Roberta Aguirre
Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted forms of identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities in the United States. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, will only accept identification that complies with the REAL ID security standards. 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of enforcement | May 7, 2025 |
| Purpose | To establish minimum security standards for driver's license and state ID distribution and production |
| Applicability | Domestic airline passengers |
| Required documents | Secondary form of identification, such as a passport |
| ID design | A star inside a gold circle located in the upper right corner of the card |
| Issuing authorities | Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Alternatives | Enhanced driver's license (EDL), Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards |
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What You'll Learn
Domestic US flights and Real ID requirements
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets out the minimum security standards for the distribution and production of driver's licenses and state IDs. It prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these requirements.
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. This means that if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, it must be REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID is 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 can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you do not provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be confirmed. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
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International travel and passport requirements
International travel requirements can vary depending on the country of destination. Here are the key passport and identification requirements for international travel to and from the United States:
International Travel from the US
US citizens travelling internationally are required to present a valid passport upon re-entry to the United States. It is recommended that travellers ensure their passport does not expire within six months of their scheduled return date. In addition to a passport, visas or other entry and exit requirements may be mandated by the destination country. It is recommended that travellers check the requirements of their destination prior to departure.
International Travel to the US
All travellers arriving in the US by air, regardless of their country of citizenship, are required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding their flight. This includes travellers who are US citizens.
For entry into the United States, non-US citizens must present a valid passport and a valid visa (unless their country participates in the Visa Waiver Program). The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of their intended stay in the US. If the traveller is planning to drive in the US, they may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Domestic Travel within the US
Within the US, the REAL ID Act sets out the forms of identification required for boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities. Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card will be required for these purposes. A REAL ID-compliant card is marked with a star in the upper right corner. A US passport is also an acceptable form of identification.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act does not apply to travellers under the age of 18, who are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States.
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TSA and Real ID security standards
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. The Act was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.
The Real ID Act was initially slated to be implemented in 2008, but the date was repeatedly pushed back due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 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 airports. This means that passengers planning to use their state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S. must ensure their ID is REAL ID-compliant.
The REAL ID Act applies to both domestic and international travel. For domestic travel, passengers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card issued by a state that meets the REAL ID security standards. Alternatively, passengers can use a passport or other federally approved identification, such as a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) or a U.S. Department of Defense ID. International travelers will still need a valid passport.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable identification. For those who do not yet have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, they can expect delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry into the security checkpoint. TSA officers may request additional information, such as the passenger's name and current address, to verify their identity.
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State-issued Real ID cards
From May 7, 2025, a state-issued Real ID card will be required for domestic air travel in the US. This is a federally mandated requirement, with the Real ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued identification, including driver's licenses, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant IDs. This includes the TSA at airport security checkpoints.
The Real ID card will be needed in addition to a boarding pass to board a domestic flight within the US. It is not required for international travel, where a passport will still be needed. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the US.
The Real ID card will also be required to access certain federal facilities, such as military bases and federal courthouses.
The design of the Real ID card varies by state. Some states have a star in the upper right corner, while others have a star and a clear box with a holographic picture. The Texas Real ID card, for example, has a star inside a gold circle in the upper right corner.
To obtain a Real ID card, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address, and lawful status. This can be done through their state DMV offices.
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Identification for children under 18
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, the TSA does recommend that you check with the airline regarding specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
Children under 18 will not need a photo ID to board a domestic flight if they are accompanied by an adult. However, if you are flying internationally, your child will need to present their passport at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when you arrive at your destination. Even if your child is only a month old, they will need a passport to leave the country. If your destination requires a travel visa, your child will also need to apply for the visa.
Some airlines have specific requirements for children's identification. For example, Southwest Airlines requires a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your child to fly as a lap child.
In addition, if you are a parent travelling alone with your child, you may be required to present a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-travelling parent's passport or valid identification. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse's death certificate. The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody, in which case you may be required to present a copy of your custody agreement signed by both parents.
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Frequently asked questions
From May 7, 2025, US airports will require a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or ID card, passport, or other federally recognized ID to board domestic flights.
A REAL ID is a federally-approved form of identification that meets enhanced security standards. It was signed into law in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission's recommendations to enhance national security and reduce identity fraud.
REAL IDs are issued by motor vehicle departments or equivalent offices in all 50 states. The application process must be done in person and cannot be completed online, over the phone, or by mail. The cost varies from state to state.
No, international visitors can continue to use their valid, unexpired passports as identification at TSA checkpoints for domestic air travel within the US.
