Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the US must use a state-issued ID or license that is REAL ID-compliant. Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including the TSA, may only accept these IDs for official purposes if they were issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star on the upper top portion of the card. If a traveler does not have a REAL ID, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening but will not be turned away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses |
| Applicable to | State-issued driver's licenses and IDs |
| Compliant cards | Will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card |
| Non-compliant cards | Will not be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft |
| Required documents to obtain a REAL ID | Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence, Lawful Status |
| Additional documents | Pay stub with the applicant's name and SSN |
| Alternative IDs | US passport or passport card, permanent resident card, border crossing card, Veteran Health Identification Card |
| Enforcement date | May 7, 2025 |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID is now mandatory for air travel in the US
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the US must use a state-issued ID or license that is REAL ID-compliant. Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), may only accept these IDs for official purposes if they meet REAL ID security standards. This means that IDs and driver's licenses that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in response to a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the Federal Government "set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses." The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not already required to access a federal facility, nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, such as a passport. For domestic travel within the US, travelers will only need one valid form of identification, either a REAL ID or another acceptable alternative.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. States may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the state's driver's licensing agency before applying. REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card.
For travelers without a REAL ID, the TSA recommends arriving at the airport early and bringing additional forms of identification. These travelers may be directed to separate lines for enhanced screening and may be subject to additional vetting measures. However, they will not be turned away and will still be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
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REAL ID-compliant IDs have a star marking on the top
As of May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the US must use a state-issued ID or license that is REAL ID-compliant. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant IDs have a star marking on the top. This star marking indicates that the ID meets the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in response to 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 prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. As a result, travelers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening.
It is important to note that the REAL ID card cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel, nor can it be used for international sea cruise travel. For international travel, a passport or other acceptable alternative form of ID is still required. However, for domestic travel within the US, a REAL ID is now the only valid form of identification required.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their state's driver's licensing agency and provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. States may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the state's driver's licensing agency before applying for a REAL ID. Obtaining a REAL ID ensures that travelers can efficiently pass through airport security checkpoints and avoids the need for additional screening measures.
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REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11 attacks. It was enacted to address the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government establish standards for the issuance of identification documents such as driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued identification documents and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs for official purposes. This includes accessing federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft within the United States.
The REAL ID Act has specific requirements for the issuance of compliant IDs. These include the verification of personal information, security features on the document, and electronic sharing of databases between states. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide documentation of their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address, and lawful status. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper portion, indicating that they are accepted as proof of identity for boarding flights.
The Act also includes provisions regarding asylum, border security, deportation, and specific work visas. It created the E-3 visa for Australian nationals and their dependents and allocated unused employment-based visas for physical therapists, nurses, and individuals with exceptional abilities in sciences or arts. The REAL ID Modernization Act, passed in 2021, removed the requirement for individuals to provide their Social Security Number when applying for a REAL ID.
The enforcement of the REAL ID Act was initially scheduled for 2008 but faced delays due to opposition and non-compliance by state governments. The current enforcement date is May 7, 2025, after which only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards will be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. Passengers without a REAL ID will need to present an alternative form of identification, such as a passport.
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REAL ID cannot be used for international travel
Starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. However, REAL ID cards cannot be used for international travel, including border crossings into Canada or Mexico, international sea cruise travel, or other international destinations. If you are travelling internationally, you will need your passport or another acceptable form of identification. REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. These cards are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Currently, only five states issue EDLs/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
Until full enforcement of REAL ID begins on May 7, 2025, DHS and its component agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for identification purposes, regardless of REAL ID compliance. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
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. It also does not prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, such as a U.S. passport or passport card. Therefore, while REAL ID cannot be used for international travel, it is still a valid form of identification for domestic travel within the United States until full enforcement begins on May 7, 2025. After that date, residents will need either a REAL ID-compliant license or ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, for boarding commercial aircraft.
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Other forms of ID accepted at TSA checkpoints
Beginning May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints. Passengers without a REAL ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
- U.S. Passport — A valid U.S. passport can be used as identification when travelling domestically or internationally. For TSA PreCheck, an expired U.S. passport within 12 months of expiration can be used, but only as proof of citizenship. It must be presented with at least one other document.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) — An unexpired EDL can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant card. EDLs issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives.
- U.S. Passport Card — A valid U.S. passport card is accepted as an alternative form of ID.
- DHS Trusted Traveller Cards — Cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST are accepted by the TSA.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID — This includes IDs issued to dependents.
- Federally Recognised Tribal Cards — This includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) issued by federally recognised Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes.
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) — Often referred to as a "Green Card," this is accepted by the TSA.
- Foreign Passport with Visa — An unexpired foreign passport with an immigrant visa with an I-551 annotation is accepted.
- U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197) — This form of ID is accepted by the TSA.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable identification. Additionally, the TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that complies with minimum security standards set by the Federal Government.
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID is required for air travel in the US. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will only accept REAL IDs or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport, for domestic flights.
Passengers without a REAL ID will not be turned away at airports but may be directed to separate lines for additional screening. It is recommended that travellers without a REAL ID arrive at the airport early and bring additional forms of identification.
You can obtain a REAL ID through your state DMV office. The documentation required includes your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number, two proofs of address, and lawful status.
