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How to get a REAL ID and use it for travel

The REAL ID Act is a law that sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs).

Why upgrade your license to a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you have not upgraded your driver’s license or state-issued ID to be REAL ID-compliant, you will not be able to use it to:

• Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Access federal government facilities or military installations
• Enter nuclear power plants

Visit the REAL ID website for more details and frequently asked questions.

Check to see if your license or state ID is already REAL ID-compliant

If your driver's license or state ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL-ID-compliant. There is nothing more you need to do.

How to get a REAL ID

When you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see what documentation you will need. Your new card will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly?

If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly . 

Can you still get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID?

You will still be able to get a driver's license or state ID card that is not REAL ID-compliant. But you will not be able to use it for air travel or to get into federal facilities or military installations. Find and visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to see how to get a non-REAL ID-compliant license or state ID.

LAST UPDATED: May 23, 2024

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Americans will need Real ID to travel in 2025: Here are the requirements

The U.S. is a year away from requiring Real ID.

The United States is less than a year out from the Department of Homeland Security's federal requirement for Real ID for domestic flights and entering federal facilities, and to help you get ahead -- and avoid a dreaded hourslong wait at the DMV -- "Good Morning America" has gathered all the essential details you need to ensure your identification is up to date.

What is a Real ID?

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security previously delayed the implementation of Real ID several times over the past few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But as of this week, U.S. residents have under a year to obtain their soon-to-be federally required form of identification.

Here's what you need to know:

The federal Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 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," the DHS states on its website .

The new rules set out which forms of identification may be used to board flights within the United States and to enter secure federal facilities such as military bases, federal courthouses and other federal facilities.

Applying for a Real ID requires proof of identity, proof of residency and a trip to your local DMV. See below for more on the full requirements and application process details.

All U.S. states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories are issuing Real IDs.

Click here for additional answers from DHS to some frequently asked questions about Real ID.

Real ID application requirements

Requirements are largely similar across the states, but as of 2021, according to DHS , states are no longer required to collect a social security document from a Real ID applicant. They still must collect and retain the number as part of the application process to verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by the Real ID regulations.

"Not all states have applied this, so please check with your state driver's licensing agency to find the most up to date information," the DHS website states.

In California for example, residents can apply for a Real ID by filling out an application online and upload documents before visiting a DMV office with their uploaded documents to complete the application, which should only take about 15 minutes in person, depending on wait times.

MORE: Millions of Americans could be grounded from flying because of REAL ID deadline

Here's everything California residents would need to provide for the application:

Proof of identity: One original or certified document. For example, a valid passport or birth certificate. Legal name change document is required if name on proof of identity is different from the name on the other documents such as a marriage certificate or adoption papers.

Proofs of California residency: Two documents, paper copies. For example, a utility bill or bank statement.

Social Security number: Some exceptions may apply. Click here for additional details from the DMV REAL ID page.

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What is the latest deadline for real id.

Earlier this week marked one year before DHS begins enforcing the Real ID requirement on May 7, 2025.

Starting on that date, a Real ID or other federally approved identification will be required to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

Federal agencies including Transportation Security Administration may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for the purposes of accessing federal facilities -- including TSA airport security checkpoints -- if the license or card was issued by a Real ID compliant state in accordance with the Real ID security standards.

Enhanced Driver's Licenses issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS , and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

What does Real ID look like?

The Real ID looks almost the same as a current state ID card or driver's license, but has a compliant star marking.

Some differences may vary by state, such as in California, where a small golden bear appears on the top right corner with the white star on the animal's left side.

If an ID says "federal limits apply," that person will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other locations after the May 7, 2025, deadline.

Does Real ID replace a passport?

The Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel, however it ensures that travelers can fly domestic within the U.S. and access secure federal locations without additional documentation, according to the DMV.

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Everything to Know About the REAL ID — Including How to Get One and When to Use It

Here's when you'll actually need to get a REAL ID.

Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

You've probably seen the signage for REAL IDs all over the airport, but do you know what it actually is? As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the REAL ID Act to set security standards for forms of identification like driver's licenses back in 2005. The act ultimately requires anyone accessing certain federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, or entering nuclear power plants to use an ID that meets these standards. But as of today, the REAL ID Act hasn't been enforced . "The deadlines have been pushed out several times, with the current date of May 7, 2025," says Dr. Sheldon Jacobson, a professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a research background in aviation security. Here's what you need to know about REAL IDs, especially as it relates to air travel.

What is a REAL ID and do I need one?

A REAL ID is a government-issued ID that meets federal security standards. Now, most "regular" state-issued driver's licenses do not meet these standards. That's why every state (plus Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories) has developed a new driver's license that's REAL ID–compliant — it'll have a star on the upper portion of the card. When the REAL ID Act becomes enforced, you will need to use a REAL ID–compliant form of identification at airport security . If you don't have one, you won't be permitted to enter the airport.

But do you absolutely need a REAL ID–compliant driver's license to get through airport security? The answer is no. There are other compliant forms of ID for those who don't have a driver's license. "You can use a passport, or other forms of ID that have a higher level of validation. A Global Entry card would also work," says Jacobson. Check out some of the options below, and find the full list of acceptable IDs on Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website .

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast)
• Permanent resident card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport

It's also important to note a REAL ID will only be required of travelers 18 years and older. Children do not need an ID to fly, per the TSA.

Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

When do I need to get a REAL ID?

At the time of publication, the enforcement date of the Real ID Act is May 7, 2025. But Jacobson believes the deadline might be further delayed. "The airlines cannot support any measure that may prohibit a ticketed passenger from flying. Congress will find some reason to delay its implementation once again," he says.

It's a reasonable suspicion — the act was originally supposed to go into effect in 2008. But it took states and territories years to get on board, with some states protesting the cost and others concerned about privacy issues. Only in December 2022 did all jurisdictions offer REAL IDs.

In the event the REAL ID Act does go into effect on May 7, 2025, it's best to get your enhanced driver's license sooner rather than later to avoid any potential backlogs as the date nears.

How do I get a REAL ID?

The process of acquiring a REAL ID–compliant driver's license varies per state — you should consult the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to learn more. It also depends on whether you're applying for a driver's license for the first time or upgrading an existing valid driver's license to a REAL ID. Generally speaking, you'll need to visit a DMV office, bring with you certain documents for identification, and possibly pay a processing fee.

Or, if you don't want to upgrade your driver's license, you can always travel with another REAL ID–compliant form of identification, like your passport or Global Entry card.

Related Articles

Watch CBS News

You'll soon need a Real ID to fly in U.S. Here's how to get one.

By Megan Cerullo

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: August 21, 2024 / 3:43 PM EDT / CBS News

Flying within the U.S. will soon require an extra document that's more secure than a state-issued driver's license or ID if you don't want to lug around your passport with you. 

Beginning in May of next year, all U.S. travelers will be required to have the official document, known as a Real ID, on hand when traveling domestically by air. As an alternative, they may carry their passports with them. 

The initiative is a long time coming. It was initially slated for enforcement beginning in May 2023, but the deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here's everything you need to know, including what is required to apply, and how and where to do so. 

What is a Real ID?

It's essentially an enhanced form of identification which, beginning May 7, 2025, will be required to access certain federal facilities, board commercial aircraft, and enter nuclear power plants, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses, permits, and ID cards. It's designed to reduce identity fraud, as it also prohibits Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel from accepting cards that don't meet the new minimum standards, according to the DHS.

Who needs one?

Any traveler who is 18 years or older who plans to fly domestically or visit certain federal facilities will require a Real ID, or an alternative acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID cards with the compliant star marking. A handful of states including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are issuing Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) with a flag marking, which also meet Real ID standards. 

Do I have a Real ID?

All Real IDs have a star marking in their top right corner. 

If you recently renewed your driver's license, it could be an Enhanced Driver's License, or EDL, which also meets Real ID standards. Check the top right corner of your license for an American flag, indicating it is Real ID-compliant. If it doesn't have the stamp, it is not in compliance with the act. 

How do I get one?

All U.S. states are issuing Real ID cards through their driver's licensing agencies, with requirements varying by state. Many offices require a reservation, which you can make online.

Visit the DHS website , and click on your state of residence for specific instructions on how to apply, as well as what documents you'll need to bring with you to your appointment. Typically you'll need your social security card, proof of citizenship, and multiple proofs of residence.

How much does it cost?

There is no additional fee for a Real ID, but standard DMV processing fees do apply. Getting an enhanced ID costs $30. 

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.

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• Frequently Asked Questions

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REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers regarding the implementation of the REAL ID Act. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, 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 established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

Additional questions may be sent to the Department of Homeland Security at [email protected] .

For the Public

Q: what is real id.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act 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 established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

Q: When will REAL ID be enforced?

The enforcement date is May 7, 2025.

Q: What happens when the REAL ID enforcement date begins?

Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities - including TSA airport security checkpoints - if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.

Q: Are all states issuing REAL ID compliant cards?

Yes. All states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and IDs.

Q: How do I get a REAL ID?

Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.

Q: If an individual’s Social Security Administration account card is not available, what other documents can be used to verify an individual’s Social Security Number SSN?

The person may present any of the following documents bearing the applicant's SSN:

• A W-2 form,
• A SSA-1099 form,
• A non-SSA-1099 form, or
• A pay stub with the applicant's name and SSN on it.

Q: How do I know if my license or identification card is REAL ID compliant?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.

Examples of REAL IDs:

Q: When will I need to change how I travel domestically?

Beginning May 7, 2025 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).

Q: Will minors need to have driver's licenses/ identification cards to fly domestically?

No. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

Q: What happens to travelers who show up without a compliant license? Will TSA turn them away?

Travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025 will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

Q: Is a passport my only other option?

No. TSA accepts several other forms of identity documents. For more information on acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .

Starting May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircraft. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport. The Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility (such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian) nor does it prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents (such as a U.S. passport or passport card).

Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.

Q: Can I use my REAL ID for sea (cruise) travel?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.

Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID?

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

Q: What type of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards does the Department of Homeland Security currently accept as identification to access its buildings and facilities and at TSA airport security checkpoints?

Until full enforcement of REAL ID begins on May 7, 2025, DHS and its component agencies, including TSA at its airport security checkpoints, will continue to accept for identification purposes all state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by compliant states, as well as noncompliant states with a valid extension.

Q: Will a federal agency accept my Enhanced Driver's License?

