Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, a new airport license requirement will be enforced in the US. This means that travelers will need a Real ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification, such as a passport, to pass through security for domestic and international flights. The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards to enhance security and prevent fraud. While there have been challenges in implementing the Real ID requirements across all states and territories, the deadline for compliance is approaching, and travelers are urged to ensure they have the necessary identification to avoid delays and difficulties at airport security checkpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of License | REAL ID |
| Date of Enforcement | May 7, 2025 |
| Purpose | To enhance security and set a consistent standard for state-issued documentation |
| Identification Required for Domestic U.S. Flights | REAL ID-compliant license, passport, permanent resident card, or trusted traveler ID |
| Identification Markings | A star in one of the top corners |
| Documents Required for REAL ID | Documentation showing full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status, and two proofs of address |
| States Issuing REAL ID | All 50 states are compliant with licensing requirements |
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What You'll Learn
The Real ID deadline for US airports
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. The law prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. While the deadline for enforcement has been repeatedly pushed back, the federal government has stated that the May 7 date is final.
To be Real ID-compliant, a driver's license or ID card must have a star marking in one of its top corners. If a traveler's card does not have this marking, they will need to present another form of accepted identification, such as a passport, permanent resident card, or trusted traveler ID, to get through security and board their flight. It is worth noting that a Real ID is not valid for international travel by air.
The process for obtaining a Real ID varies by state, but generally, individuals must provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and two proofs of address of their principal residence. Some states may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the relevant state's driver's licensing agency website or motor vehicle department for specific information. The surge in applications ahead of the deadline has caused a scarcity of appointment availability, so travelers are encouraged to plan ahead.
It is important to emphasize that the Real ID requirement only applies to domestic US flights. Children under the age of 18 are also exempt from providing identification when traveling within the United States, although some airlines may recommend that minors carry a form of ID, such as a library card or school ID. For international air travel, a passport is still the primary form of acceptable identification.
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What documents are required for a Real ID
From May 7, 2025, all state and territory residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight, enter a secure federal facility or military base, or access a nuclear power plant. A REAL ID card cannot be used for border crossings or international travel, including cruises.
To apply for a REAL ID, you will need to provide documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency in your state. These documents must be original or certified copies, and photocopies will not be accepted.
- Official birth certificate issued by a State Office or Vital Statistic or equivalent with a raised seal and/or color seal.
- U.S. Certificate of Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350, FS-240 or FS-545).
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.
- Unexpired foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa and approved I-94 form.
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).
- Proof of legal name change when applicable (e.g., marriage certificate, court order, divorce papers, amended birth certificate).
- Two proofs of residency in your state (e.g., current utility bill, vehicle registration, mortgage papers).
Some states, like Tennessee, may have additional requirements for a Commercial Driver License (CDL) holder. It is recommended to check your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific requirements and guidance before applying for a REAL ID.
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How to check if you have a Real ID
The Real ID deadline of May 7, 2025, is fast approaching, and travelers are being urged to ensure they have the correct identification to get through security at U.S. airports.
To check if you have a Real ID-compliant license or ID, look for a star marking in the top right corner of your card. If it has this marking, it is Real ID-compliant, and you do not need to do anything else. If your card does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant, and you will need to apply for a new one or use a passport or other accepted form of identification to fly domestically within the U.S.
The Real ID-compliant star marking is placed by the state's driver's licensing agency when your license or ID is issued or renewed. The process of getting a Real ID and the documents you must provide depend on your state, so check with your state's driver's licensing agency for guidance on how to obtain a Real ID. In most cases, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card; proof of a Social Security number; and proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub.
Some states, such as New York, offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) as alternatives to Real IDs. These are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by the image of a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
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Where to go to get a Real ID
The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act's minimum standards.
To get a Real ID, you should check with the motor vehicle agency in your state to find out the specific requirements and application process. Each state may have slightly different requirements and processes for obtaining a Real ID. Generally, you will need to provide documentation that verifies your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and lawful status, as well as two proofs of address.
In Pennsylvania, for example, there are REAL ID Center Locations where you can get your REAL ID in person. Your required documents will be verified in real-time, and your REAL ID will be issued on the same day.
It's important to note that the deadline for obtaining a Real ID for domestic air travel in the U.S. was May 7, 2025. After this date, a Real ID-compliant license or other accepted forms of identification, such as a passport, are required to get through security for domestic U.S. flights.
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Other TSA-approved forms of ID
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 travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant license or other accepted forms of identification to get through security before a domestic U.S. flight.
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card: A valid U.S. passport can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic travel. It is important to ensure that your passport is not expired, as it will not be accepted as a valid form of identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): These are state-issued IDs that are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for domestic air travel. They may also be used for land and sea crossings to Mexico, Canada, and some Caribbean countries.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: These include Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards, which are issued by the Department of Homeland Security. These cards facilitate expedited travel through dedicated lanes and kiosks at select airports and borders.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: This includes IDs issued to military personnel and their dependents, which can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license for domestic air travel.
- Federally Recognized Tribal ID: An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), is also accepted by the TSA.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766): This card is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and can be used as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel.
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential: This credential is issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and can be used as a valid form of identification for TSA checkpoints.
It is important to note that the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set forth minimum security standards for state-issued IDs, like driver's licenses, to enhance security at airports and federal facilities. While there have been delays in enforcing these requirements, the federal government is committed to implementing them fully starting May 7, 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
The new airport license requirement starts on May 7, 2025.
The new requirement mandates that travelers must have a Real ID-compliant license or other accepted forms of identification, like a passport, to get through security before boarding a domestic U.S. flight.
A Real ID is a federally compliant state-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID.
To get a Real ID, you need to make an appointment at a DMV office and provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and lawful status, as well as two proofs of address.
