Roberta Aguirre
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 US airports. This means that travelers will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative document, such as a passport, to board their flights. The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 after the 9/11 Commission warned that it was too easy to obtain a driver's license in the United States. While there have been delays in implementing the law due to resistance from states and the COVID-19 pandemic, all 50 states are now compliant with the licensing requirements. In addition to airports, people entering certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants will also need to present a REAL ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Implementation | May 7, 2025 |
| Type of ID | State-issued driver's license or ID |
| Compliance | REAL ID compliant |
| Alternative IDs | Passport, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), DHS trusted traveler cards, Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe |
| Affected Entities | TSA checkpoints, federal facilities, nuclear power plants, commercial aircraft |
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What You'll Learn
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic flights
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for international flights
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to enter federal buildings
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for children under 18
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for health or life-preserving services
REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic flights
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license will be required to board a domestic flight in the US. This is because, from that date, state-issued driver's licenses or IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at US airports. This rule applies to TSA airport security checkpoints and boarding commercial aircraft.
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star in the top right corner. If your ID does not have this star, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity to board a commercial aircraft. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EDLs/EIDs) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDLs issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. If you do not have a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID, you may face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, it is recommended to contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for international flights
From 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 US airports for domestic flights. This means that passengers traveling within the US after this date will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board their flight. This requirement does not apply to international flights, as a passport is always required for international travel.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star in the upper right corner and are issued by all states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EDL/EIDs) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. These are issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont and can be identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
Until the enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, including those from non-compliant states with a valid extension. However, passengers without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, may face delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry to the security checkpoint.
It is important to note that REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico or for other international travel, including international sea cruise travel. For international flights, a passport is required for identification. Additionally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, but specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 should be confirmed with the airline.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are required to enter federal buildings
From 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 US airports or federal buildings. This means that, for US residents, a REAL ID-compliant license will be required to enter federal buildings from this date.
The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for license issuance and production. These standards provide an additional level of security to protect your identity and prohibit federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet the Act's minimum standards.
From May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to enter certain federal facilities, nuclear power plants, and military bases. This includes boarding commercial aircraft. The card itself must be REAL ID-compliant unless an alternative form of ID is presented, such as a passport or passport card, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to enter federal facilities and board commercial aircraft. EDL/EIDs can be identified by the inclusion of an image of the US flag and the word 'Enhanced' at the top of the card. Only five states currently issue EDL/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for children under 18
From 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. This means that 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, for boarding commercial aircraft. However, this requirement does not apply to children under 18 who are travelling with a companion within the United States. While REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for children under 18, the companion will need to have acceptable 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. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. Only five states currently issue EDLs/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so it is recommended to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information before travelling. Additionally, states may impose additional requirements, so it is advisable to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific documentation requirements.
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 non-compliant 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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REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for health or life-preserving services
From 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. 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. However, it is important to note that REAL ID-compliant licenses are not required for health or life-preserving services.
REAL ID-compliant licenses will be mandatory for boarding commercial aircraft and accessing federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints. This means that individuals will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board flights within the U.S. and access certain federal buildings. However, it is important to emphasize that this requirement does not extend to health or life-preserving services.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. Despite the upcoming changes, accessing health or life-preserving services, such as hospitals and health clinics, remains an exception.
While the REAL ID will be required for domestic air travel and entering certain federal facilities, it is not mandatory for all purposes. The Act specifies that individuals are not required to present identification where it is not currently necessary, such as entering public areas of federal buildings. Additionally, it does not prohibit agencies from accepting other forms of identification, such as passports or passport cards. This flexibility ensures that individuals who do not possess a REAL ID can still access essential health and life-preserving services without restriction.
In summary, while the REAL ID-compliant license will soon be mandatory for domestic air travel and certain federal facilities, it is not required for health or life-preserving services. Individuals can continue to access hospitals, health clinics, and other essential services without needing to present a REAL ID. This exemption ensures that access to critical services remains unrestricted and easily accessible to all.
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Frequently asked questions
Starting on 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.
A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID that meets the minimum security standards for state-issued IDs as established by the REAL ID Act.
Passengers traveling without a REAL ID should carry another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).