Yes. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are acceptable alternatives for official federal purposes such as accessing a federal facility or boarding a commercial aircraft. Individual agency policies may still apply.

Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are the only states that currently issue EDLs. For more information on EDLs, please go to https://www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers-licenses-what-are-they .

Q: What about non-DHS federal entities? What types of licenses and identification cards will they accept for access purposes?

Federal agencies have the authority to set their own minimum security access requirements and, if desired, decide not to accept noncompliant marked cards before the May 7, 2025 deadline.

For example, The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recently finalized an update to its DoD-Wide installation security policy and is in the process of no longer accepting noncompliant marked cards across all of its facilities and installations. However, DoD will continue to accept state-issued noncompliant unmarked "legacy" cards until the May 7, 2025 deadline.

To ensure you have the proper identification, DHS recommends that you contact the federal agency you plan to visit in advance, to obtain information regarding identification requirements. As a reminder, the REAL ID Act applies when an individual presents a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to a federal agency for an “official purpose” as defined in the Act and regulations, such as boarding a federally regulated commercial aircraft. Although a REAL ID card may not be necessary for other purposes such as driving, voting, banking, or applying for benefits or employment, we recommend checking with the relevant state, local, or commercial entities regarding their specific identification requirements.

Q: Is DHS trying to build a national database with all of our information?

 No. REAL ID is a national set of standards, not a national identification card. REAL ID does not create a federal database of driver license information. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintains its own records, and controls who gets access to those records and under what circumstances. The purpose of REAL ID is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.

Q: How does REAL ID implementation impact states that provide driver's licenses and IDs to certain non-citizens/undocumented immigrants?

REAL ID allows compliant states to issue driver's licenses and identification cards where the identity of the applicant cannot be assured or for whom lawful presence is not determined. In fact, some states currently issue noncompliant cards to undocumented individuals. Noncompliant cards must clearly state on their face (and in the machine readable zone) that they are not acceptable for REAL ID purposes and must use a unique design or color to differentiate them from compliant cards. DHS cautions against assuming that possession of a noncompliant card indicates the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence. Possession of a noncompliant card does not indicate that the holder is an undocumented individual, given that individuals may obtain noncompliant cards for many reasons unrelated to lawful presence.

Q: How will the phase-out of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program affect state issuance of driver's licenses and IDs to DACA beneficiaries?

The REAL ID Act allows states to issue temporary (i.e., limited-term), REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards to applicants who provide valid, documentary evidence that they have “approved deferred action status.” [Sec. 202(c)(2)(B)(viii)] Under the REAL ID regulation, applicants with approved deferred action who hold valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Social Security Numbers (SSNs) may qualify to receive temporary REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) Program standardized and expedited the process for obtaining these supporting identification documents for individuals with Deferred Action seeking REAL IDs. Individuals with approved Deferred Action, valid EADs and valid SSNs may continue to hold temporary (limited-term) REAL IDs until their expiration. In any case, REAL ID compliant states may continue to issue noncompliant licenses and IDs to individuals with or without lawful status, including deferred action, as defined under the REAL ID Act.

Q. Can a person granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or who has a pending application for TPS get a REAL ID-compliant license/ID? How long will it be valid?

Yes, a TPS beneficiary or individual with a pending TPS application can obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain designated countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The validity period of the license or ID card generally depends upon the length of the TPS period. When DHS initially designates TPS status for a country, it can do so for a minimum of 6 months but no more than 18 months. TPS extensions provided after the initial designation are for a period of 6, 12, or 18 months. Designations and extensions are provided through a Federal Register Notice. A TPS beneficiary’s status is tied to a country designated for TPS. Pursuant to Section 202(c)(2)(C)(ii) of the Real ID Act of 2005, a temporary driver's license or temporary identification card issued to individuals who have a pending or approved application for TPS “shall be valid only during the period of time of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States or, if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, a period of one year.”

See the USCIS TPS website for countries currently designated for TPS and their designation periods .

Issuance of REAL ID Compliant Documents to Citizens of the Freely Associated States

On December 17, 2018, President Trump signed the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, Public Law 115-323. This Act amends the REAL ID Act of 2005 to authorize states to issue full-term REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (collectively known as the Freely Associated States, or FAS) who have been admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants pursuant to a Compact of Free Association and who meet the identification requirements of the REAL ID Act.

Q: What does the legislation do? Citizens of these countries are nonimmigrants and have only been issued temporary/limited term licenses in the past.

The REAL ID Act Modification for 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 with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, one year. With this amendment, citizens of the Freely Associated States who present acceptable evidence of identity and lawful status under the REAL ID Act and its implementing regulations should now receive a full-term driver’s license or identification card, rather than a temporary one.

Q: What identity and lawful status documents will FAS citizens need to present in order to obtain a REAL ID compliant license?

DHS recently designated an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94, with a valid visa no longer required, documenting the applicant’s most recent admission to the United States under a Compact, as acceptable documents FAS citizens may present to establish identity in order to obtain a REAL ID license or identification card. FAS citizens also may present one of the other identity documents listed in the regulations, including an unexpired passport, with a valid, unexpired visa (if applicable), and approved I-94, an unexpired employment authorization document, or a previously issued REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card (in which case, a valid passport and I-94 is acceptable evidence of lawful status). In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: What if an applicant states he or she has been in the United States for a number of years and does not have a valid passport?

Freely Associated States citizens who entered the United States lawfully years ago may have passports that have expired. In order to be issued a REAL ID-compliant document, they will need to renew their passport or present another acceptable identity document, such as an unexpired EAD.

Q: What will the expiration date be for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card issued to citizens of the Freely Associated States?

The appropriate validity period of the driver’s license or identification card will be consistent with the state’s regular expiration period for full-term REAL ID-compliant documents and carry the same compliant markings without any additional language.

Q: Will other classes of nonimmigrants be eligible to present a valid passport and I-94 for proof of identity and lawful status and be issued a REAL ID-compliant document?

The designation of the unexpired passport with an approved I-94 as an acceptable identity document is only available to Freely Associated States citizens admitted under the Compacts. This designation does not change the requirement for other classes of nonimmigrants to present a valid unexpired passport, valid unexpired visa, and I-94; or an EAD as evidence of identity and lawful status. In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: Are other categories of non-U.S. citizens that are only eligible to receive a temporary (limited term) REAL ID-compliant document eligible for a regular full term REAL ID-compliant document?

The REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act only applies to citizens of the Freely Associated States and enables them to receive full-term REAL ID licenses. Other categories of non-U.S. citizens in a “temporary lawful status” as defined in the REAL ID regulations remain eligible for temporary (limited term) REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card with a validity period no longer than the period of authorized stay in the United States, or if there is no definite end to the period of authorized stay, one year. These categories of individuals in a “temporary lawful status” as defined in the REAL ID regulations include a person who is a nonimmigrant; has a pending application for asylum; has a pending or approved application for temporary protected status; has approved deferred action; or has a pending application for lawful permanent resident or conditional permanent resident status.

Q. Does the REAL ID Act require an applicant who wears a head covering for religious reasons to alter or remove the head covering so that the driver’s license or identification card photograph shows their hair or ears?

No. The REAL ID regulatory standards for the digital photograph recognize that some individuals may wear head coverings for religious or other reasons. However, such coverings should not obscure an applicant’s facial features or generate a shadow. For purposes of the photograph, the face should be visible from the hairline to the chin and forward of the ears, and be free of shadows. The REAL ID regulation does not require the exposure of the hair line or the ears.

State Compliance

Q. can jurisdictions meeting the standards of real id continue to issue non-compliant real id driver’s licenses and identification cards.

Yes. REAL ID allows jurisdictions to issue identification cards and driver’s licenses that are not in compliance with the requirements of the Act. Those licenses and identification cards, however, must clearly state on their face and in the machine readable zone that the card is not acceptable for official purposes.

Q. If my state issues an Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, is that sufficient for my state to be REAL ID compliant?

State Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) are acceptable for official federal purposes (i.e., boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing a federal facility, or entering a nuclear power plant). However the existence of an EDL is not sufficient to consider the state to be in overall compliance for purpose of determining whether a federal agency may accept a state’s regular driver’s license for official purposes. For example, a federal agency could accept an EDL issued from a state but not be able to accept a standard driver’s license from that same state.

Q. Why is DHS recertifying states already determined to be compliant?

DHS makes determinations that a state is meeting the minimum requirements of the REAL ID Act based upon certifications submitted by the state to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The REAL ID regulation prescribes how these certifications are to be made. In particular, the REAL ID regulation requires that states recertify their compliance with the Act every three years, on a rolling basis, as determined by DHS.

State Implementation

Q. can states accept electronically submitted copies of source documents from applicants.

On November 7, 2019, DHS issued a request for information (RFI), published in the Federal Register, to receive input on technologies that could assist states and their residents in the digital submission, receipt, and authentication of documents and information applicants must provide when applying for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. DHS received 69 responsive comments and completed its preliminary review of the responsive proposals. Based on this review, DHS has identified one viable option that can be immediately implemented by the states, territories, and District of Columbia, hereafter “States,” consistent with existing authorities.

On February 19, 2020, DHS informed the States that effective immediately, they are permitted to implement the acceptance of electronically submitted copies of source documents with certain restrictions. Specifically, the States may now add the pre-submission of identity and lawful status source documents, through a secure electronic process, prior to an applicant’s in-person DMV visit, and physical presentation of those same documents for authentication and verification by DMV personnel.

States had requested this ability during the RFI process stating that electronic pre-submission helps streamline the application process by: 1) ensuring that an applicant has the correct information and, 2) allowing a state to electronically retain that information prior to the applicant’s in-person visit. Retaining the information in advance eliminates time-consuming activities associated with the physical scanning and retention of source documents that typically occurs during the applicant’s DMV visit. States informed DHS that this can have a direct impact on reducing overall applicant wait times and improving customer satisfaction. DHS guidance to the States recommend that they consider implementing this option.

DHS continues to evaluate the other proposals for action and is working with the Office of Management and Budget and Congress, as necessary.

Q. At what point in the application process should states capture the applicant's image?

States should capture the applicant's image at the beginning of the licensing process when the applicant submits a completed application to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) representative for processing. If at any time during the application process fraud is suspected, the DMV should make every attempt to capture the applicant's image whether or not a completed application is submitted for processing.

