Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports in the US. This means that state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted. A temporary driver's license is also not considered an acceptable form of ID. However, TSA does make temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star at the top right and are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temporary driver's license | Not acceptable |
| REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses | Accepted |
| State-issued driver's licenses | Not REAL ID-compliant and are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports |
| State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) | Accepted |
| REAL ID-compliant state | Accepted |
| REAL ID-compliant star marking | Accepted |
| REAL ID Act | Passed by Congress in 2005 |
| Passport | Accepted |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
When applying for or renewing a driver's license, individuals can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license typically requires providing proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. These requirements may vary slightly depending on the state, so it is essential to check the specific requirements of your state's driver's licensing agency.
REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star in the top right corner, indicating that they meet the established security standards. This marking distinguishes them from non-compliant licenses, which will not be accepted as valid identification at airport security checkpoints or for boarding commercial aircraft starting May 7, 2025.
It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant licenses are not the only acceptable form of identification at airports. Passports, for example, can also be used as an alternative form of identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. Additionally, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced Identification Cards (EIDs) are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and are recognized for official REAL ID purposes.
To summarize, while REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are suitable for airport security checkpoints and boarding commercial flights, individuals should ensure they have the appropriate identification that complies with the REAL ID Act. This compliance ensures smooth passage through security checkpoints and is essential for domestic air travel within the United States.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses
EDLs are a convenient and low-cost option for U.S. citizens returning to the country from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through designated land or sea ports of entry. They also serve as a valid driver's permit. EDLs contain a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip that communicates securely with a system to retrieve the holder's biographic information.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been working with individual states to enhance their driver's licenses and identification documents to align with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which came into effect on June 1, 2009. EDLs are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents under the WHTI and are recognised by the DHS.
In the context of air travel, EDLs issued by the aforementioned states are considered valid alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for the issuance of identification documents, including driver's licenses. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will only accept state-issued driver's licenses that comply with REAL ID security standards, denoted by a star marking. However, most EDLs do not bear this marking, and their acceptance as an alternative to REAL ID is explicitly stated by the TSA.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change, and travellers are advised to check the latest requirements before their journey. Additionally, other forms of identification, such as a passport, can be used as an alternative to both REAL IDs and EDLs when boarding domestic flights and visiting federal facilities.
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REAL ID alternatives
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, there are several REAL ID alternatives that can be used as acceptable forms of identification at the airport. Here are some options:
Passport
A U.S. passport is a widely accepted alternative to a REAL ID for domestic and international air travel. It is a valid form of identification for boarding flights and can be used even if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
Passport Card
A U.S. passport card is another option that is typically used for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It serves as an acceptable form of identification at TSA airport checkpoints for domestic flights.
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. These membership cards can be used as alternatives to REAL ID when travelling domestically.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
Some states offer enhanced versions of their driver's licenses or state IDs that meet the federal government's higher security standards. These EDLs or EIDs can be used as alternatives to REAL ID when travelling domestically.
U.S. Department of Defense ID
IDs issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, including those provided to dependents, can be used as an alternative form of identification when travelling domestically.
Other Forms of Identification
In some cases, if you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, you may still be able to get through security. A TSA officer may ask questions to confirm your identity, including your name and address. However, this option is not guaranteed, and it is recommended to allow for additional time when checking in.
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TSA ID requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific ID requirements for air travel. As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state-issued IDs are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that any state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, there are alternative forms of identification that can be used for domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities. These include:
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. 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)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card")
- Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so travelers are strongly encouraged to check the TSA website before traveling 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. Children under 18 traveling within the United States are not required to provide identification, but unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID for expedited screening.
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Temporary exemptions
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. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Federal agencies, including the TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for accessing federal facilities, including airport security checkpoints, if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. These IDs will have the REAL ID-compliant star marking at the top right.
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. State-issued EDLs or Enhanced IDs (EIDs) are also acceptable forms of identification.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you can use a passport or one of several other acceptable forms of identification to fly. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, the TSA is currently making temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license.
If you have lost your driver’s license, you may still be able to fly. The TSA accepts several other forms of identification for domestic travel. It is recommended that you bring a police report to the airport to help confirm your identity.
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Frequently asked questions
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for identification documents such as driver's licenses.
A REAL ID-compliant license or identification card is one that meets the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. These IDs are typically marked with a star in the top right corner.
If your driver's license or state ID is not REAL ID-compliant, you can still use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport, to fly. However, as of May 7, 2025, non-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
Other acceptable forms of ID include Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by certain states, such as Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. These are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
If you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you may still be allowed to fly. A police report or other forms of identification may help confirm your identity. Additionally, temporary exemptions are being made for those unable to renew their IDs or driver's licenses.
