before flying. If you are travelling without the required identification, you may still be able to fly by completing an identity verification process at the airport.
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident in the US must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, and access certain federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant licenses are state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that meet REAL ID security standards. These IDs must include a star marking in the upper right corner or, in some cases, an image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced."
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID, you will not be able to use it for air travel, entering nuclear power plants, or accessing certain federal facilities. Instead, you will need to use a passport or another acceptable form of identification, such as a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License. You can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by visiting your state's driver's licensing agency website and providing the required documentation, which may include proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
To prove your identity, you can bring a US birth certificate, US passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-US citizen. For proof of a Social Security number, you can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, a pay stub, or a paycheck from your job. Finally, to prove residency, you may need to provide a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. It's important to note that if your identity document is in a different name, you will need to provide a certified name change document, such as a marriage license or court document.
If you plan to fly within the US but do not drive, you may still apply for a REAL ID identification card. These cards can be obtained or renewed with the same documentation required for driver's licenses. It is recommended that you apply for a REAL ID at least 60 days before your flight. Additionally, TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, but children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
A State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a card that functions as both a driving license and an identity card with limited passport features. It is issued in some states in the United States and was formerly issued in some provinces in Canada. EDLs are available to U.S. citizens who reside in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. To apply for an EDL, you must provide two proofs of residency in the state where you are applying. Acceptable documents include a state license, permit, or non-driver ID card, a recent bank statement, or a recent pay stub showing your current state address.
EDLs are a low-cost, convenient option for entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. They include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that signals a secure system to pull up your biographic information. No personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on the card's RFID chip, and it cannot be transmitted electronically.
As a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant travel document, an EDL may be used for "official purposes" such as boarding a domestic flight covered by the U.S. Real ID Act. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
It is important to note that if your identity document is in a different name, you will need to provide a certified name change document, such as a marriage license or court document. Photocopies will not be accepted. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, but temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as a valid form of identification.
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Federally recognised Tribal Nation photo ID
When travelling by air, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. While the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, a photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe is currently considered an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints. This includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation, or ordinances, and vary from tribe to tribe. Two common requirements for membership are lineal descent from someone named on the tribe's base roll or a relationship to a tribal member who descended from someone named on the base roll. Other conditions, such as tribal blood quantum, tribal residency, or continued contact with the tribe, are also common.
If you are a member of a federally recognised Tribal Nation, you can obtain a Tribal ID, which serves as a valid form of identification for air travel. The process for obtaining a Tribal ID varies depending on the specific Tribal Nation. For example, the Oneida Nation issues Tribal Picture ID cards to enrolled Tribal Members. To obtain this ID, individuals may need to provide appropriate fees and documentation, such as a written request including their full name, enrollment number or date of birth, and a current address.
It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the proper identification. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
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Certified name change documents
When travelling, it is essential to carry the original or certified copy of your name change document, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Photocopies of these documents are usually not accepted. If you have multiple name changes, you will need to provide documentation for each change. For example, if you have changed your name through marriage and then again through a legal name change process, you will need to present both your marriage certificate and the court document for your legal name change.
To obtain a certified copy of your name change document, you can follow these general steps:
- Contact the county court clerk where your name change was granted to inquire about the required documentation and fees.
- Gather the necessary documents, which typically include your certified birth certificate, state or federal ID, and any relevant court orders or legal documents.
- Complete the request form for a certified copy of your name change order, providing information such as your original and current name, place of birth, and Social Security number. Don't forget to sign and date the form.
- Submit the completed form, along with any required fees, to the court. Follow the instructions on the form regarding whether you need to file in person or by mail.
- If you need to notarize your documents, search for a local notary public and bring your original name change document and copies to be notarized. The notary will confirm the authenticity of your documents and add their signature, date, and contact information.
- Obtain the certified copy of your name change order from the court that issued the original order.
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Digital IDs
To use a Digital ID, you must first add your acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone. This can be done through a TSA-approved digital ID app or your phone's digital wallet, such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet. Follow the set-up instructions provided by the app or wallet before your trip to ensure it is ready to present at TSA checkpoints.
When using a Digital ID, your picture will be taken and compared to your physical or digital ID. Only the necessary information is shared with the TSA to verify your identity, enhancing privacy and security.
It is important to note that while Digital IDs are accepted, passengers must still carry a physical and acceptable form of ID as a backup. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a U.S. passport.
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Frequently asked questions
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license, ID card, or another acceptable form of identification is required to board a flight within the US or enter a secure federal building.
A valid US passport, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a US Department of Defense ID are all acceptable forms of ID.
You may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. It is recommended that you apply for a REAL ID at least 30-60 days before your flight.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. However, if your ID was lost or forgotten, you may still be allowed to fly. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours early and calmly explain your situation to the TSA agent to complete an identity verification process.
You will need to provide a certified name change document such as a marriage license or court document. Multiple name change documents will be required if your name has changed multiple times.