Q. Does an applicant have to provide documentation of all previous names if the name on the lawful status document is different from the current legal name that will be displayed on the new license or identification card?

The applicant should demonstrate name traceability, i.e., a connection between the name presented on the source document and the name requested to be on the issued document. States may choose the kinds of documentation individuals should present as evidence of this traceability. Individuals do not have to provide a complete listing of all the names that they may have previously used.

Q. What classifications of noncitizens are eligible for full-term compliant driver's licenses?

Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, noncitizens with conditional permanent resident status, noncitizens with an approved application for asylum, and noncitizens who have entered the United States as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card.

Q. Can a "Temporary" or "Limited Term" license be renewed remotely?

No. Temporary or limited-term licenses and identification cards need to be renewed in person and upon presentation and verification of valid documentary evidence that the temporary lawful status is still in effect or that the individual has lawful status in the United States.

Q. How should a "Temporary" or "Limited Term" license be marked?

Temporary and limited term cards need to clearly indicate both on its face and in the machine readable zone that they are temporary and include the expiration date.

Q. What is the purpose of an exceptions process?

DHS recognizes that each jurisdiction is unique and needs flexibility to tailor an exceptions process to meet its individual needs and circumstances. An exceptions process helps states address unique situations where individuals, for reasons beyond their control, are unable to present one or more of the identity documents listed in the regulations. For example, following a natural disaster, for reasons beyond a person's control, documents necessary to establish identity and lawful status may no longer be readily available or obtainable. In such cases, states may need to rely on alternate documents to establish their identity or U.S. citizenship.

Q. Should states inform DHS when they change their exception process?

DHS understands that circumstances may require the development or modifications to a state's exceptions process following certification. In such cases, a state only needs to report to DHS its new or modified process when DHS conducts a periodic compliance recertification process.

Q. Should states have an independent laboratory assess the physical security features of their driver's licenses or identification cards?

States should employ multiple levels of security features for the detection of false cards, and submit a report to DHS that indicates the ability of the card design to resist compromise and document fraud. However, states are also welcome to use an independent laboratory to assess the documents or prepare a report.

Q. How should states mark compliant and non-compliant licenses so that screeners can easily distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards?

While DHS recommends that states adopt the general design marking (aka "gold star"), per the REAL ID Security Plan Guidance Handbook, states may submit for DHS review and approval alternative methods of marking documents to clearly differentiate a compliant card from a non-compliant card. Those methods could include differentiations in color, lettering, and/or format.

Q. Upon renewal do applicants need to re-submit any documents that were required at the time of the initial application?

Except for holders of temporary or limited term licenses or identification cards, applicants renewing their licenses or identification cards do not need to re-submit identity source documents unless there has been a material change in any personally identifiable information (PII) since prior issuance.

Q. What would be considered a material change in Personally Identifiable Information (PII)?

Material change includes any change to an individual's PII, which is defined in the regulations to include information to demonstrate identity, date of birth, or social security number, as well as information that appears in databases or in the machine readable technology of the license or identification card. Notwithstanding the definition of PII, material change does not include a change of address of principal residence.

Q. May states issue a duplicate REAL ID remotely?

Yes. States may use remote procedures to re-issue a duplicate card – a card that bears the same information and expiration date as the original card – as long as there has been no material change to the card-holder's PII since prior issuance and the document bears the same expiration date as the original document. States may choose to re-verify an applicant's SSN and lawful status when issuing a duplicate driver's license or identification card.

Q. If a state has already copied an individual's source documents does the individual need to re-submit those same documents when applying for a REAL ID?

DHS understands that some states may currently require presentation, verification, and retention of identity source documents, social security information, and proof of address in a manner that meets the minimum regulatory standards. This also includes meeting the minimum standards for employee background checks, fraudulent document recognition training, and information security and storage requirements. States already meeting these standards do not need to have applicants resubmit identity source documents upon initial application for a compliant document.

Q. Are Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) and Enhanced Identification Cards (EID) acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial aircraft?

Yes. State EDLs designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under WHTI are acceptable for official federal purposes such as boarding a commercial aircraft or entering a federal facility.

REAL ID Modernization Act

The REAL ID Modernization Act, passed by Congress as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 includes a provision that removes a requirement for a state to require an individual to provide documentation of their social security number when applying for a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. Title X, Div. U, Pub. L. No. 116-260 (Dec. 27, 2020). This provision, contained at subsection 1001(c) of the REAL ID Modernization Act, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other provision of law (including regulations), beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, a State does not need to require an applicant for a driver’s license or identification card to provide separate documentation of the applicant’s Social Security account number in order to comply with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005.” This provision became effective on December 27, 2020. Although states are no longer required to collect a social security document from a REAL ID applicant they still must collect and retain the number as part of the application process and verify that information with the Social Security Administration as currently required by the REAL ID regulations. Not all states have applied this, so please check with your state driver's licensing agency to find the most up to date information.

Q: Does an applicant still need to provide their SSN when applying for a REAL ID?

 The REAL ID Modernization Act includes a provision that removes the requirement for states to require an individual to provide documentation of their SSN when applying for a REAL ID driver's license or identification card.  See REAL ID Modernization Act. 

While the REAL ID Modernization Act no longer requires an applicant to present documentary evidence of their SSN some states may continue to require applicants to present documentation containing their SSN.  DHS recommends applicants check with their state's DMV for information on their requirements.

Q: Do applicants still need to bring in their social security card when applying for a REAL ID?

States may choose to require applicants to present documentation containing their social security number but are not required to do so.

Q: If a state no longer requires a physical document containing the SSN how would someone provide that information to the DMV?

States that choose to no longer require a social security document may collect the number as part of the application process (e.g., states may collect it on the application form).

Q: If a state continues to require a document, are they limited to the documents described in section 37.11(e) of the regulation?

DHS has not added any new social security documents to the regulation so an applicant would still need to provide one of the listed documents (i.e., a social security account number card, a W-2 form, an SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA form, or a pay stub with the applicant’s name and social security number).

Q. Does a state need to verify an applicant’s social security number even if it no longer requires a social security card or other document?

Yes. The verification requirements have not changed. States must continue to verify social security numbers with the Social Security Administration as required by 6 CFR 37.13(b)(2) of the REAL ID regulations.

Eligibility of Afghanistan nationals paroled into the United States for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards

The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, enacted into law on September 30, 2021, includes a provision making certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Pub. L. 117-43, Div. C, Title V, § 2502 (Sept. 30, 2021).

Q: What does the legislation do and to whom does it apply?

The legislation makes certain citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States eligible for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. It applies to citizens and nationals of Afghanistan paroled into the United States between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2022, and certain immediate family members paroled into the United States after September 30, 2022 (covered parolees).

Q: What does it mean to be paroled into the United States?

Parole is a discretionary decision that permits a noncitizen to be physically present in the United States. It is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole falls under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A)).

Q: Are parolees who are not covered by this legislation eligible for a REAL ID?

No. Parole is not one of the lawful status categories covered by the REAL ID Act.

Q: What form of identity and lawful status documents are acceptable for a covered parolee to present when applying for a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card?

Covered parolees must still meet all the identity and lawful status documentation and information requirements of the REAL ID regulation. Covered parolees are eligible to apply for, and normally are issued a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), soon after their parole into the United States. As the Form I-766 is issued to numerous categories of noncitizens, the DMV will need to verify that an applicant is a covered parolee through the SAVE system.

Q: Are covered parolees required to provide a Social Security Number to be issued a REAL ID?

Yes. Covered parolees are eligible for a Social Security Number, which they must provide when applying for a REAL ID, as required by the REAL ID regulations.

Q: Are covered parolees required to provide proof of principal residence address?

Yes. Covered parolees must provide proof of address in accordance with the requirements of the REAL ID regulations.

Q: What type of a REAL ID are covered parolees eligible for?

Covered parolees are eligible for a temporary/limited term REAL ID. The expiration date of the temporary/limited term REAL ID is to be based on the expiration date of the parole term as determined by DHS.

Q: Will DMVs be able to use SAVE to verify the immigration documentation and information provided by Afghan parolees?

Yes. Please see the following Q&A for more information.

Q: How can a DMV distinguish covered parolees from other parolees who may not be eligible for a REAL ID license or identification card?

The SAVE response will indicate Parolee and the date that the applicant was paroled into the United States. In addition, the SAVE response will generally include an “OAR” (Operation Allies Refuge) class of admission (COA) if the individual is an Afghan parolee. For limited situations in which an Afghan parolee has another parole COA such as “PAR” or “DT”, the procedures for receiving Afghanistan as the Country of Citizenship through initial verification depend upon whether the agency is using the web services access (system-to-system) or web browser access method:

• Web Services – SAVE may provide Afghanistan in the Country of Citizenship field (NonCitCountryCitCd) as part of the initial verification response.
• Web Browser – SAVE may provide Afghanistan in a new Country of Citizenship field as part of the initial verification response screen.

The procedure for obtaining Afghanistan as the Country of Citizenship through additional verification is the same for both access methods. Specifically, user agencies should include a “Request verification of Afghan citizenship” note in the comments field for the additional verification request. SAVE will then respond with “Citizen of Afghanistan” in the DHS Comments to Agency field.

Q: What if an individual’s status changes?

If a parolee adjusts status, they will have to reapply. Any individual who is issued a temporary/limited term REAL ID can reapply for a regular full term REAL ID at any time if their status changes.

Q: What qualifies as a valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) for purposes of establishing identity and lawful status under the REAL ID regulations?

In addition to the plastic I-551 Permanent Resident Card, the following documents qualify as a valid, unexpired Form I-551:

• A foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp, or with a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with a DHS admission stamp, within the stated validity period, which is normally one year from the date of the DHS stamp;
• A DHS Form I-94 or Form I-94A with a photograph and an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp; or
• A U.S. Department of State Form DS-232, Unrecognized Passport or Waiver Cases, with a temporary I-551 printed notation on a machine-readable immigrant visa (MRIV) with a DHS admission stamp and validity period, which is normally one year from the date of the DHS stamp.

In all cases, the documentation presented for proof of identity and lawful status must be verified through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).

Q: Can a state accept a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), whose validity has been extended by DHS?

Yes.  States should accept DHS-issued EADs that have had the validity period automatically extended by DHS because they are unexpired.  These include EADs that bear a “Card Expires” date that has passed, or one that has a future expiration date on its face.  To determine whether an EAD validity period is extended, states should follow the scenario-based guidance below and then use SAVE to verify the extended EAD validity period.

