Key Takeaways
• From May 7, 2025, TSA requires REAL ID or approved ID for domestic flights if you are 18 or older.
• REAL ID-compliant cards have a star; acceptable alternatives include U.S. passport, green card, or trusted traveler cards.
• Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights, but airline policies may differ—always double-check before travel.
As of May 7, 2025, travelers in the United States 🇺🇸 must follow new rules for flying within the country. The Transportation Security Administration, also known as TSA, now enforces the REAL ID rule for anyone who is 18 years old or older and flying on domestic flights. This change means that not every piece of identification will get you past the security checkpoint. Only certain TSA-approved forms of identification are now acceptable under the REAL ID program, and it’s important to know exactly what you need before stepping into the airport.
This detailed guide will explain what REAL ID is, why these changes matter, which documents are accepted, who is affected, and what you should do if you don’t yet have a REAL ID-compliant ID. We’ll also share tips to help your trip go smoothly under these new federal rules, using simple words and real facts from government sources.
What Is REAL ID and Why Does It Matter for Domestic Flights?
REAL ID is a set of security standards for state-issued identification, like driver’s licenses and ID cards. The United States 🇺🇸 government created REAL ID after the September 11 attacks to help prevent fake IDs from being used to access secure areas, including airports. Only IDs that meet these standards, called “REAL ID-compliant,” will let you board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, or visit nuclear power plants.
From May 7, 2025, the rule is clear: if you are 18 or older, you must show a REAL ID-compliant card or another accepted form of identification to go through airport security for domestic travel. If you show up at the airport with an ID that’s not on the TSA’s approved list, you could face delays or even be refused at the security checkpoint.
Children under 18 do not need to show identification for domestic flights if traveling with an adult, but airlines may have their own rules. Always check with your airline before traveling with minors.
Which TSA-Approved Forms of Identification Are Accepted for Domestic Flights?
The most common type of ID people use to travel within the United States 🇺🇸 is a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card. These cards look much like regular IDs, but they have a star on the top or upper corner. That star shows the card meets REAL ID requirements.
But what if you don’t have a REAL ID? The TSA accepts several other documents for domestic flights, as long as they are on the government’s approved list. Here is the full rundown, according to the latest official sources:
REAL ID-Compliant Documents
- REAL ID driver’s license or state ID card
(Look for a star at the top. If your card does not have this star, it is not a REAL ID.) - State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
(These are special driver’s licenses or ID cards issued by some states with added features to prove identity and citizenship.)
U.S. Government-Issued Alternative Documents
- U.S. passport
Accepted for both domestic and international travel. U.S. passport card
Smaller than a passport book but still accepted for domestic flights.U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs for military dependents)
This includes military-issued IDs for uniformed services, the Coast Guard, and some contractors.Permanent resident card (“Green Card”)
Officially called Form I-551, this card is for people allowed to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.Border crossing card
Issued to some Mexican citizens who regularly travel to the United States 🇺🇸.DHS trusted traveler cards
(Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST.) These are special cards for approved travelers who have passed background checks.HSPD-12 PIV card
Used by some federal employees and contractors.Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Given to workers who need access to secure areas of maritime facilities and vessels.U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766).
This card is for people authorized to work in the United States 🇺🇸 but who aren’t yet permanent residents. If you mention this form, provide the official USCIS I-766 page.U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Issued to workers in the maritime industry.Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible veterans.
Other Acceptable Documents
Foreign government-issued passport
Valid, unexpired passports from other countries are accepted.Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
These are acceptable for Canadian citizens traveling within the United States 🇺🇸.Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe
This includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) for Native American and Alaskan Native tribes.Airline or airport-issued ID
These are only accepted if they were given under a TSA-approved security plan. This is mostly for workers at airports, not for regular passengers.
Note: Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that having any of these documents ready before your trip is the best way to avoid problems and delays at the airport.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a REAL ID or TSA-Approved ID?
If you arrive at the airport to board a domestic flight and do not have either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID or one of the other accepted documents, you may run into serious trouble. The TSA has said you could face:
- Longer screening times, since they need to do more checks.
- Extra questions or added security steps.
- Delay that might make you miss your flight.
- In the worst cases, being turned away at the security checkpoint and not being able to board your flight.
The TSA recommends that if you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant card, you should show up at the airport even earlier than usual. This gives you time to get through any extra screening steps. According to their official news release on REAL ID enforcement, this is now standard practice starting May 7, 2025.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Children under 18 do not have to show identification when traveling on a domestic flight with an adult. The airline may still have special rules, so it’s best to check before the day of travel. No adults are exempt from the REAL ID or approved ID rule.
