Key Takeaways
• REAL ID or alternative required for domestic flights and federal buildings starting May 7, 2025.
• Acceptable alternatives include U.S. passport, military ID, or Enhanced Driver’s License for federal purposes.
• Children under 18 don’t need a REAL ID for domestic flights if traveling with an adult with valid ID.
The following FAQ aims to answer the most common questions about where and why REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, as well as what you can use as identification if you do not have a REAL ID. It covers domestic air travel, federal facilities, and other related topics to help you understand what changes are coming and how they might affect you. The goal is to provide clear, reliable information so you can prepare for the new requirements.
Most Popular Questions
- What is the REAL ID and why is it important?
- For which activities will I need a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025?
- Do I need a REAL ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
- What other places will require a REAL ID?
- What are the acceptable alternatives if I do not have a REAL ID?
- How do I know if my current driver’s license or ID is REAL ID-compliant?
- What if my ID says “Federal limits apply” or “Not for Federal Identification”?
- Are there any exceptions for children?
- Will I need a REAL ID when traveling internationally?
- What happens if I arrive at the airport or a federal building without a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?
1. What is the REAL ID and why is it important?
REAL ID is a type of identification card or driver’s license that meets specific security standards set by the United States 🇺🇸 federal government. The standards were created by the REAL ID Act of 2005. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID (or another accepted form of identification) to fly within the country, as well as to enter some federal facilities and certain restricted areas.
The main purpose is to make it harder for people to use fake IDs or false documents when entering places that need higher security, like airports and some government buildings.
To learn more on how REAL ID improves security, visit the official REAL ID DHS page.
2. For which activities will I need a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025?
After May 7, 2025, you will be required to show a REAL ID (or an approved alternative) for several important activities:
- Boarding a domestic airline flight (domestic air travel within the United States 🇺🇸)
- Visiting some federal facilities, like federal buildings and offices
- Entering federal courthouses
- Getting access to nuclear power plants
- Visiting military bases
- Entering some regulated federal facilities
These requirements come from a need to increase security at places or activities that could be vulnerable to identity fraud or other threats.
3. Do I need a REAL ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸?
Yes, if you are age 18 or older, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or card (or another acceptable identification) to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.
If you do not have a REAL ID after that date, you will not be able to use a regular driver’s license alone for flights but can use another acceptable alternative.
According to a statement from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in May 2025, you may still be allowed to fly domestically without one but will face extra screening at the airport. Keep in mind, this extra process may take more time and could make travel harder for you.
4. What other places will require a REAL ID?
REAL ID is not just for domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, it will also be required to get into:
- Many federal facilities, for example:
- Federal building offices for administrative matters
- Federal courthouses (for court appearances or legal matters)
- Military bases (unless you have a military-issued credential)
- Nuclear power plants
Some places may have their own rules about letting visitors onto the property, so it’s always best to call ahead if you aren’t sure.
5. What are the acceptable alternatives if I do not have a REAL ID?
If you don’t have a REAL ID after May 7, 2025, there are other forms of identification you can use when boarding planes or entering secure federal locations. These include:
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Department of Defense ID (including those given to dependents)
– DHS trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) - Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington
- U.S. military ID
- Cards from the Federal Trusted Traveler Program (Global Entry card)
If you have any of these documents, you don’t need to get a REAL ID for domestic air travel or access to federal facilities.
6. How do I know if my current driver’s license or ID is REAL ID-compliant?
REAL ID cards have a special marking. Most states show a star in the upper part of the card. In California 🇺🇸, it is a golden bear with a star.
If your ID says “Federal limits apply” or “Not for Federal Identification,” it is not a REAL ID and cannot be used for the activities listed above after May 7, 2025.
If you’re still unsure, you can check with your state’s driver license agency or visit the DHS REAL ID FAQ here.
7. What if my ID says “Federal limits apply” or “Not for Federal Identification”?
An ID with those words printed on it will not be accepted for domestic air travel or at federal facilities that require secure ID after the deadline.
You will need to show a different acceptable document (for example, a U.S. passport) to get through security after May 7, 2025. If you try to use an ID marked this way, you will likely be denied entry or asked to provide another approved document.
8. Are there any exceptions for children?
Yes, children under 18 years of age do not need to show identification for domestic air travel when traveling with an adult in the United States 🇺🇸. The adult who is traveling with the child, however, must have a REAL ID or another approved form of identification.
9. Will I need a REAL ID when traveling internationally?
No, the REAL ID is not valid for international travel. You will still need a valid passport to travel outside of the United States 🇺🇸, whether or not you have a REAL ID. For trips outside the country, only passports—never REAL ID—are used at international borders and airports.