Documentation

• The EAD bears a category listed in Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension , then follow the guidance on that webpage and verify it by using SAVE.
• The EAD bears a category not listed in Automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extension , then the EAD may still be automatically extended.  As with all EAD extensions, verify it by using SAVE .
• In this situation, visit the country-specific TPS webpage available through the applicable country link on left side of the Temporary Protected Status webpage.
• Use the information on the country-specific TPS webpage to determine whether there is a blanket automatic extension of expiring EADs for TPS beneficiaries of that country.

SAVE Verification

Verify all EAD extensions using SAVE.  SAVE will generally include any status and/or EAD extension as part of its initial verification response.  In situations where SAVE does not, please submit an additional verification request.  If a previous SAVE case verified an applicant’s status and/or employment authorization, please submit a new verification request to determine whether there has been an extension or change.

Q: Can a state accept a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, whose validity has been extended by DHS?

Yes.  States should accept DHS-issued Form I-551, Permanent Resident Cards that have had the validity period automatically extended by DHS because they are unexpired. These include a Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (PRC, commonly known as a Green Card), bearing a “Card Expires” date that has passed, or one that has a future expiration date on its face, but is presented with a Form I-797 Notice of Action that contains language extending the validity period of the Green Card. Examples include a:

• Receipt notice for Form, I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (In this situation, follow the guidance on the webpage USCIS Extends Green Card Validity Extension to 24 Months for Green Card Renewals .)
• Receipt notice for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence
• Receipt notice for Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status
• Receipt notice for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

As with all situations where an applicant presents a Green Card, verify their Lawful Permanent Resident status by using SAVE .

Q: Do Afghans with re-parole and extension of parole remain eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses?

Yes.  Covered parolees who receive re-parole (a new period of parole with new start and end dates) or extension of initial parole (original start date and new end date) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remain eligible for REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

Documentation:

• Covered parolees with re-parole or an extension of their initial parole may present a Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document, (EAD) with category C11 and a Form I-797C, Notice of Action, extending their EAD validity. 
• DMVs should accept all EADs that have a validity period extended by DHS because they are unexpired.  Unexpired EADs include those that bear a “Card Expires” date that has passed, in combination with a Form I-797C extending the EAD validity period, and an EAD that has a future expiration date on its face. 
• Apart from their parole documentation, Afghan parolees may also present valid immigration documents to DMVs that demonstrate lawful status under the REAL ID Act because they may have other pending applications or approved statuses or categories. 
• For more information on immigration documents, including sample images, see the SAVE Commonly Used Immigration Documents page.

Verification:

• Many covered parolees will also have automatically extended EADs that SAVE can verify.
• Covered parolees may have more than one valid immigration status or category, and many are independent categories of lawful status under the REAL ID Act such as pending asylum and Temporary Protected Status (both pending and approved).
• A first step SAVE verification is automated.  If an automated verification can be completed, SAVE provides a response in seconds, which will include one class of admission (COA) and employment authorization information, if any. 
• If the first step SAVE response is not sufficient for a DMV to make an eligibility determination, the DMV should institute Additional Verification.
• Parole period,
• Additional immigration statuses and categories, and
• Pending immigration applications.

Additional Verification is a manual process and response times vary.  Agencies are encouraged to submit a copy of the parolee’s immigration document(s) when instituting Additional Verification.

For more information on Afghan re-parole and parole extensions, see the June 8, 2023, DHS announcement  that certain Afghan nationals may maintain parole and employment authorization for up to two additional years and the USCIS webpage “Re-Parole Process for Certain Afghans.”

• REAL ID Act of 2005

Deadline: May 7, 2025

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The Real ID Deadline Is Approaching—Here’s How to Be Prepared

In less than one year, a major change is coming to the airport security process. Starting in the spring of 2025, all US fliers will need a new type of identification in order to make it past the TSA checkpoint and board their flights.

The new federal identification rules, called Real ID, are set to go into effect on May 7, 2025. After that date, travelers will only be able to use certain enhanced forms of identification at airport security. The new policies will apply to all flights, including domestic ones . The biggest change for fliers will be that a driver’s license will no longer be valid ID to present to TSA. Instead, all airline passengers in the US will need to show a Real-ID compliant driver’s license—which requires a few extra steps to get than a standard license—or another approved ID, like a passport or Global Entry card.

Although the rollout of Real ID has been postponed many times (it was originally supposed to be enforced way back in 2008), the May 2025 date seems to be more firmly set. So if you don’t have a Real ID-compliant form of identification, now is definitely the time to get one.

Fortunately, it’s possible to get a Real ID driver’s license at most local DMVs throughout the 50 states and the five US territories. The only catch is that it does require you to present additional paperwork and pay a little more than a standard license renewal.

Below is a complete guide to the new Real ID rules, including how to obtain a compliant driver’s license, what other forms of identification will be accepted, and what will happen if you show up at the airport unprepared.

What is the new Real ID requirement?

The regulation is part of a law passed by Congress in 2005, which set new federal security standards for driver’s licenses and other forms of identification used to board planes in the US. The new standards apply to all states and territories. After the rules go into effect, driver’s licenses and other IDs that don’t meet the new requirements will not be accepted by TSA for passing through airport security checkpoints.

Even if you have a TSA PreCheck or a Clear membership , you will need a Real ID-compliant form of identification to make it past airport security. A Global Entry card is considered Real ID–compliant and will be accepted under the new rules. Children under 18 get some leeway, as TSA does not require them to present identification when traveling with a companion within the US. As always, on an international trip, passports and other documents may be required by the airline or other agencies.

When is the Real ID deadline?

The new rules will go into effect on May 7, 2025. That's the date that all US residents need to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or other approved identification in hand to make it past airport security.

How do I get a Real ID driver's license?

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five US territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands) are now all issuing driver's licenses that are compliant with the new rules. You simply need to visit your DMV in person to renew or replace your old license with a Real ID version.

It's important to note that, confusingly, states that are Real ID compliant are also still allowed to issue licenses that are not considered Real IDs, so be sure to clarify with your DMV that you are requesting a Real ID.

Applying for a Real ID usually requires more documentation to prove your identity—and sometimes costs more—than obtaining a regular driver's license. Your state's DMV website should have a list of the required paperwork. Typically, the required documents include a birth certificate or passport, social security card, multiple proofs of residence in your state (like a utility bill or bank statement), and proof of US citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or temporary lawful status.

Depending on whether you already have a license or other factors like citizenship status, additional documents may be required or you may be eligible to substitute other documents for ones you may be missing (for instance, you may be able to show a W-2 form with your full social security number in lieu of a SSN card). Be sure to read the list of required documents carefully. The Department of Homeland Security has an interactive map tool on its site that navigates users to each state's individual requirements.

What other forms of identification work to board a plane under the new rules?

Valid passports or passport cards will still work to get you through security for domestic flights, and passengers will still need them to board international flights . Global Entry membership cards are also valid for domestic flights under the new regulations, as are various forms of military ID, tribal-issued ID, and other government-issued IDs. You can see a full list of accepted documents on the TSA’s website.

How do I know if my current driver’s license is acceptable under Real ID rules?

Real ID driver’s licenses are marked with a star in the top corner. (It’s worth noting one confusing state policy: Ohio's old licenses have a gold star, while its Real IDs have a black star.) Enhanced driver’s licenses—which are slightly different, but are issued by some states in addition to Real IDs and are also acceptable under the new rules—have a flag in the corner.

What about airports that accept mobile driver's licenses?

Earlier in 2022, TSA began allowing fliers with PreCheck to use a mobile driver's license uploaded to their iPhone at certain airports. However, the agency says that any passenger using a mobile driver's license still needs to carry a physical ID with them as a backup. So even TSA PreCheck passengers opting to use their iPhone to get through security will still need to have a Real ID-compliant form of identification on them.

What if my airport uses TSA’s new facial recognition technology?

Travelers flying out of the growing number of airports with facial scanners at the TSA checkpoint will still be required to present a Real-ID compliant form of identification. TSA’s facial recognition system, also called CAT-2, requires passengers to scan both their IDs and their faces, and the algorithm matches the biometric scan to the photo on the ID.

Does my child need a Real ID to fly?

According to the TSA, children under 18 are not required to show identification at the security checkpoint when flying with a companion. (The companion, however, needs a valid form of ID.) The agency does encourage travelers to double check their airline's identification rules for minors before arriving at the airport.

What happens if I show up at the airport without an acceptable ID under the new rules?

TSA says you will not be let through security, and you will not be able to fly. In rare occasions in the past, if a flier forgot their ID for a domestic trip, TSA might have worked with them to verify their identity in a different way—like by asking them certain questions about their personal information. But the agency says that after Real ID is implemented, those days will be over. "TSA has no plans to provide an alternate verification process to confirm a traveler’s identity," says TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. "Counting on TSA to provide that option to travelers who do not have a Real ID-compliant driver license or identification card is not a good strategy."

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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Table of Contents

What is a REAL ID?

Do i need real id to fly in 2024, what is the real id act, how will real id affect your travels.

The deadline to get a REAL ID has been extended several times, and for many reasons. The initial deadline was towards the tail end of 2020, but the global pandemic derailed people from taking trips to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a fresh identification card.

At the end of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it had extended the REAL ID full enforcement date by another 24 months. The deadline is now May 7, 2025.

The DHS cited "the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card" as the primary reason for the delay.

But once May 2025 rolls around (and assuming the deadline doesn't get extended again), U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. That means you'll eventually need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (or another government-issued REAL ID) to be able to fly domestically, similar to how you need a passport to fly internationally.

While the should come as good news to procrastinators — considering the possible back up with passport applications (which may take as long as six months for you to receive from the time you apply) — it's still a wise move to get that REAL ID sooner rather than later.

REAL ID is an enhanced driver's license that meets newly issued requirements that ensure secure production and issuance of licenses and IDs. The goal is to prevent or severely curb copying or altering.

No, you do not need a REAL ID to fly in 2024. You have until early May 2025 to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

The REAL ID Act is a federal law that was passed in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks. The goal was to set standards for sources of identification used to enter federal facilities and fly on commercial aircraft, which are regulated by the federal government.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then announced plans to phase in more secure driver's licenses that are compliant with REAL ID guidelines. These require applicants to provide documents that show the following as proof of identity:

Legal name.

