Key Takeaways
• REAL ID enforcement for all domestic flights starts May 7, 2025—ID must be compliant or alternative accepted form.
• Travelers 18 and older must show a REAL ID-compliant license, passport, or other approved identification at airport security.
• Passports remain valid for domestic travel; REAL ID is also needed for access to some federal facilities, not driving.
The purpose of this FAQ is to provide clear, thorough answers about REAL ID enforcement and its impact on domestic travel within the United States 🇺🇸. This set of questions and answers will help travelers, including immigrants, U.S. citizens, and anyone flying within the country, understand what is changing with the REAL ID Act, what documents will be accepted after May 7, 2025, and how this affects access to air travel and certain federal services. The answers are simple, direct, and focused on the facts. They also give practical examples and direct readers to official resources where they can find more information or apply for the correct identification. This FAQ begins with the most common and important questions.
Most Popular Questions
When does REAL ID enforcement for domestic air travel start?
REAL ID enforcement for domestic air travel begins on May 7, 2025. On and after this date, the Transportation Security Administration will check for REAL ID-compliant identification at airport security for all travelers 18 years of age and older who wish to board domestic flights. If you do not have the right form of identification after this day, you will not be allowed to pass through security to board your flight.
What is the REAL ID Act and why was it created?
The REAL ID Act is a law that sets national standards for issuing sources of identification, like driver’s licenses and state-issued ID cards. It was created to make sure that these forms of ID are secure and hard to fake. The goal is to help protect against identity fraud and improve security on domestic air travel and at certain federal facilities.
Who will need a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?
Any passenger who is 18 years old or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, permit, or identification card to get through airport security for domestic flights. This rule applies to all U.S. citizens, permanent residents, visitors, and others who wish to fly domestically within the United States 🇺🇸.
What kinds of identification will be accepted for domestic air travel under the REAL ID Act?
Starting May 7, 2025, you must show one of the following to board a domestic flight:
- A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued identification card (these have a star or specific marking in the upper right corner)
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Certain tribal identification cards
- Other federally recognized forms of identification as listed by TSA
If your card does not have the special marking or star, it may not be accepted as a REAL ID.
How can I tell if my driver’s license or state ID is REAL ID-compliant?
Most REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards have a star on the top right. Some states may use other markings, like a flag or bear. If your card does not have a star or another REAL ID marking, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm. If you see “Not for Federal Identification” or a similar phrase on the card, it is not a REAL ID.
What if I don’t have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID by May 7, 2025?
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card after May 7, 2025, you will need another acceptable form of identification to fly domestically. Acceptable forms include a valid passport, permanent resident card, or another document on the TSA’s list of accepted identification. If you cannot provide one of these, you will not be allowed to get through security at the airport.
Can I still use my passport for domestic flights after REAL ID enforcement begins?
Yes, you can always use a valid U.S. passport or a foreign passport for domestic air travel instead of a REAL ID. If you have a passport, you are not required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card just for domestic flights, but it is often easier for many travelers.
Why was the REAL ID enforcement deadline moved to May 7, 2025?
The original enforcement date for REAL ID was sooner, but the deadline has been delayed several times for various reasons, including efforts to help states and individuals have more time to obtain REAL ID-compliant documents. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the May 7, 2025 date as the day when Phase 4 of the REAL ID Act, which focuses on “boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft,” will take effect.
Will children under 18 need a REAL ID to fly domestically?
No, travelers under 18 do not need to show identification when flying with an adult within the United States 🇺🇸. The adult they are traveling with, however, must have a REAL ID-compliant identification or other accepted ID.
What about non-citizens or immigrants living in the United States 🇺🇸?
Non-citizens or immigrants who want to fly domestically must present either a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or another accepted document, such as:
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- Foreign passport
- DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry)
It is important for immigrants to check the list of acceptable ID and prepare ahead to make sure they have the right documents before May 7, 2025.
How do I get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID?
Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the agency that issues identification in your state. You’ll need to provide documents that show your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, legal presence in the United States 🇺🇸, and proof of address. Visit your state DMV’s website or the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page for the exact list of what you need. Some DMVs take appointments, others serve on a walk-in basis.
What documents do I need to get a REAL ID-compliant license or identification?
You generally need to bring the following to your appointment, but requirements might vary slightly by state:
- Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or W-2 form)
- Proof of legal presence in the country (such as a birth certificate, passport, or documents for permanent residents)
- Two documents that prove your current address (like a utility bill or bank statement)
- Name change documents, if the name on your identification is different from your proof of identity
Your local DMV’s website will have the most up-to-date checklist. For more details, see the official Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page.