These new requirements do not apply to passengers on international flights, where a valid passport is always necessary anyway.
How Can You Tell If Your ID Is REAL ID-Compliant?
Most REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and state ID cards have a star in the upper part of the card, often on the right. This star may be gold or black. If your card does not have this star, it will not be accepted for domestic flights under the REAL ID rule.
Some states also issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses or IDs with different markings but are still approved for travel. It’s always wise to double-check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and the official REAL ID page from the Department of Homeland Security if you’re unsure.
What About Other Situations—Do You Need REAL ID for Anything Else?
The main need for a REAL ID for most people is flying within the United States 🇺🇸. However, you may also need a REAL ID to enter some secure federal locations, like certain government buildings or nuclear facilities. For most other daily needs (for example, opening a bank account, buying alcohol, or driving), a REAL ID is not required, but your regular driver’s license must still be valid.
Practical Checklist: Steps to Prepare for Domestic Air Travel Under REAL ID
To make sure your trip goes smoothly, follow this simple travel checklist:
Before You Travel
- Check your wallet.
Make sure your driver’s license or state ID has a star in the upper corner (or says “Enhanced”). - Do you have a valid passport or passport card?
If you have one, it is TSA-approved and can be used for domestic flights. Check for other approved IDs.
If you are a permanent resident, military member, or part of a trusted traveler program, your respective cards are accepted.If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant card, plan ahead.
Apply at your local DMV or state office as soon as possible, since processing can take several weeks.Traveling with children?
Remember they do not need ID for domestic flights, but keep your documents handy in case the airline asks.
Day of Travel
- Arrive early.
The TSA suggests getting to the airport earlier than normal since more people will need to get used to the new checks. Have your TSA-approved ID ready.
Keep your identification within easy reach to show at the security point.Be patient if there are delays.
Many people are still getting used to the REAL ID process, so lines may be longer than normal.
Why Following REAL ID Rules for Domestic Flights Is Important
With the new REAL ID rules, the United States 🇺🇸 government aims to improve safety and make it harder for someone to use a fake ID to get on a plane. This means every traveler must help by bringing the right identification every time they fly within the country. It keeps everyone safer and makes it easier for officials to check that people are who they say they are.
If you’re not sure which ID you have or whether it’s TSA-approved, check directly with your state DMV or visit the TSA’s travel tips page. Always use official sites to avoid scams or outdated information.
Final Tips: Stay Prepared for Domestic Air Travel After REAL ID Enforcement
- The REAL ID deadline for domestic flights is May 7, 2025.
- Any person 18 or older must show a REAL ID or another TSA-approved ID at airport security.
- Children under 18 do not need to present identification, but rules can vary by airline.
- If you do not have any of the accepted IDs, apply as soon as possible. Processing times can be long.
- Use official government sources for updates, and never assume your old ID will be accepted.
As travel rules continue to change, having a TSA-approved document is more important than ever. Check your identification today, so you’re ready to fly tomorrow. For more questions about REAL ID, approved TSA documents, or related immigration topics, use official government websites or refer to reliable sources like VisaVerge.com, which keeps travelers updated on important changes.
In short, being prepared with the right document not only saves you time but also ensures you can travel smoothly and safely within the United States 🇺🇸. This new rule is here to stay, so make sure you and your loved ones are ready before you plan your next trip.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets federal security standards, marked with a star, required for domestic flights.
TSA-approved identification → Specific government-issued documents recognized by the Transportation Security Administration as valid for airport security checks.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) → A state-issued driver’s license that also proves citizenship and identity, suitable for some border crossings and domestic flights.
Trusted Traveler Cards → Special security cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) for pre-approved travelers, accepted at TSA checkpoints for flights.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) → Form I-551, an official U.S. document allowing lawful permanent residents to live and work in the country indefinitely.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, anyone 18 or older flying within the U.S. must present a REAL ID or approved alternative at TSA checkpoints. IDs must feature specific security marks. Without approved ID, travelers risk delays or denial at security. Prepare now and check official sources to avoid missing your flight.
— By VisaVerge.com
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• REAL ID soon required at TSA security for all US domestic flights
• TSA to Require Real ID at Logan Airport for All Domestic Flights in 2025
• REAL ID enforcement for US flights begins May 7, 2025, says TSA
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