Date of birth.

Social Security number.

Primary address (two items).

Citizenship status.

It has taken several years to implement the REAL ID Act because driver’s licenses are issued by states' departments of motor vehicles, so each state had to comply with the requirements outlined in the act before issuing new IDs to residents.

There are a few things contributing to the confusion surrounding REAL ID. Some states have started issuing Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL), and they work the same as REAL ID. Those states include New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont and Washington.

To figure out whether your license is compliant, look for a black or gold star in the upper right-hand corner, like this:

Once the new policy goes into effect, domestic airline passengers who are older than 18 will need to have a REAL ID or other acceptable identification (this could be a passport) to get past TSA security. There are a few other forms of ID beyond a REAL ID, passport or EDL that can be used to board a domestic flight, including:

DHS trusted traveler ID.

Passport card.

Border crossing card.

Permanent resident card.

Check the Transportation Security Administration rules to see if you have an acceptable alternate form of ID. But in other words, if you're procrastinating on getting your REAL ID but have a flight scheduled after May 7, 2025 (and you don't anticipate updating your ID in the meantime), you could present something like a passport, and be able to fly.

And with that in mind, go ahead and apply for that REAL ID anyway. You likely don't want to carry your valuable passport on a domestic trip, as it's annoying to replace should you lose it. Get that REAL ID now, and leave your passport at home.

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What You Need to Know About Real ID and Travel

Travelers now have until 2025 to get the upgraded driver’s licenses for security screening.

Christina Ianzito,

Jacquelyne Froeber,

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  will begin enforcing the Real ID law on May 7, 2025. The new deadline follows a previous deadline of May 3, 2023, which was deemed unworkable in part due to the pandemic and its continued disruption of states’ abilities to issue the Real ID–compliant driver’s licenses. The DHS issued a statement on Dec. 5 saying the new deadline will give state licensing agencies time to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. The extension also gives the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) time to “implement innovations” to make the process as smooth as possible. 

If this sounds familiar, the enforcement date, first set for 2008, has been delayed multiple times. 

Conceived as part of 2005 legislation in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Real ID law requires people to show security-enhanced IDs to pass through airport security checkpoints or to enter certain federal facilities, such as military bases, once the regulations begin to be enforced. Travelers will also be able to use passports or certain other federal documents as an alternative to a Real ID.

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Sometimes called the Star Card, because most states are marking their Real ID cards with a gold or black star in the top right corner, it must include an encoded “machine readable zone,” like a passport’s, with a person’s scannable information. Many state driver’s licenses already have this feature. The key thing that makes the card special is that the federal government requires you to provide certain identifying documentation to obtain one from your state.

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The DHS has spent years on its Real ID public information campaign, but many people remain confused over how to get the cards and what they are.

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A few basics about Real ID:

• To get a Real ID, you need to present documents to your DMV proving your age and identity, Social Security number and address. That generally means bringing a birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax form such as a W-2, and two proofs of address. If you’ve changed your name through marriage, you’ll need a marriage certificate.
• Although the Real ID is also a driver’s license, the old-style driver’s license is still lawful for driving and still available as an option in many states. Some, such as Arizona and Kentucky, are trying to make this clear by calling the Real ID a Travel ID. New Jersey continues to issue standard state licenses, which are marked with the words “Not for ‘REAL ID’ purposes.”
• After May 7, 2025, a regular driver’s license won’t be sufficient to get a passenger through security and onto a plane. The Real ID technically is not mandatory because you can instead use other approved documents, including a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID (offered in some states) or an ID from the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Program, such as a  Global Entry card .
• For international travel, you’ll still need a passport.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published Aug. 23, 2019. It was updated to reflect the new Real ID deadline.

​Christina Ianzito covers scams and fraud, and is the books editor for aarp.org and AARP The Magazine . Also a longtime travel writer and editor, she received a 2020 Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.​

Jacquelyne Froeber is an award-winning journalist based in Las Vegas, Nevada. She writes and edits travel content for AARP.org.

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REAL ID: New Deadline Announced for Air Travel ID Requirements

Update: real id deadline postponed to 2023.

*Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline (again.) Now, the new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2023. (More details) .

Now, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary

As our country continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the Real ID full enforcement deadline will give states needed time to reopen their driver’s licensing operations and ensure their residents can obtain a Real ID-compliant license or identification card. Alejandro N. Mayorkas

Beginning * October 1, 2023 , every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another  acceptable form of ID  to fly within the United States.

A little more than a year away, the TSA is changing its identification requirements. Here’s exactly what this means for you, and how TSA “REAL ID” protocol affects future air travel. Effective on Oct. 1, 2020 ( Extended to October 1, 2023 ) travelers will not be allowed to board a flight without a REAL ID , or some kind of alternative identification such as a passport.

If you have been inside an airport recently, you may have seen signage at TSA checkpoints that announce there are going to be changes to what constitutes an acceptable ID for air travel.

In fact, the TSA has begun an awareness program to educate flyers. At many TSA checkpoints (where they verify your documents) if your ID is not REAL ID Compliant, you may hear the agent say “ Beginning October 2021 you will not be allowed to fly with your current ID. ”

Well, soon, the TSA Real ID requirements will mean you must have compliant identification cards for domestic air travel.

First, What Is TSA Compliant REAL ID?

REAL ID is the result of congressional legislation — one of those laws enacted after 9/11. The government passed the REAL ID Act in 2005.

The Act established specific minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. REAL ID prohibits federal agencies from accepting those licenses and IDs from states that are not in compliance — more on that later. This legislation meant to eliminate potential airline terrorism by increasing the security requirements for documents that would give passengers access to airplanes.

What’s The Difference Between the Old & New TSA Compliant REAL IDs?

The new identification cards are being built with some newer, cutting-edge technology that will make them much harder to forge. Additionally, obtaining a state ID will require supplementary supporting documents that not all the states currently collect.

Why Are Many People Just Hearing About REAL ID Requirements Now?

It’s been a difficult and often contentious battle getting each of the fifty states into compliance with the new identification requirements. There have been delays and extensions since first enacted into law. In fact, it’s been nearly 15 years since the legislation passed and finally we are at a point where implementation in America’s airports is going to become a reality. All states must be in compliance by October 1, 2023. That’s why it’s important now to know what is going on.

How Can I Tell If My ID and My State Driver’s License Are TSA REAL ID Compliant?

Not All ID’s Are ‘REAL ID’ Compliant

Nearly all the states with issued compliant ID’s have a black or gold star on the front of the card — in the upper right hand corner with a few exceptions.

To complicate matters a bit, Hawaii, Tennessee and Utah are REAL ID compliant, but do not have the star identifier. You can check with your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you’re not certain. State IDs not in compliance say “Not for Federal Identification” or “Federal Limits Apply.” You can check out the current list of compliant states on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.

If My State Is On That Compliant List, Then Is My ID Compliant?

Not necessarily. You may have acquired your license before it was compliant. In that case, you need to get a new and compliant ID. If your ID doesn’t have the gold or black star in the upper right corner (and it’s not from Hawaii, Tennessee or Utah,) you should visit your DMV and check to make sure your ID is compliant, or get a new ID.

If I Have TSA PreCheck Do I Need a REAL ID?

Yes, although TSA PreCheck is a great benefit to have, it will not prevent you from having to present a compliant ID to pass through a TSA security checkpoint and board a flight.

With the popularity of credit cards that include PreCheck, membership has increased overall.

If you want to get free TSA PreCheck, these credit cards include Global Entry and TSA PreCheck reimbursement, among other benefits:

• The Platinum Card from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Capital One Venture Rewards Card

What Happens If I Ignore This and Try to Fly With a Non-Compliant ID?

You won’t fly.  Even if you have another state government issued ID, the TSA has made it quite clear that anyone who fails to present a REAL ID compliant ID will not be allowed to pass through a TSA checkpoint and board an airplane after October 1, 2023. In that case, you’ll need a passport or passport card to fly domestically.

It is up to you, the traveler, to know if your ID is compliant and to make efforts to ensure you have an acceptable ID for travel. Take steps now. You still have several months before the October 1, 2023 deadline to get the proper ID from your DMV.

Will There Be Any More Extensions?

Hey, we are talking about the US government, so anything’s possible. There have been a lot of delays and extensions as I mentioned.

But don’t count on any more as we are down to the ‘eleventh hour’ on full implementation of the REAL ID requirements. There are some real issues with getting some states to issue the REAL ID cards. For example, Alaska and California were granted an extension for the dates they must begin issuing the cards, but that does not change the TSA’s October 1, 2021 deadline for travel. If your state has been granted such an extension, you should check back often on when exactly they will issue the new ID’s.

Here is the latest extension information, provided by Department of Homeland Security

* indicates state is issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs

What Should You Do Right Now?

If you do not have REAL ID compliant license, you should first check to see if your state is already compliant.

Here’s a graphic to help you see where your state might fall in the requirements, provided by the TSA (but this is subject to change)

Timeline of REAL ID TSA Air Travel Requirements

If your state is compliant, you should check to see if your ID is compliant. If not, make the effort to get yourself a new ID. You probably will have to produce a verified copy of your original birth certificate and proof of a valid Social Security number to meet your state’s identification requirements.

If your state is not compliant, then contact your DMV to find out when they expect to be compliant. You’ve got some time, but make a plan to get your compliant ID. Remember, the TSA will not be enforcing these new rules until October 1, 2023.

“Homeland Security established some guidelines for all 50 states to abide by,” Secretary of State Jesse White said in May. Here’s the TSA’s checklist to get a Real ID: https://realid.ilsos.gov/checklist.html .

In addition the Secretary of State’s website  has more information on the Real ID.

Start Early, Beat the Rush to Get Your TSA REAL ID

My suggestion is to start the process of getting a new ID early. Even if you don’t fly often, or don’t plan to fly in the foreseeable future, I still suggest you get a compliant ID. You never know if something might come up that required you to travel. If that happened, you wouldn’t want to be ‘grounded’ because you didn’t have proper identification.

States are making the efforts to be federally compliant and they understand that every resident will eventually need one. They are making the effort to get this done in time. But don’t delay; the rush is sure to be ugly as October 2023 approaches. I am imagining throngs of people descending upon their local DMV offices at the last moment once they realize they will be denied by the TSA if they don’t have a REAL ID compliant license (or ID card.)

