Roberta Aguirre
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. Passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. While it is possible to fly without an ID, it can be difficult and depends on where you're going. TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases, so there's a good chance you'll be allowed on your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | From May 7, 2025 |
| Who | Passengers with state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant |
| Alternative | Travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID |
| Non-compliance | May be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening |
| Identity verification | TSA officers may ask for your name, current address, and other personal information |
| Unverified identity | You will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint |
| Children | Do not need an ID to fly if they are accompanied by someone over 18 with an acceptable form of ID |
| Unaccompanied minors | Must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening |
| Expired IDs | Accepted up to two years after expiration |
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What You'll Learn
TSA identity verification processes
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport to travel. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, and certain trusted traveler cards. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
If a passenger does not possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, they will not need to bring a birth certificate or SSN card. The TSA will instead complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address. 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 if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be permitted to enter the screening checkpoint.
In the case of losing your ID, it is recommended to bring multiple items with your name on them, such as insurance cards, mail, or medication. Arriving at the airport early is also advised to ensure sufficient time for the verification process and screening. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the listed forms of identification.
Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable identification to receive expedited screening. It is recommended to contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
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REAL ID compliance
Starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident in the U.S. will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. It established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibited federal agencies from accepting noncompliant IDs for certain official purposes.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card can be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent authority. The REAL ID card has a star in the upper-right corner. It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
If you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID requirements, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Each state has its own process for obtaining a REAL ID, and you can visit your local DMV website to learn more. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides an interactive tool to help you determine if you are REAL ID ready.
If you do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, you will be notified of your non-compliance at TSA checkpoints. You may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening. However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
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International travel without ID
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Children under 18 traveling within the US do not need to provide identification, but unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. For international travel, children will need a passport.
If you are traveling internationally without a US passport, different countries have different rules about the identification they will accept for commercial flights. It is recommended that you do not travel without a passport. If you lose your passport while abroad, visit the nearest US embassy to get a replacement.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. The TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases, but you should always check the latest rules for your destination.
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Digital IDs
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 passengers will need to 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.
To address this change, many states have started offering digital IDs to their residents. Digital IDs are mobile driver's licenses or ID passes stored in a user's phone wallet or a third-party app. They are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and provide more privacy as only the information necessary to verify the user's identity is shared.
The process of setting up a digital ID varies depending on the platform used. For example, when setting up a digital ID on Google Wallet, users must open the app and select 'Add to Wallet'. They will then follow the instructions to verify their identity with their U.S. passport. Once their information has been successfully verified, they will receive a confirmation notification.
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TSA-approved forms of identification
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 will need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative form of ID to enter the screening checkpoint.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- 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
- Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
It's important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so passengers are strongly encouraged to check the TSA website or with their state DMV before travelling to ensure they have the correct identification. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification.
For TSA PreCheck, passengers must provide additional documents such as an unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or an unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID). An unexpired Foreign Passport with an immigrant visa and specific annotations may also be accepted. A U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197) or an expired U.S. passport within 12 months of expiration can be used as proof of citizenship, but must be accompanied by another acceptable form of ID.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant forms of identification will be accepted.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs are all accepted. Some states also accept digital driver's licenses.
If you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly. You will need to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address.
