Ruth Haines
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 that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted. Passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license will need to present an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID, which can be obtained through their state DMV offices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ID | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), Enhanced ID (EID), DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), REAL ID-compliant identification cards, passports, Permanent Resident Cards, U.S. military IDs, Digital IDs, Mobile Driver's Licenses |
| Suffixes | TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. |
| REAL ID Act | Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act 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. |
| Freely Associated States Act | Amends the REAL ID Act to separate citizens of the Freely Associated States from the categories of non-U.S. citizens who are only eligible to receive a temporary (limited-term) REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card. |
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What You'll Learn
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for accessing federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints, if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. This means the license or card must include the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the top right corner.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It enacted 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 Act prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state identification card must have a star in the upper right-hand corner. If your driver's license or state ID does not have this star, it is not REAL ID-compliant, and you will not be able to use it for air travel or to enter federal facilities or military installations. However, you can still choose to obtain a non-REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, but it will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports or federal facilities.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, you must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck. Additionally, you may be asked to provide proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. The specific requirements may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for the exact documentation required.
It is important to note that even if you have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, there are other acceptable forms of identification that can be used for air travel, including a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). These alternatives are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents and can be used instead of a REAL ID for boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses
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. 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 IDs as identification for official purposes if they meet these standards.
To apply for an EDL, you must provide proof of residency in the issuing state. For example, in New York, you must provide two proofs of New York State residency, such as a recent bank statement or pay stub showing your current address. Additionally, you must meet the proof of lawful status, identity, and residency requirements for an Enhanced photo document. The application fee for an EDL may be higher than that of a standard driver's license due to the longer validity period.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs at airports is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA website or with your state department of motor vehicles before travelling to ensure that you have acceptable identification.
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REAL ID alternatives, e.g. passports
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. Passengers must either carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID.
A U.S. passport or passport card is an acceptable form of identification and may be used instead of a REAL ID driver's license or ID card to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. A passport is also useful for international travel, as REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or international sea cruise travel.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced IDs (EIDs) are also acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. EDLs are currently issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont. These IDs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
Other acceptable forms of ID include DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including dependent IDs), and acceptable photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper identification.
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REAL ID for Freely Associated States citizens
Starting May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked with a star and issued by a REAL ID-compliant state.
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 REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, enacted in 2018, amended the REAL ID Act to separate citizens of the Freely Associated States (FAS) from other non-U.S. citizens. This act enables citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (collectively known as the FAS) to receive full-term REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. Previously, these citizens could only obtain temporary REAL ID-compliant licenses or identification cards with a validity period equal to their authorized stay in the United States. Now, citizens of the FAS who present acceptable evidence of identity and lawful status under the REAL ID Act will receive full-term licenses or identification cards.
FAS citizens can present an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94, documenting their most recent admission to the U.S. under a Compact, as acceptable documents to establish their identity and obtain a REAL ID license. They may also present other identity documents, including an unexpired passport with a valid visa (if applicable) and approved I-94, an unexpired employment authorization document, or a previously issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a REAL ID and the required documents may vary depending on the state. In most cases, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for non-U.S. citizens, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
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TSA ID requirements and variations
The TSA has strict ID requirements for all adult passengers (18 and older) travelling through US airports. The TSA strongly recommends that passengers check the acceptable forms of ID before travelling, as the list is subject to change without notice.
From 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. Passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. Passengers without the correct ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passports
- US passport cards
- DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorisation Card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
The TSA also accepts variations in suffixes on boarding passes and IDs. If there is a suffix on the boarding pass and not on the ID, or vice versa, this is considered an acceptable variation.
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Frequently asked questions
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set standards for the issuance of identification documents, such as driver's licenses, and to prevent identity fraud.
Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of identification will be required for domestic air travel in the U.S.
Besides a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, other acceptable forms of identification include a passport, permanent resident card, or an enhanced driver's license.
If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, address, and other personal information to confirm your identity.
You can apply for a REAL ID through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. Before issuing a REAL ID, the government will conduct record checks and examine other evidence to confirm your identity.