Some Additional Questions Answered

Do i need a tsa compliant id to vote.

No. The REAL ID requirements neither affect voter access nor voter registration processes.

What About International Travel?

REAL ID has no effect on the requirements for international travel. Every passenger still is required to have a valid passport for international travel. You will still need your passport to leave the country.

I know there has been a lot of confusion and misinformation regarding the new TSA REAL ID air travel requirements. Please let me know in the comments section if you have any additional questions.

What About the Trusted Traveler Program, or Global Entry?

Technically, the Real ID technically is not mandatory because passengers may instead use other approved documents. This includes a passport, passport card, U.S. military ID, Enhanced ID (offered in some states) or an ID from the federal government’s Trusted Traveler Program, such as a Global Entry card.

The REAL ID Final Review

REAL ID’s will be required of all air passengers soon. October 2023 is the latest deadline set by the federal government. Beginning on October 1, 2023 , every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another  acceptable form of ID  to fly within the United States.

If you have more questions, please ask away in the comments below:

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Miles Jackson

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Washington state is a loser. They wanted to help illegal aliens so the DL is NOT compliant. However, they got around the law saying you can buy a more expensive “enhanced driver’s license”. Many states issue DL that are compliant but not Washington state.

Just get a passport. If you want less bulk for domestic flights, get a passport card. Works not only in US airports but all airports.

John, Great suggestion for travelers. The cost is $65 for adults (for the passport card alone.) A new US passport will run you $145 (renewal $110.) SO, if you were getting your passport for the first time ($145) and a passport card with it ($65) expect it to cost $210. Then pull out your passport card like a credit card from you wallet, billfold, purse or travel document carrier.

If you purchase a Compliant License could you then use the TSA Precheck line?

ZDENKO- No, sorry. One does not get TSA PreCheck without going through a separate process. But you’ll need a compliant ID to get through security either way.

My drivers license does not expire for another 4 years. It will cost $40 to get the enhanced one. Can I apply for a real ID for $10 and will that work to fly. I am on a fixed budget and cannot throw away money when not necessary.

Hi Gary C- Unfortunately no. You will be required to get a new driver’s license issued by your state (at whatever cost that is set by them.) The $10 is a surcharge added onto (in most jurisdictions) the standard cost for your driver’s license. You are forced to get a completely new identification (in this case, driver’s license) that complies with the REAL ID requirements.

Ohio does, in fact, offer a compliant license with white star encased in a black circle, next to a gold version of the state of Ohio. I got one in April of 2019.

Hi Mike M- Thanks for the comment. I’ve verified with the DHS website and updated the article to reflect that Ohio does have a REAL ID with a white star within a black circle, as you mentioned. Thanks for that!

Your link points to sgn archived DHS webpage.

Hi Debit – Thanks for that catch. Guess the government doesn’t maintain that list anymore. However, I have updated the post with the current map as well as new link provided by the Department of Homeland Security for the latest information on States’ compliance with the new REAL ID requirements. Thanks for reading!

How are they going to deal with people whose Real ID is lost/stolen at the destination? This could be particularly problematic if the destination (or the home state/territory) is not in the 48 contiguous states.

T- That’s a great question and one that has come a few times in my research. However, no one seems to have a definitive answer and it will probably vary greatly for each issuing State. Bottom line is it will definitely be a huge problem if someone doesn’t have a backup (i.e. passport) identification so they could board a returning flight. Thanks for your input!

I read recently that Global Entry is also acceptable. Can you verify this?

Hi Jeanie- There are a lot of misunderstandings and mis-facts about REAL ID. Those who do not plan to fly after Sept. 30, 2020, can continue to use their current state-issued driver’s license until it expires. So can air travelers who have a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, a DHS Global Entry card, a permanent resident card or a passport issued by a foreign government.

Question are TWIC cards, which provide a Known Traveler ID going to be acceptable?

Stephen- Yes, Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC®) are accepted under the REAL ID program!

Do you need to participate in the Trusted Traveler Program if you have a Real ID?

Carl- No, you do not need to participate in the Trusted Traveler Program if you have a Real ID. In fact, it also works the other way. If you have an ID in the Trusted Traveler Program (like Global Entry) you can use that ID as your REAL ID. Hopefully, that makes sense. Thanks for the question, which I know may help other readers.

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Acceptable identification for airline travel

In the US, every adult passenger are required to show some kind of identification card or document that the TSA would find acceptable. If you don't have this kind of documentation, you may either be prevented from going into the secure part of the airport terminal, or you may be delayed while security verifies your identification through other means.

• US passport
• US passport card
• Department of Homeland (DHS) Security "Trusted Traveler" cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• US Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border crossing card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
• Drivers License or other state photo identity card issued by a department of motor vehicles (or equivalent government agency)
• Native American tribal photo ID
• Airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• A foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Other uses for identification If you are on a domestic flight in the US, you may not need to use your ID to get a boarding pass or to get on the airplane. Your airline may require you to present a photo ID to board the airplane or at the check in counter, but some airlines don't have this requirement. In most cases, you just need to show a boarding pass to get on the airplane.

Acceptable ID for travel from the US There are two kinds of identification requirements for international travel from the US, identification for getting through TSA security, and identification for the airline. The TSA's ID requirement for entering the secure part of the airport terminal is the same for domestic or international passengers. Airlines require that you show a passport, visa, or some other kind of document to confirm that you are allowed to fly to your destination. Check with your airline to be sure.

Acceptable ID for domestic travel outside of the US Many countries have ID requirements for domestic flights that are similar to US requirements. You should check with your airline or with the appropriate authorities within that country to find out what IDs are acceptable for domestic flights. Depending on the country, you may also need additional documents in order to travel by air within that country.

Acceptable ID for international travel International travel (flying from one country to another) typically requires a passport. Depending on the country, you may also require a visa or other documentation in addition to a passport. You should check with both your airline and with the the appropriate authorities in the countries you wish to visit to find out what you may need.

Acceptable ID for children For domestic flights within the US, the TSA does not require children (anyone aged 17 or younger) to have any kind of identification to get past security, even for children traveling alone . If a child is traveling alone it may be a good idea to have the child carry some kind of ID, even if it is not a passport or state issued photo ID.

For international flights to or from the US, all passengers, including infants, must have a passport.

Unacceptable identification documents Many common ID cards are not acceptable to the TSA. This would include library cards, fishing licenses, school or university IDs, workplace IDs, or expired IDs that would otherwise be acceptable. Also, a weapons permit is not acceptable, even those that are acceptable forms of ID for voting purposes in some US states. Keep in mind that TSA may be able to use these documents, along with other procedures that they have, in order to confirm your identity and allow you go through security.

What if you don't have an acceptable ID? If you don't have an acceptable ID (lost, stolen, etc.), you should do two things, come early and bring whatever you have. The TSA and the airline can work together to verify your identity and get you through airport security .

View samples of acceptable documents

Do you also always need an ID? Not always. In the US, for domestic airline flights, TSA does not require IDs for travelers under the age of 18. As mentioned above, if you are 18 or older, and don't have an ID, the TSA has procedures that will allow you to fly on a domestic flight. However, when traveling on an international flight, a passport or equivalent

Enhanced drivers licences and the TSA State-issued enhanced drivers licenses provide proof of identity and US citizenship, as well as additional information. While the TSA will accept drivers licences from any US state, starting in January 2018, TSA will only consider an enhanced drivers licence as an acceptable form of ID. Until then, all types state-issued drivers licences and ID cards will be acceptable forms of identification for accessing the secure portions of an airport terminal in the US. If you are flying to or from the US, you will still need a passport and other required documentation to complete your journey.

Plan to fly next year? You'll finally need Real ID to do it and the deadline is coming

Have plans to get away next summer? Well, you won't be able to get off the ground unless your identification documents have the Real ID stamp of approval.

The Department of Homeland Security set an official deadline for Real IDs back in May, urging all travelers interested in domestic travel in 2025 and beyond to make sure that any state-issued identification cards, or driver's licenses have a Real ID seal.

The Real ID deadline might be eight months away, but it's not too early to head over to your local MVD or DMV to make sure you are set to fly free and clear across the country by May 7, 2025.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Any state issued identification document without the federal seal fails to adhere to the "minimum security standards" set by The Real ID Act of 2005, preventing you from accessing a federal facility or flying domestically.

The law was originally set to take effect in 2020 but was pushed back until May 2025 over "backlogged transactions" at Motor Vehicle Division offices nationwide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, USA TODAY  reported .

The mountains of paperwork, according to DHS, impacted agencies' ability to make any real progress on the Real ID rollout. But this time, the deadline is really real.

That means federal agencies, including Transportation Security Administration, will not be able to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not Real ID compliant, according to DHS.

Here's what to know.

When does Real ID go into effect?

Any traveler over the age of 18 that does not have another TSA-approved form of identification to fly domestically must have a Real ID compliant identification card or driver's license by May 7, 2025. If you already have another TSA-approved form of identification, then you probably don't need a Real ID.

Other TSA-approved alternatives include:

• State issued enhanced driver’s license
•  DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
•  HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
•  Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
•  Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Where can I get a Real ID?

You can obtain a Real ID driver's license or identification card from your local MVD or DMV. It takes about two weeks , or 15 business days to get your Real ID or Enhanced Driver’s License from your state's Motor Vehicle Department.

All Real IDs will have a stamp on the right-hand corner to show that it is federally compliant. The symbol stamped on your Real ID card will vary, depending on which state you obtain your new identification card from. 

Enhanced IDs, which are only issued in a couple of states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, DHS says.

What are the Real ID requirements?

You will have to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out what documentation you will need to provide to obtain a REAL ID, according to DHS .

But, at a minimum, you need to provide documentation with:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social security number
• Proof of principal residence
• Lawful status

Individual states, according to DHS, may impose additional requirements.

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Is Your ID Approved for Travel? These Are the Latest Rules

The Real ID Act requires that driver’s licenses meet standards set by the Department of Homeland Security by October 2020. Many states are already compliant and others have been given extensions.

By Shivani Vora

In the past several months, there has been plenty of conversation about the Real ID Act and how it will affect air travelers. Passed by Congress in 2005, the act is intended to prevent identity fraud, and starting on Oct. 1, 2020, all fliers who reside in the United States, even if they’re flying domestically, will need Real ID identification to pass through Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints at airports.