10. What happens if I arrive at the airport or a federal building without a REAL ID after May 7, 2025?
If you try to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, without a REAL ID or another acceptable ID, you may still be allowed to fly but will face extra screening. This is according to a statement by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Still, you could be delayed, and in some cases, you may not be allowed to board your flight if you cannot provide any acceptable identification.
As for federal facilities, entry will be denied unless you have a REAL ID or another suitable document.
It is best to check your ID well before you plan to travel or visit sensitive locations.
Other Helpful Information
Why did the government start the REAL ID program?
The United States 🇺🇸 government began the REAL ID program as part of an effort to fight fake ID use and prevent people from entering sensitive locations with false documents. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to set minimum standards for IDs that could be used for federal purposes, mainly to protect against terrorism and increase security in airports and government buildings.
Do all states issue REAL ID cards?
Yes, every state now issues REAL ID-compliant cards. However, whether you have one depends on when you last renewed your ID and what type you asked for. Many people still have older cards that will not be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
Is there a difference between a REAL ID and an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)?
Yes. An Enhanced Driver’s License, or EDL, is available only in a few states: Michigan 🇺🇸, Minnesota 🇺🇸, New York 🇺🇸, Vermont 🇺🇸, and Washington 🇺🇸. EDLs meet REAL ID requirements and also allow re-entry to the United States 🇺🇸 from Canada 🇨🇦, Mexico 🇲🇽, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea. An EDL can be used as a REAL ID alternative for air travel and at federal facilities.
What does a REAL ID look like?
A REAL ID card is similar to a standard driver’s license but will have:
- A star in the top part of the card (the star may look slightly different in different states)
- In California 🇺🇸, there is a golden bear and a star in the top right
- No wording like “Federal limits apply” or “Not for Federal Identification”
If I am not a U.S. citizen, can I get a REAL ID?
Yes. Some non-citizens, such as permanent residents or those with certain immigration status, can get a REAL ID as long as they show acceptable proof of identity, legal status, and residency. Requirements will vary from state to state.
Will my REAL ID be enough for everything?
While a REAL ID works for domestic air travel and opening doors at secure federal sites, it does not replace a passport for travel outside the United States 🇺🇸. It also will not work for anything that a social security card or birth certificate is needed for, such as getting a job.
Could the deadline for REAL ID change?
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the REAL ID deadline has been pushed back before. The current set date is May 7, 2025, but it’s important to stay updated in case there are further changes from the Department of Homeland Security or your state’s DMV.
What should I do now to prepare for REAL ID changes?
- Check your current driver’s license or ID for a star marking or check your state’s DMV site.
- If you don’t have a REAL ID and need one, contact your state DMV to find out what documents to bring. This often includes proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security Number, and proof of address.
- If you have alternative documents (like a U.S. passport) and don’t plan to visit federal facilities, you may not need to get a REAL ID.
Summary of Key Points
- After May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID (or approved alternative) to fly domestically or enter secure federal sites in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Alternatives include a U.S. passport, military ID, or Enhanced Driver’s License.
- REAL IDs are marked with a star. IDs marked “Federal limits apply” or “Not for Federal Identification” do not meet the requirements.
- Children under 18 do not need their own REAL ID for domestic flights if traveling with an adult.
- International travel always requires a passport, not a REAL ID.
- Start preparing now by checking your ID and reviewing what documents are needed to get a REAL ID.
For more official information, visit the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page. You can also turn to your state DMV website for local instructions. If you still have questions, speak with your state driver’s license agency or check the latest updates from trusted immigration sources.
If you need more help, you can always check with the Transportation Security Administration, your state’s DMV, or the official REAL ID page linked above.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally compliant identification card or driver’s license that meets security standards established by the REAL ID Act of 2005.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) → A specialized driver’s license accepted as a REAL ID alternative and allows land/sea travel from Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean.
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards → Official cards (such as Global Entry, NEXUS) that provide expedited airport security and federal site access as accepted REAL ID alternatives.
Federal Limits Apply → A mark on IDs indicating the card cannot be used for certain federal purposes like domestic flights and restricted buildings.
Domestic Air Travel → Flights operating within the boundaries of the United States, requiring increased security identification after May 7, 2025.
This Article in a Nutshell
Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL ID or an approved alternative will be essential for domestic air travel and entry to many federal sites. Alternatives like passports remain valid. Plan ahead by checking your current ID for compliance to avoid delays or denied access to flights and government buildings in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com
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