Lois Larson
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 in the United States. This means that travelers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another form of compliant identification, such as a passport, to pass through security. The REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005 to address concerns about the ease of obtaining a driver's license in the United States, but its implementation has faced challenges due to privacy concerns, inconvenience, and cost. While the TSA previously offered alternate verification methods for travelers without IDs, these options will no longer be available, and non-compliance may result in delays, additional screening, or denial of entry at the security checkpoint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date when airports stop accepting licenses | May 7, 2025 |
| Alternative IDs | Passport, enhanced driver's license, permanent resident card |
| Age requirements | Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly within the US |
| Temporary driver's license | Not an acceptable form of ID |
| Digital driver's license | Must be accompanied by a physical ID |
| Biometric data and facial recognition | May be used in the future |
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What You'll Learn
- The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to combat fake IDs
- State-issued licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted from May 7, 2025
- TSA will not be offering alternate verification methods after the Real ID rules come into effect
- REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic air travel
- Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly within the US
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to combat fake IDs
The Real ID Act was passed in 2005 to combat the issue of fake IDs and improve national security. The Act established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibited federal agencies from accepting non-compliant licenses and identification cards from states that did not meet these standards. The Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of identification documents, such as driver's licenses. The 9/11 attacks highlighted the need for more secure identification documents to enhance national security and prevent potential threats.
The Real ID Act set out specific requirements that driver's licenses and identification cards must satisfy. These requirements included the verification of personal information presented during the application process, the inclusion of security features on the document, and the electronic sharing of databases between states. The Act aimed to make it more difficult for individuals to obtain fake IDs by requiring states to enforce stricter requirements when issuing IDs, such as demanding more proof of identity. This meant that individuals would have to provide more comprehensive and reliable documentation to obtain a driver's license or identification card.
The Real ID Act also made changes to immigration law, including asylum, border security, deportation, and specific work visas. These changes were controversial, with critics arguing that they would make it more difficult for legitimate asylum seekers to obtain asylum in the United States. Despite the opposition, the Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in 2005. The original implementation date for the provisions regarding identification documents was set for 2008. However, due to widespread opposition and refusal by many state governments to implement the changes, enforcement was repeatedly delayed.
The Real ID Act has had a significant impact on air travel in the United States. Starting in October 2020, every domestic air traveler was required to have a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification. This meant that licenses issued by states that did not meet the minimum security standards established by the Act were no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. The Act also applies to other federal facilities, such as nuclear power plants, where Real ID-compliant identification is required for entry. It's important to note that the Act's prohibitions do not affect the use of driver's licenses or identification cards for purposes unrelated to official government business.
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State-issued licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted from May 7, 2025
From May 7, 2025, state-issued licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act also prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
The REAL ID Act was implemented with the goal of enhancing security and making fake IDs harder to obtain. It requires residents of the United States and its territories to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, for domestic air travel and to access certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. This means that passengers traveling after the enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, should ensure they have an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act does not invalidate any previously issued driver's licenses or ID cards. These can still be used for various purposes, including driving, voting, registering to vote, state purposes, and age verification. Additionally, the Act does not affect individuals under the age of 18, as children do not need to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
For those who do not have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID, it is possible to undergo an identity verification process at the airport. This involves providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. However, this process may result in delays and additional screening, and there is no guarantee of being allowed into the security checkpoint. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative form of identification before the May 7, 2025, deadline to ensure a smoother travel experience.
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TSA will not be offering alternate verification methods after the Real ID rules come into effect
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. 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" to make fake IDs harder to obtain.
The Act prohibits certain federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. Specifically, it requires that state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards have a REAL ID-compliant star marking on the upper top portion of the card.
Starting 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 enforcement deadline 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. Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may face delays, additional screening, or even denial of entry to the security checkpoint.
It is important to note that the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Additionally, in the event of a lost or stolen ID, the TSA has other ways of confirming an individual's identity using publicly available databases. However, travelers without proper identification should still arrive at the airport well in advance to complete the necessary identity verification process with a TSA officer.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic air travel
For US domestic air travel, a REAL ID-compliant license is required. Starting on May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. This change was first implemented following the 9/11 Commission's recommendations, with the goal of making fake IDs harder to obtain. While all state-issued licenses and identification cards were previously accepted at airport checkpoints, several states were slow to comply due to privacy concerns, inconvenience, and cost.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, mandated stricter requirements for issuing IDs, such as demanding more proof of identity. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-US citizens. Additionally, proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency are required. When a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID card is issued, it will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.
It is important to note that children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States. They can accompany an adult over the age of 18 who possesses an acceptable form of ID. In the case of a lost, stolen, or forgotten ID, adults may still be able to fly domestically by completing an identity verification process with a TSA officer, which includes providing personal information such as their name and current address. However, this may result in delays and additional screening.
For those without a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, there may be alternatives. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can use publicly available databases to confirm an individual's identity. However, this process can be time-consuming, and travellers may need to arrive at the airport well in advance, ideally at least two hours ahead of their scheduled departure time.
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Children under 18 don't need an ID to fly within the US
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, the TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the acceptable forms of ID before travelling, as the list is subject to change without notice.
Children under 18 only need a boarding pass to board a plane if they are accompanied by an adult. In most circumstances, children under 18 will not need a photo ID to board a domestic flight if they are accompanied by an adult. However, there are some circumstances where a photo ID or some official document may be needed for minors to board. This will vary by carrier, but most airlines will accept infants as young as two days old. If you are flying with an infant less than two weeks old, you may be required by the airline to provide a note from your physician stating that the child is healthy enough to fly.
Once a child turns two years old, they will be required to pay the full airfare and will no longer be allowed to fly as a lap child. This means that they won't be required to prove their age anymore, so you don't have to worry about travelling with an additional ID for them. However, it is still suggested that you have some sort of ID for them, such as a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on your phone.
If you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport, and possibly a visa, regardless of their age. If only one parent is travelling with the child, you will need to provide some additional permission forms.
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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.
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. The Act makes it harder to get a fake ID and requires travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, for domestic air travel.
If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, you may face delays, additional screening, or may not be permitted through the security checkpoint.
Other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or one of the many other forms of ID allowed by the TSA.
