Roberta Aguirre
As of May 7, 2025, all US travellers over the age of 18 will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. REAL ID-compliant cards are identifiable by a star or a bear with a star cutout in the top right corner. They are issued by all 50 US states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Implementation | May 7, 2025 |
| Purpose | To establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards |
| Acceptable Forms of Identification | REAL ID, passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License, DHS-trusted traveller card, permanent resident card |
| Age Requirements | Applicable to U.S. citizens 18 years and older |
| Identification Requirements | Full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status |
| Additional Requirements by State | Yes |
| REAL ID Recognisable Mark | A star in the top portion of the card (or a bear with a star cut out for California) |
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What You'll Learn
- From May 7, 2025, US citizens aged 18+ will need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically
- Real IDs are issued by state DMVs and meet new TSA security standards
- Real ID-compliant cards have a star or a bear with a star cutout in the top corner
- To obtain a Real ID, you must provide documents proving identity and lawful status
- Enhanced IDs and passports are accepted in lieu of a Real ID
From May 7, 2025, US citizens aged 18+ will need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically
From May 7, 2025, US citizens aged 18 and over will need to present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, to fly domestically. This means that a state-issued driver's license or ID that does not have a Real ID star marking will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Passengers with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
To obtain a Real ID, individuals must visit their state's DMV offices and provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. In addition to Real IDs, other acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel include a passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a federally recognized Tribal ID card.
It is important to note that the Real ID requirement only applies to US citizens aged 18 and over. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, and specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 should be confirmed with the airline.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, from accepting licenses and IDs from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as accessing federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft. As of May 7, 2025, all states, the District of Columbia, and the five territories are issuing Real ID-compliant licenses and IDs.
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Real IDs are issued by state DMVs and meet new TSA security standards
The Real ID is an identification card that meets the new TSA security standards. It is issued by state DMVs and is required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses or IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification such as a passport, to board their domestic flight.
To obtain a Real ID, individuals must visit their state DMV offices and provide documentation showing their full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. Some states may have additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with the state's driver's licensing agency website before visiting in person. The Real ID card will have a compliant star marking on it, indicating that it meets the new TSA security standards.
The implementation of the Real ID Act is in response to 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 state identification cards. The Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued IDs and driver's licenses, ensuring that federal agencies only accept compliant licenses and IDs from states that meet these standards. This includes TSA airport security checkpoints, where a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification will be required to pass through.
It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Additionally, TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs, so a suffix on either document is considered an acceptable variation. For those who do not have a Real ID or an acceptable alternative form of ID, additional screening processes may be required at TSA checkpoints.
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Real ID-compliant cards have a star or a bear with a star cutout in the top corner
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. REAL ID-compliant cards have a star or a bear with a star cutout in the top corner. This marking indicates that the ID meets the minimum security standards for state-issued identification, as outlined by the REAL ID Act of 2005. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting non-compliant licenses and IDs. Thus, passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification may be directed to a separate area and receive additional screening.
The REAL ID-compliant star marking typically appears in the upper right corner of the card. The star may be inside a black or gold circle, indicating a new or legacy REAL ID, respectively. In addition to the standard star marking, some states may use alternative methods to differentiate compliant cards from non-compliant ones. For example, the state of Tennessee's REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses feature a unique design with a bear and a star cutout in the top right corner. While the general recommendation is to adopt the "gold star" marking, states have the flexibility to propose alternative methods for marking compliant cards for DHS review and approval.
It's important to note that some states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) as acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. These EDLs are currently issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont and can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. While most EDLs do not have the star marking, they are still accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant card, individuals must visit their state's driver's licensing agency and provide the required documentation. This typically includes proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful status. It's recommended to check with the specific state's requirements, as they may impose additional criteria.
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To obtain a Real ID, you must provide documents proving identity and lawful status
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. To obtain a Real ID, you must provide documents proving your identity and lawful status. The specific documents required may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for the exact requirements. However, there are some standard documents that are generally accepted as proof of identity and lawful status.
At a minimum, you will need to provide documentation showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of your principal residence, and lawful status. For proof of your full legal name, you can present documents such as a certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. To prove your date of birth, you can use the same documents or other official records such as a state-issued ID card or driver's license.
For proof of your Social Security number, you can provide a Social Security card or a pay stub with your name and Social Security number on it. To establish your principal residence, you will need to present two forms of proof, such as utility bills, mortgage statements, lease agreements, or bank statements. These documents should include your name and address and indicate that you reside at the address.
Finally, to prove your lawful status, you must provide acceptable evidence as per the REAL ID Act and its implementing regulations. This may include an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94, documenting the applicant's most recent admission to the United States. Citizens of Freely Associated States can present this as acceptable proof of identity and lawful status to receive a full-term REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card.
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Enhanced IDs and passports are accepted in lieu of a Real ID
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. However, passengers can use alternative forms of identification, such as enhanced IDs and passports, in lieu of a REAL ID.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs. These documents are currently issued by five states: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs/EIDs are marked by an image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. They serve as proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea, making them a convenient option for travel to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. While not all Enhanced IDs bear the star marking, they are still considered compliant forms of identification for air travel within the U.S.
U.S. passports and passport cards are also valid alternatives to REAL IDs for domestic travel, as confirmed by the TSA. International travel, however, still requires a passport in addition to a REAL ID or equivalent. This means that even with a REAL ID, travellers will need their passport when travelling outside of the country.
In addition to the options above, other acceptable forms of identification include DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
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Frequently asked questions
A REAL ID is a federally compliant license or non-driver ID issued by a state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that meets new security standards at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
A REAL ID-compliant card will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card. This is usually a star, but in California, it is a bear with a star cut out.
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.
REAL IDs are issued by all 50 U.S. states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the exact documentation required and how to obtain a REAL ID.
Other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, passport card, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License, or a DHS-trusted traveler card such as Global Entry.
