Jazmin Li
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that a driver's license cannot be used at an airport if it is not REAL ID-compliant. However, other forms of identification, such as a passport, can be used as an alternative. Additionally, some states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID Cards (EIDs) that are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and can be used for boarding commercial aircraft and accessing federal facilities. It is important to check the specific requirements before traveling to ensure you have acceptable forms of identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | From May 7, 2025, a driver's license will not be accepted as a valid form of ID at airports unless it is REAL ID-compliant |
| Alternative IDs | A U.S. passport, passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) |
| Expiry | A driver's license that has been expired for more than 12 months will not be accepted |
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What You'll Learn
- From May 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be used at airports
- REAL ID-compliant licenses must include a star marking
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are accepted as alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID
- REAL IDs are required for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities
From May 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant to be used at airports
From May 7, 2025, a driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant if it is to be used as a valid form of identification at airports within the US. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for the issuance of ID cards and driver's licenses.
The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting noncompliant driver's licenses and ID cards for certain official purposes. This means that a driver's license that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted at TSA checkpoints at airports. Passengers who present a noncompliant driver's license or state ID at a TSA checkpoint and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be treated as a passenger without ID.
Acceptable alternative forms of ID include a passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. It is recommended that travelers without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license carry one of these alternative forms of ID to avoid delays at the airport.
While travelers without REAL ID-compliant identification will not be prevented from flying, they should be prepared for the possibility of long lines and delays, and potentially missing their flight. This is because they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification, which may include collecting information such as their name and current address.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses must include a star marking
From May 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. REAL ID-compliant licenses must include a star marking and are issued by state DMV offices. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
If your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will be notified of your non-compliance at TSA checkpoints and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process that includes providing your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to additional screening.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking, and that is acceptable. State-issued EDLs are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
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Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are accepted as alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards
Starting 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 airports. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant card will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). They are currently issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs are also available to residents of Ohio and California in the future.
EDLs are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. They are similar to the United States passport card, allowing for international land and sea travel to countries that recognize it. However, EDLs cannot be used for air travel.
EDLs include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and barcode for automated identification of the card and its holder. They are issued through a secure process and make travel easier, especially when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
In summary, while EDLs are accepted as alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards for certain purposes, they cannot be used as a substitute for air travel. For that reason, passengers without a REAL ID-compliant card are advised to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport.
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A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID
As of 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 airports. This means that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of ID. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.” The Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting noncompliant IDs. This includes Mobile Driver’s Licenses, or “mDLs”.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. EDLs are issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. Additionally, a U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable form of identification.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
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REAL IDs are required for domestic flights and to access certain federal facilities
As of May 2025, a driver's license that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports within the US. This means that you will not be able to use your driver's license to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities, such as nuclear power plants.
To be REAL ID-compliant, your driver's license or ID card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. These markings are typically found on the upper top portion of the card. If your card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity for domestic flights or entry to certain federal facilities.
However, it's important to note that there are alternative forms of identification that are accepted in lieu of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card. These include a valid passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry or NEXUS), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. Additionally, certain states, such as Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses that are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
If you are unsure whether your driver's license or ID card is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. They can provide guidance on the specific requirements and markings needed for REAL ID compliance. It's always a good idea to check the acceptable forms of identification before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation for your domestic flight or visit to a federal facility.
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Frequently asked questions
From May 2025, a driver's license that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is a state-issued license that meets the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act. It will have a REAL ID-compliant star marking on it.
You can use other acceptable forms of identification such as a passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
Your driver's license must not be expired for it to be accepted as a valid form of identification. It is considered expired if it has been more than 12 months since the expiry date.
