Roberta Aguirre
The US government has been updating its identification requirements for air travel, causing some confusion. From 7 May 2025, all US air travellers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. This means that a passport is not required for domestic US air travel, but it can be used as a valid form of ID. For international travel, a passport is required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identification required for children under 18 | TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. |
| Identification required for adults | All adult passengers (18 and above) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. |
| Identification requirements | The identification must show the passenger's picture, name, and state of residence. |
| Passport requirement | A passport is not required for domestic travel within the US. |
| REAL ID requirement | From May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. |
| REAL ID identification | A REAL ID-compliant card can be identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner. |
| REAL ID purpose | The REAL ID is not a substitute for a passport and cannot be used for international travel. |
| REAL ID use cases | The REAL ID can be used to board commercial aircraft, access federal facilities, and enter nuclear power plants. |
| REAL ID availability | The availability of REAL IDs varies from state to state. |
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What You'll Learn
- From 7 May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to fly domestically in the US
- A passport is always required when crossing international borders
- REAL IDs are not required for children under 18 travelling within the US
- REAL IDs are not a substitute for passports
- REAL IDs are not valid for international sea cruise travel
From 7 May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to fly domestically in the US
From 7 May 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will be required for domestic air travel in the US. This means that 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 rule applies to all passengers over the age of 18, and it is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
To be considered REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or ID must meet certain minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. This Act prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. As such, it is important to check with your state department of motor vehicles (DMV) to ensure that your ID complies with REAL ID requirements. The easiest way to spot if your state ID is REAL ID-compliant is to look for a star in the top right-hand corner.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, you may face delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry at the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you enrol for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV office or obtain an acceptable alternative form of ID before travelling.
It is worth noting that TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration, and children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, it is always a good idea to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
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A passport is always required when crossing international borders
For US citizens, a passport is not required for domestic travel within the US. However, all adult passengers (18 and above) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. This identification must include the passenger's photograph, name, and state of residence. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a US passport, a US passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card, a US Department of Defense ID, or a valid passport from another country.
From May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. A REAL ID-compliant card can be identified by a star in the top right-hand corner.
However, a passport is always required when crossing international borders. This includes travel to US territories and Freely Associated States, which may require a passport or a certified US birth certificate. Some countries also require travelers' passports to have a minimum of four blank pages.
It is important to note that TSA requirements are subject to change, and travelers are advised to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
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REAL IDs are not required for children under 18 travelling within the US
As of May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 and above will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, at US airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. This is because, from that 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.
However, this requirement does not extend to children under 18 travelling within the US. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the country. This means that REAL IDs are not mandatory for children under 18 for domestic air travel. It is worth noting that the TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the acceptable forms of ID before travelling to ensure they have the necessary documentation.
While REAL IDs are not mandatory for children under 18, it is still important to carry some form of identification for travellers of all ages when flying within the US. Currently, all passengers, regardless of age, must have a physical ID with them. This can include a state-issued driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, a DHS trusted traveller card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID, among other forms of identification. It is always a good idea to be prepared and have the necessary documentation to avoid any delays or issues during the security screening process.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some airlines may have specific ID requirements for travellers under 18. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the airline directly to inquire about any specific ID policies for minors. This ensures a smooth travel experience and avoids any potential issues or delays during the check-in and boarding process.
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REAL IDs are not a substitute for passports
As of May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel in the US. This means that 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.
While a REAL ID is sufficient for domestic air travel, it is not a substitute for a passport for international travel. A passport will always be required for international travel. Some countries also require travelers to have a minimum of four blank pages in their passports.
The REAL ID Act sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. It applies to state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting IDs that do not meet these standards. This means that only driver's licenses issued under REAL ID standards will be accepted at airports.
To identify whether your state ID is a REAL ID, look for a star in the top right corner. The availability of REAL ID varies from state to state, so it is recommended to contact your local government for more information. Obtaining a REAL ID may require a visit to a DMV and the provision of paperwork, such as proof of residency and lawful presence in the United States.
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REAL IDs are not valid for international sea cruise travel
As of May 7, 2025, every air traveler aged 18 or older will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel in the US. This can be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.
However, REAL IDs are not valid for international sea cruise travel. If you are traveling internationally by sea, you will need to bring your passport. REAL ID cards are not accepted as a valid form of identification for international travel.
For domestic sea cruise travel, you will only need one valid form of identification, such as a REAL ID or a passport.
It's worth noting that the requirements for REAL ID compliance vary from state to state, so it's recommended to contact your local government for specific information. Additionally, TSA accepts expired IDs for up to two years after their expiration date.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a passport to fly domestically within the US. From 7 May 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification. This includes a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a federal government PIV card.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, it is recommended that you contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
This depends on your destination. For example, US citizens do not need a passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands, but they do need a passport or a certified US birth certificate to enter American Samoa.