Who exactly is affected and what exactly is Real ID identification? Here, answers to questions about what the Real ID Act means for travelers and why having a passport now may be more important than ever.

What exactly is the Real ID Act ?

The act is intended to enhance national security by establishing minimum standards for the secure issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards, according to Steve Yonkers, the director of the Real ID program for the Department of Homeland Security.

“The act is meant to stop the production of fake IDs,” Mr. Yonkers said.

Why is the act being implemented?

Congress passed the act on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, which advised that the federal government set minimum security standards for how states issue identification and for how that identification is used. “The commission recognized that sources of identification are the last opportunity to ensure that people are who they say they are and to check whether they are terrorists,” Mr. Yonkers said.

When does it go into effect and for which states?

Currently, all 50 states are either compliant or have extensions, meaning none of these residents need alternative identification. There are 28 states that are now Real ID compliant, including Texas, Ohio, Florida, Nevada and Colorado, while 26 states and territories have been granted extensions until Oct. 10, 2018 by the department. Note that travelers from states with extensions will not likely need to have Real ID compliant identification by Oct. 10 — the date is only a deadline for the Department of Homeland Security to receive a state's request for a renewed Real ID extension, if needed. In past years, the agency has provided a grace period for approximately 90 days before enforcement would begin for a state not granted a renewed extension. The department will issue information about the next extension cycle later this year. For a complete list, visit dhs.gov/real-id .

“Every state is working on getting compliant with all Real ID requirements,” Mr. Yonkers said. “The states that aren’t yet compliant are the ones that are requesting extensions to give them additional time necessary to complete implementation of secure identification standards.”

How does a state work to get compliant?

According to Mr. Yonkers, the Department of Motor Vehicles employees in a compliant state have to undergo background checks. Employees also have to be able to verify an applicant’s identity and lawful status — they can do the latter by checking an applicant’s immigration status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Also, the licenses the D.M.V. produces in a compliant state must have anti-counterfeit technology built into them such as a hologram. “They [licenses] have to be very secure documents,” Mr. Yonkers said.

But what does the Real ID Act mean for air travelers?

Right now, nothing. On Jan. 22, however, residents of two United States territories, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands, could be the subject of Real ID enforcement because they are still under review to get extensions. But as of Oct. 1, 2020, the T.S.A. will ask all travelers to have a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or alternate acceptable identification to fly domestically.

Travelers won’t be able to pass through security without this acceptable identification.

Will I have to apply for a new, compliant license? Or will my state send me a new, compliant one automatically?

In order to get a Real ID-compliant license, residents must physically go to a D.M.V. office with their identification documents such as a birth certificate and passport.

What exactly qualifies as acceptable identification?

The Department of Homeland Security has designated more than a dozen forms of acceptable ID, including a passport; a border ID card; a trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry ; a Real ID-compliant driver’s license; and a permanent resident card. For a complete list, visit tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification .

Is one form of acceptable identification better than another?

The department does not recommend any particular form of acceptable identification, but Brenda Sprague, who oversees passport services for the State Department, encourages all United States residents without a passport to apply for one now. The turnaround time to get a new passport during the winter is usually around four weeks. In the summer, when passport applications peak, the wait for a new passport could be up to eight weeks.

Around 136 million Americans have passports in circulation, according to the State Department — that’s only around 40 percent of the population in the United States.

O.K., you’ve convinced me, and I’m ready to apply for a new passport. What’s the best way?

Ms. Sprague said that there are more than 8,000 passport application locations around the country. Around 60 percent are post offices while the rest are courthouses and libraries. Visit the State Department’s Where to Apply link for more details. In addition, there are 27 passport agencies, where travelers can apply for rush passports. “These agencies are for people who are traveling within two weeks,” Ms. Sprague said.

This link has a list of these agencies; applicants need an appointment for a visit and can make one online at passportappointment.travel.state.gov .

Also, the State Department is collaborating with Hilton Hotels & Resorts on the Hilton Passport Project, an initiative meant to encourage more Americans to apply for passports. Every few weeks, a Hilton location in the United States will have a Passport Concierge booth, where guests and the general public can have their passport pictures taken for free and apply for or renew a passport. Between one and three employees from the State Department will be on hand to answer passport-related questions and help fill out applications. The next Passport Concierge will be at the Travel and Adventure Show, in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20 and 21. At this event, applicants will actually be able to submit their applications to a State Department employee. For a list of coming locations, visit facebook.com/Hilton .

How much does it cost to get a new passport?

First-time applicants pay $110 and a $25 application fee. Passport renewals cost $110 and expedited passports are an additional $60. If you’re renewing your passport, you can do it by mail, but if you’re getting a new passport or if your existing one is lost or stolen, you must apply in person.

12 crazy forms of identification that will get you through airport security

If you've ever arrived at the airport only to realize you've forgotten your driver's license or passport – or worse, had either lost or stolen during your travels – there may be no reason for panic. As it turns out, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) actually allows some flexibility when it comes to alternative forms of identification to green-light you through security.

Today, we're going to look at 12 forms of alternative ID that you may be able to use in lieu of more formal identification. None are guaranteed to work, but they're worth a shot when you're in a tight situation. Some options you may never have considered range from credit cards to your checkbook – and possibly even your Costco card.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

The official policy

There are at least 16 different forms of ID that are accepted by the TSA:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, it must be REAL ID compliant .
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards ( Global Entry , NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Related: Top credit cards for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck

If that's not enough, there may be other options. The TSA has confirmed that if passengers are willing to provide additional information and submit to possible additional screening, there may be other means of substantiating an individual's identity, including the use of publicly available databases. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by the TSA may not be allowed to proceed through the checkpoint or onto their flight. The official policy states:

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You will be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

With that out of the way, let's jump in! Note that the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling domestically.

1. Clear membership

Perhaps your best shot of getting through security is with a Clear membership . Clear is an expedited airport security program where members utilize biometric authentication (fingerprint or eye scan) at a kiosk rather than have a TSA agent inspect their ID. So long as your membership is already set up, you should be able to fly without an ID — that is, assuming Clear is even available in your terminal.

Related: How I got through airport security without an ID

2. Photos of your IDs

While it's not ideal to indefinitely store these types of photos on your phone, you also might want to consider taking photos of all your forms of ID prior to traveling. In the event of theft or loss of your identification while you're away from home, this system of photographing your IDs may not just get you through airport security, but also potentially help you prove your identity at your hotel, get new credit cards issued and more.

Related: What forms of ID can I use if the TSA won't accept my driver's license?

3. Credit card(s)

Aside from allowing you to play the points and miles game, credit cards may also help you verify your identity. It's not common for banks/issuers to include your photo on cards anymore. However, a TSA agent might be willing to pull you aside, call the card's 1-800 number, and allow you to answer your security questions in order to prove you are who you say you are.

Related: The best travel credit cards

4. Police report for a stolen wallet and/or passport

In the unhappy event that your wallet and/or identification is stolen, be sure to file a police report and carry the paperwork with you. If all other forms of your ID are gone, this may be your only hope of getting through security.

5. Work security badge

Chances are excellent that before they've issued you a work security badge with your photo, your workplace has run a thorough background check on you. And what's good enough for your employer may also be good enough for the unsmiling security officer who holds the keys to making or missing your flight.

Related: Everything you need to know about getting a Real ID

6. Costco card

While Sam's Club eliminated this, Costco membership cards still feature a black-and-white photo of the cardholder, which may also enable access through airport security. If you're already a Costco member, you could even hedge your bets against future forgetfulness by carrying a cobranded Costco credit card in your wallet.

7. Business card with a photo

If you happen to have a business card that features your photo, when flashed at security in conjunction with another form of ID, this might be the verification needed to get you to your gate.

8. Student ID

Just like a driver's license, this card often features a photo, date of birth and sometimes even an address.

9. Checkbook

These usually don't have your photo, but they have your name, your address, and your bank's phone number, so it couldn't hurt to offer it as one piece of evidence of your identity.

Related: The craziest IDs that got people past the TSA

10. Magazine/utility bill with your name and current address

While this is an unlikely source of entry on its own, producing one of your utility bills or a magazine that bears a label with your name/address may help prove you are who you say you are when combined with other types of identification. Or, if you're the hip-hop artist G-Eazy and misplace your ID on tour, you may be able to convince the TSA to let you through security by holding up a magazine featuring your photo on the cover.

11. Marriage license

If you're heading back from your destination wedding or honeymoon, presenting your marriage license might do the trick.

Related: TPG beginner's guide to planning a honeymoon of a lifetime

12. Diploma

Why would you have this on you at an airport, you ask? Who knows, but presenting an educational diploma at security has worked for some TPG readers.

Bottom line

The easiest way to get through TSA without a driver's license is by having a Clear membership. The next best forms of ID are typically your passport or Global Entry card. However, if you don't have any of those, you might still have other options. There's no absolute guarantee that the options listed above will work, but in a pinch, they may just get you to your gate. Just be sure to leave yourself extra time at the airport to complete the additional screening. Keep in mind, Real IDs will be required starting Oct. 1, 2021, so come prepared with another compliant photo ID if you don't have one by then.

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What ID and Documents Does My Child Need To Fly? [2024]

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Social Media & Brand Manager

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Table of Contents

International flights, domestic flights, final thoughts.

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Key Takeaways

• International travel always requires a passport. Domestic travel generally requires a birth certificate if your child is under the age of 2 and flying as a lap child.
• Some airlines may request additional documentation, such as a notarized consent letter from a non-traveling parent, for international flights.
• It’s important to check specific airline and destination requirements well in advance of travel to ensure you have the necessary documents.

Just the thought of putting your little ones on a plane can bring anxiety. Making sure that all of your reservations have been made, seats have been assigned, and hotel rooms have been upgraded, all while attempting to keep the kids entertained and behaving properly, can be exhausting. This is even before you leave the house.

Add in the fact that your child may or may not need some sort of identification to board a plane can be that extra confusion that a new parent just doesn’t need. Well, we’re here to lay it all out clearly for you and let you know exactly what you need to fly with your kids!

As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID to board a plane in the U.S., according to the TSA .

If you’re flying internationally, you will need to show your passport or passport card. If you are taking a domestic flight, you will need to show your driver’s license or another form of government ID with your photo on it.

However, for children under the age of 18, that is a different story. Depending on where they are traveling to, and what age they are, they might not need an ID at all.