Are temporary or interim licenses considered REAL ID-compliant?
No. Only permanent, state-issued REAL ID-compliant licenses or ID cards will be accepted after May 7, 2025. Temporary documents, paper receipts, or learner’s permits without a REAL ID marking will not count as compliant forms.
Will I need a REAL ID for anything other than domestic flights?
Yes, the REAL ID Act also affects access to some federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. Some facilities may ask for another specific form of federal identification, depending on their rules. It’s always best to check with the facility before visiting.
What happens if I show up for a domestic flight without a REAL ID-compliant ID after May 7, 2025?
If you try to board a domestic flight with a non-compliant state-issued ID on or after May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will not allow you to go through security or board the plane, unless you can provide another acceptable form of identification. You may miss your flight if you cannot present one of the listed forms.
Can I use digital or mobile driver’s licenses as a REAL ID?
Some states are working on digital or mobile driver’s licenses. However, you should check with your state’s DMV, as not all digital IDs are currently accepted for REAL ID purposes or by the TSA. Always confirm that your mobile ID has the REAL ID marking and will be accepted before you travel.
What is Phase 4 of the REAL ID Act?
Phase 4 is the part of the REAL ID Act that deals with “boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.” This means that beginning on May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept REAL ID-compliant forms of identification for domestic flights.
Are REAL ID standards the same in every state?
All states must meet the federal REAL ID standards, but each state can design its own compliant cards and set up its own application process. The basic marking—typically a star—will show that the card is compliant. Some states may require appointments, while others take walk-ins, so it’s important to check your state’s rules.
What do I do if my state is slow in issuing REAL IDs or there are delays?
Apply as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time. States may have backlogs, especially as the May 7, 2025 deadline approaches. Some states offer online resources where you can schedule an appointment or check processing times.
Does REAL ID affect international travel?
No, a REAL ID only works for domestic travel inside the United States 🇺🇸. You still need a valid passport to fly to another country.
Is there a cost to get a REAL ID?
State DMVs may charge a fee to issue a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card. The cost is often the same or similar to a standard renewal or replacement, but it varies by state. Check your local DMV’s website to find the exact fee.
Key Points to Remember
- The specific date for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, 2025.
- The Transportation Security Administration will accept only REAL ID-compliant identification or other approved documents for domestic flights after this date.
- All travelers aged 18 or older must carry a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of ID to pass airport security.
- Children under 18 do not need a REAL ID if flying domestically with an adult.
- Apply early through your state DMV and check requirements online.
- REAL ID is also necessary for access to federal facilities, in addition to domestic flights.
- Passports and other federal IDs remain valid for travel.
Note: A common misconception is that you only need a REAL ID if you do not have a passport. In reality, you can use either for domestic travel after May 7, 2025. Also, REAL ID is not needed for voting, driving (inside your state), or accessing health services.
For more information, you can review the Transportation Security Administration’s REAL ID information.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that travelers should not wait until the last minute, as there may be crowds and delays at local DMVs in the months before REAL ID enforcement begins.
If you have other questions or need help, check your state DMV’s official website, the Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID page, or the Transportation Security Administration’s website. They list approved forms of identification and have the latest updates about the REAL ID Act. For more advice on REAL ID and other travel-related documents, you can also visit VisaVerge.com.
With the REAL ID enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025, coming soon, it is important to prepare early. This will help make sure you do not run into travel problems or miss flights because of missing or incorrect identification. Always check the most recent information before planning your trip.
Learn Today
REAL ID Act → A federal law creating national standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards for security purposes.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → A U.S. agency that oversees security at airports and checks identification at airport security checkpoints.
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) → The state agency responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and identification cards in the U.S.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) → An identification card issued to lawful permanent residents, allowing them to live and work in the U.S.
Trusted Traveler Programs → DHS programs like Global Entry and NEXUS offering expedited security screening for pre-approved travelers, often accepted for identification.
This Article in a Nutshell
The REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. All U.S. domestic flyers aged 18 or older must use a REAL ID-compliant license or accepted identification at TSA checkpoints to board. Passports remain valid. Apply early at your DMV to avoid delays. Check official resources for accepted documents and up-to-date requirements.
— By VisaVerge.com
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• REAL ID is not required for international flights; U.S. passport still needed
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