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As of May 7, 2025, all travelers flying within the United States must present a REAL ID-compliant identification or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. This mandate has raised concerns about potential disruptions and delays at airports, as many travelers may not have a compliant ID by the deadline. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been urged to develop a contingency plan to address potential issues. While the TSA remains confident about security wait times, travelers without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative have been advised to arrive at airports at least three hours before their flight to ensure they can get through security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Implementation | May 7, 2025 |
| Documents Required | REAL ID or other acceptable forms of identification |
| Acceptable Forms of Identification | Passport, Enhanced Driver's License, REAL ID |
| States Issuing REAL ID | Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, New York |
| States Issuing Enhanced Driver's License | Washington State |
| States Issuing Both | Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, New York |
| Suggested Time to Arrive at Airports Without REAL ID | Three hours prior to a flight |
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What You'll Learn
- REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic flights from May 7, 2025
- A passport is an acceptable form of ID for domestic flights
- Other alternate forms of ID may be used in lieu of a REAL ID
- TSA PreCheck members are exempt from needing a REAL ID
- Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses, which are accepted at airport security
REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic flights from May 7, 2025
From May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the US will need to have a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. 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.
The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, is one of the few political issues with cross-partisan support. It has been praised by conservative and anti-illegal immigration groups, while facing opposition from gun rights groups and libertarian-minded lawmakers. The Act makes identification harder to forge, thus thwarting criminals and terrorists.
To be REAL ID-compliant, your state-issued ID or driver's license must adhere to the security standards and document requirements set by the federal government. These standards include specific markers and security features that are designed to make the IDs more secure and difficult to replicate.
If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. You can also use the interactive tool provided by the Department of Homeland Security to determine if you are REAL ID-ready. It is recommended that travelers who do not have a REAL ID or an acceptable form of ID arrive at the airport about three hours before their flight to ensure they can get through security.
Acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights include:
- REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or ID card
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
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A passport is an acceptable form of ID for domestic flights
From May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all travelers boarding domestic flights to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another approved form of identification. This is because 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 U.S. passport is one of the approved forms of identification accepted by the TSA for domestic air travel. However, it is important to note that the TSA requires travelers to present a valid, unexpired U.S. passport for it to be accepted at airport security checkpoints. Expired passports will not be accepted.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a valid U.S. passport, you may still be able to fly domestically with another approved form of identification. These include a DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI), a U.S. passport card, or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. It is recommended that travelers without a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID arrive at the airport about three hours before their flight to ensure they can get through security and board their flight on time.
Additionally, 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 always a good idea to contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
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Other alternate forms of ID may be used in lieu of a REAL ID
As of May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents in the US will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic commercial flights. This mandate is part of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to enhance identification security and thwart criminal and terrorist activities. While a REAL ID is one option for air travellers, other alternative forms of ID are also accepted.
One alternative to a REAL ID is a valid passport. Travellers can use their passport as an acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. This means that individuals who do not possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card can still use their passport for domestic air travel within the US.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are another acceptable alternative to REAL IDs. These documents are designated as acceptable border-crossing identification by the DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. EDLs and EIDs can be identified by the image of the US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. They serve as a convenient option for individuals who frequently travel across borders or need access to federal facilities and nuclear power plants.
Additionally, individuals who do not possess a REAL ID or passport can explore the option of other acceptable forms of identification. These may include documents that bear the applicant's Social Security Number (SSN), such as a pay stub with their name and SSN. However, it is important to note that the specific requirements and acceptable forms of identification may vary across different airports and federal facilities. Therefore, travellers are advised to check with the relevant authorities or visit the DHS website for a comprehensive list of acceptable identification documents.
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TSA PreCheck members are exempt from needing a REAL ID
From May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or license at the airport. This mandate, known as the REAL ID Act, has raised concerns about potential disruptions and delays at TSA security checkpoints, as many travelers may not have a compliant ID by the deadline.
However, it's important to note that TSA PreCheck members are exempt from needing a REAL ID when traveling domestically. TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveler program that allows members to expedite the security screening process at select airports. While TSA PreCheck does not have a physical card, members can access the dedicated lanes by entering their Known Traveler Number (KTN) in their airline reservations. This number can be found on various membership cards or notifications.
TSA PreCheck members should ensure that their personal information, such as their name, address, and other details, is up to date with the enrollment provider they applied through. This helps to prevent any issues when traveling. Additionally, when making airline reservations, PreCheck members must ensure that the name provided matches the name on their TSA PreCheck application and identification documents.
It's worth noting that TSA PreCheck members may still be asked for acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint. If they do not have their REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, they may experience delays and additional screening. In some cases, they may not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if their identity cannot be verified. Therefore, while TSA PreCheck membership provides certain benefits and expedites the screening process, having a REAL ID or other acceptable identification is still essential for domestic travel within the US.
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Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses, which are accepted at airport security
Starting May 7, 2025, federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept specific forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005 with bipartisan support, requires a state-issued driver's license or identification card to be REAL ID-compliant, denoted by a star marking, in order to be used as a valid form of ID.
Some states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs), which are accepted at airport security. EDLs are state-issued enhanced driver's licenses that provide proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border in a vehicle. They are issued using a secure process and include technology, such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, to make travel easier. EDLs are currently available to residents of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont and are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. They can be used to board commercial aircraft within the U.S. and are also accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
Four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec) also issue EDLs to Canadian citizens, who can present them when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. These EDLs serve as an alternative to Canadian passports and do not store any personally identifiable information (PII) on the RFID chip.
It's important to note that states may impose additional requirements for EDLs, so it's recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for specific guidelines. Additionally, until the full enforcement of REAL ID on May 7, 2025, TSA and other agencies will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards from compliant and noncompliant states with a valid extension. However, travelers without a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID are advised to arrive at airports about three hours before their flight to ensure they can get through security on time.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports will require new IDs from May 7, 2025.
A REAL ID-compliant identification will be required.
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that is harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists.
You can get a REAL ID from your local DMV.
If you don't have a REAL ID or acceptable form of ID, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight to ensure you get through security.