Since there is a lot of information out there, it can get a little confusing to understand it all. Here, we’ll break it all down for you so that the next time you board a flight with your little one in tow, you will know exactly what you will (and won’t) need.

This one is very black and white. Regardless of your age, if you are flying to a different country, you will need to present your passport at check-in, the TSA security checkpoint, and when you arrive at your destination.

Even if your child is only a month old, they will need a passport to leave the country. Don’t have a passport yet for your little traveler? Don’t worry, we have a complete guide on how to get a U.S. passport for your baby .

If your destination requires a travel visa , your child will also need to apply for the visa. Since both of these things take time, it’s best to get these done as far in advance as possible.

If for some reason you need to take an international trip immediately after the birth of your child, it’s possible to get passports and visas expedited for an extra cost.

Global Entry

If you have Global Entry , that doesn’t mean that your child will automatically get it as well.

Unlike TSA PreCheck , which can extend to your children ages 17 and under, if you want to take your child through the Global Entry line they will need to go through the same process that you did.

Yes, that means paying the $100 application fee and even in some cases having your infant complete the interview process. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of credit cards that reimburse the Global Entry fee .

Although this may seem like a hassle, having an official government photo ID of your child will come in handy for many circumstances down the road.

Bottom Line: If you are flying internationally, your child will need a passport (and maybe a visa), regardless of their age.

International Flight With Only 1 Parent Present

If you plan on traveling internationally with your child, and both parents will not be traveling together, you will need to provide some additional permission forms.

Depending on the airline and the country you will be flying to (and potentially back from), the requirements may be different.

The most important piece will be a notarized parental consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport or valid identification .

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate.

The only exception is if the parent has proof of sole custody as you may be required to present a copy of your custody agreement signed by both parents.

Here is where things aren’t so black and white …

Sure, you could just travel with your child’s passport every time you board a flight, but depending on the situation, that probably isn’t necessary. And if there is 1 thing you should hope to never lose during a trip, it’s a passport. So why bring it if you don’t have to?

In most circumstances, children under the age of 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. Let’s break it down by age group and figure out what documentation your child will need (if anything) to fly.

Age: Newborn

This will vary by carrier, but most airlines will accept infants as young as 2 days old.

If you find yourself needing to board a plane with an infant less than 2 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.

Since this can vary by airline, it’s best to contact your carrier before you travel.

For example, American Airlines requires that a “special assistance coordinator” send a form directly to the physician for them to fill out if the child is less than 7 days old.

Age: 0 to 2 Years Old

Once you pass the 2-week-old window, the only age questions you will come across are whether or not your child has turned 2 years old yet. That is because children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child  on domestic flights as long as they are flying with an adult.

While you won’t be required to show an ID for the child when passing through security, at check-in the airline may require that you prove that the child is under the age of 2 because, obviously, if they are not, the airline will want to charge you for their seat.

Unless your child already has a passport that can be used to prove their birth date, you may need to bring a copy of their birth certificate.

While some airlines are more lenient than others, it’s always best to come prepared. For example, Southwest Airlines is very strict as it always require a copy of the birth certificate or government-issued photo ID at check-in if you want your little one to fly as a lap child .

Hot Tip: If your child turns 2 years old during a trip (hello Disney birthday vacation!), you will be required to pay for a full-priced, round-trip ticket. This would be a good opportunity to book 2 one-way tickets to save a few dollars. 

Age: 2 to 18 Years Old

Once your child turns 2 years old they will be required to pay the full airfare and no longer be allowed to fly as a lap child — cue the sad music.

This also means that they won’t be required to prove their age anymore, which means that you don’t have to worry about traveling with an additional ID for them.

Minors under the age of 18 will not need ID to pass through security, they only need a boarding pass to board the plane if they are accompanied by an adult.

Although it isn’t required, it may feel weird traveling without some sort of ID for your kids. So, regardless of where you are traveling to, we suggest having some sort of ID for them.

Sometimes that may mean a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or, at the very least, a photo of their passport on your cell phone.

Bottom Line: As long as a minor between the age of 2 and 18 is traveling with an adult they will not need a photo ID to board a plane. 

Minors Traveling Alone

Here is another circumstance where the information can become a little murky. Since exact requirements may vary by airline, it’s best to contact your carrier directly if you plan on sending your child off on their own.

That being said, some basics seem to be standard across the industry.

Child Travel Consent Form

A child travel consent form is a form that provides proof that the child is authorized to travel alone.

This form will often be provided by the airline — for example, American Airlines refers to it as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form  and needs it to be completed with the information about who is dropping off the child and who will be picking them up at the final destination.

If the child is traveling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents.

If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the late spouse’s death certificate. Note: This may only be required for international travel. 

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 5 to 14

Children age 5 to 14 are not required to show an ID at the time of check-in, however, they are always encouraged to have some sort of ID on them during travel.

If your child already has a passport, at least send them with a copy of it in case of an emergency.

Minors Traveling Alone: Ages 15 to 17

Children ages 15 to 17 may be required to provide some sort of identification, including one of the following:

• Birth certificate
• Credit card
• Driver’s license
• Learners permit
• Library card
• Organization ID (athletics club, theater group, etc.)
• Passport card
• Proof of auto insurance in the passenger’s name
• Social Security card

Bottom Line: If your child will be traveling alone , it’s best to send them with some sort of ID, preferably something with their photo on it. 

18-Year-Old “Kids”

Even though your 18-year-old is legally an adult, they are still your little baby and you surely will want to have them prepared when they decide they want to go off on a trip with their friends. Spring Break, anyone?

Well, now that he or she has turned 18, they are legally required to have a valid, current U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID.

The identification must contain a clear photo, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature for travel to or from a U.S. territory. Expired documents will not be accepted.

The following is a list of acceptable forms of identification for boarding a U.S. domestic flight:

• Airline- or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• Border Crossing Card
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
• DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by a Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meet REAL ID requirements
• Foreign government-issued passport
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Native American Tribal Photo ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Registered Traveler Card (that contains a name, date of birth, gender, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature)
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• U.S. Military ID
• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Hot Tip: TSA ID requirements are subject to change, so if you have any concerns, it’s always best to check directly what you need on the TSA’s website . 

At the end of the day, the answer is pretty simple: It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you have an ID for your little one, bring it! You might not need it, but it’s better than being denied boarding.

But, to put it simply, if you are flying internationally , your child will need a passport and potentially a travel visa.

If you are flying domestically and your baby will be flying as a lap child , you may be asked for proof at check-in that they are indeed younger than 2 years old.

If your child is flying domestically on their own ticket (not as a lap child) they probably won’t need any sort of ID until they are 18 years old.

Now, grab your little traveler and start exploring this beautiful world! 

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EU Entry/Exit System

Information and advice on the new EU Entry/Exit System

From autumn 2024, the EU will be introducing a new digital border system to strengthen the security of its external Schengen border. 

The new registration process – called the Entry/Exit System, or EES for short - is expected to be introduced in November, however the EU has yet to confirm a specific date for its introduction.  

It will apply to those travelling to the Schengen area which encompasses all EU countries, except from Cyprus and Ireland. Additionally, the non-EU States Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein are also part of the Schengen area. ​ This will require most citizens of countries outside the EU to create a digital record and register their biometric details, such as providing fingerprints and having their photo taken, when they enter the Schengen area. This should only take a few minutes for each person to do.  ​ ​ British travellers will need to do this on their first visit to the EU after EES is introduced.​ Their record will be checked on point of entry into the Schengen area verifying either their fingerprint or photograph. 

At some ports in the South of England (Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras - where the French Border Force operate immigration checks in the UK), EES will be carried out before departure. There may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK. ​ If British travellers decide to visit a country in the Schengen area again within a three-year period of creating their digital record, they will only need to provide either their fingerprint or photograph at the border on entry and exit.

EES will bolster border security for both the EU and their neighbouring countries. 

More information on EES can be found on the EU’s official Travel Europe website .

Why is the EU introducing EES?

EES is designed to improve border security, including tackling illegal migration in the Schengen Area by keeping a new digital record of people that enter.  ​

It will also replace the current system of manually stamping passports every time someone enters a country in the EU, with more automated border control checks to help the EU ensure that people do not overstay.​

EES is part of wider work the EU is doing to strengthen their border security – in 2025, the EU will introduce the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).  ​

ETIAS will mean that those travelling to the Schengen area need to submit information about themselves and their travel plans, and pay a fee of 7 Euros, to apply for authorisation to travel before they leave for the Schengen area.

The EU has already set out more information on ETIAS, including what information will be required from each nationality. This can be found on the EU’s official Travel Europe website .

The impact on journeys to the Schengen Area 

When EES is introduced, travellers will be required to register at the Schengen border. They’ll do this at the port or airport on arrival, where they can submit their fingerprints and have their photo taken at dedicated booths. 

While the checks will only take a few minutes for each person to do, it may lead to longer queue times for people travelling to countries in the Schengen area.  ​

Travellers will only need to submit their biometric information at the border, and when EES is first introduced, they will not be required to provide any further information before they travel.​

At some ports in the South of England (Dover, Eurotunnel and St Pancras - where the French operate juxtaposed immigration checks in the UK), there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK. ​ ​ Passengers travelling through one of these ports should check with their travel operator before they leave to travel, to understand when to arrive at the port and any potential impacts to their journey.​

If travellers are flying to a country in the Schengen area, they may experience longer queue times when they arrive while EES registration is completed.

The Government is taking action to minimise the impact of EES

The EES is an EU initiative, and the UK Government has been reviewing the preparations made to date.

The UK Government has been working closely with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry, taking a multi-agency approach to ensure Ports are prepared for the introduction of EES. 

The Government has been supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place so EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible. 

Recently, the UK Government provided Eurostar, Eurotunnel and Port of Dover £3.5m of funding each, which they are spending on more kiosks and infrastructure.

Eurostar will have almost 50 kiosks for people to carry out the checks, and these will be spread across three locations at the station. It expects EES registration to be quick and easy. ​

Eurotunnel will have over 100 kiosks and estimate EES checks will add just over 5 minutes to journey times.​

Port of Dover will have 24 kiosks for coach passengers and will register passengers in cars using agents and tablets to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Where can I find out more information about EES?  

You can visit the EU’s official Travel Europe website .

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I forgot my identification; can I still proceed through security screening?

In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly. By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity so you can reach your flight.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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