REAL ID rules to allow digital driver’s licenses for US flights in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Only REAL ID-compliant licenses or approved digital licenses accepted for flights after May 7, 2025.
• Mobile driver’s licenses require a TSA-approved state waiver and use at designated airports only.
• Always check tsa.gov/digital-id for your state’s mDL status and bring a physical REAL ID as backup.

Millions of travelers every year rely on their driver’s license as primary identification when flying within the United States 🇺🇸. With new rules coming in May 2025, many are now asking: Will a digital or mobile driver’s license (mDL) work for domestic air travel under the REAL ID law? This detailed guide answers the most common questions about the use of REAL ID, digital or mobile driver’s licenses, and the policies set by the Transportation Security Administration. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a first-time traveler, or preparing for the new identification requirements, this resource brings together all the critical facts and official recommendations.

Most Popular Questions

1. What is the REAL ID law, and why does it matter for air travel?
2. How does a digital or mobile driver’s license differ from a physical driver’s license?
3. Will I be able to use a mobile driver’s license at airport security after May 7, 2025, in the United States 🇺🇸?
4. How can I find out if my state’s mobile driver’s license is accepted for TSA screening?
5. What should I do if my state does not have approval for mobile driver’s license use at airports?

1. What is the REAL ID law, and why does it matter for air travel?

The REAL ID law is a set of federal rules in the United States 🇺🇸 that create tougher standards for state-issued identification, including driver’s licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, these rules become strict: travelers must present either a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, an approved digital or mobile driver’s license with the right waiver, or another federally recognized ID at airport security to board domestic flights.

Key features of REAL ID:
– A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/card has a special star marking in the corner.
– It meets tougher security checks than a regular state-issued license.
– Only these or approved IDs will be okay for federal use, including air travel, from May 2025.
– If your license does not have a star, it is probably not a REAL ID and will not work for flying after the deadline.

For more about REAL ID basics and official requirements, you can visit the Department of Homeland Security’s official REAL ID page.

2. How does a digital or mobile driver’s license differ from a physical driver’s license?

A digital or mobile driver’s license (mDL) is a secure, electronic version of your physical license. You store it on your smartphone using a special app or digital wallet. When you need to confirm your identity—at the airport, for example—you show your phone to an official reader. The system checks the digital license, confirming your name, age, and other details match what is needed for flying.

Main differences:
– Physical license: Hard copy, made of plastic; you keep it in your wallet.
– Mobile/digital license: Electronic; you store it on your phone.
– Both need to meet standards set by the government for security and identity checks.

While both forms show your name, photo, and other important details, only some digital licenses are accepted for air travel, and only at places with the right technology.

3. Will I be able to use a mobile driver’s license at airport security after May 7, 2025, in the United States 🇺🇸?

Starting on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will strictly check for REAL ID-compliant identification at airport security in the United States 🇺🇸. The rules about mobile or digital driver’s licenses are more complex.

TSA’s new rule explains:
– States can now apply for a special waiver so their mobile driver’s licenses can be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
– Only states with an approved waiver, meeting all federal standards for technology and security, will have their mobile licenses accepted after May 7, 2025.
– If you have a mobile driver’s license from a state without an approved waiver, it will not be accepted for federal air travel.
– Even if your state has approval, you must check if you are flying from an airport that can read and verify mDLs.

Summary table:

Remember:
The rules for mobile or digital driver’s licenses are new, and you must always check your state’s status before you travel.

4. How can I find out if my state’s mobile driver’s license is accepted for TSA screening?

The Transportation Security Administration will keep an up-to-date list of approved states and participating airports on its official website. Before you travel, check to see:

• If your state has applied for, and received, a waiver from TSA for mobile driver’s license use.
• If your departure airport is on the list of those with approved technology to read and verify digital IDs.

A good place to confirm these details is the dedicated digital ID page at tsa.gov/digital-id. You should always double-check this information before you travel, as states and airports may be added or removed from the list.

Things to look for:
– Announcement from your state’s DMV or transportation department
– Updates from the TSA’s website on “Digital IDs” or “Mobile Driver’s Licenses”
– Notices at your local airport
If you don’t see your state or airport listed, bring your physical REAL ID or another approved document.

5. What should I do if my state does not have approval for mobile driver’s license use at airports?

If your state’s mobile or digital driver’s license does not have TSA approval—or you are not sure—do not risk missing your flight. Bring your physical REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a U.S. passport, or another document that is always approved for federal use. You can also use a U.S. passport card, a permanent resident card, or another federal document that is listed as acceptable on the TSA’s identification page.

What counts as approved ID?
– REAL ID driver’s license (look for the star)
– State-issued enhanced driver’s license (some states only)
– U.S. passport or passport card
– DHS trusted traveler cards (like Global Entry)
– U.S. military ID

Important tip:
If you are unsure if your ID will work, always bring a backup, like your U.S. passport. This avoids any problems at the airport.

6. What is a Transportation Security Administration waiver for digital or mobile driver’s licenses?

A waiver is a special approval from the Transportation Security Administration. It means that a state’s digital license system has been checked and meets all federal safety and privacy rules for air travel identity checks under the REAL ID law. Only states with a current waiver can allow travelers to use mobile driver’s licenses at airport security.

Key facts about the waiver:
– It is temporary and allows time for technology to spread to more states.
– The TSA checks each state’s technology, security, and privacy before issuing a waiver.
– The waiver can be removed or updated if the state’s program changes.

Without this waiver, you cannot use a mobile or digital driver’s license for TSA identity checks on domestic flights.

7. How do I use a digital or mobile driver’s license at the airport if my state is approved?

If your state and the airport you’re flying from are approved, follow these steps:
1. Download and set up the official mDL app or wallet recommended by your state’s DMV.
2. Add your digital driver’s license to your smartphone.
3. At TSA security, look for a special reader where you can present your mobile driver’s license.
4. Open the app or wallet and follow on-screen instructions to share your digital ID with the reader.
5. Wait for confirmation from the TSA officer that your ID is verified.

Important note:
Your smartphone should be charged, your app should be working, and you should carry your physical REAL ID as a backup.

8. Are there any risks or problems with using a mobile driver’s license for air travel?

Yes, there are a few potential problems:
– If your phone battery dies, you may not be able to access your mDL.
– Technology problems could prevent the reader from scanning your digital ID.
– Not all airports or security lanes will have updated readers immediately after May 2025.
– Requirements may change as states and the federal government adjust rules.

Best advice:
Always carry your physical REAL ID, passport, or another approved ID as a backup until digital systems are widespread.

9. What happens if I show up at TSA with only a regular (non-REAL ID) driver’s license?

You will not be allowed to board your domestic flight. The only exceptions are if you show another federally approved ID, such as a passport or military ID. This rule is strict and will be enforced at all federal airport checkpoints starting May 7, 2025. According to official sources, regular state driver’s licenses without a REAL ID marking will not be valid for federal air travel after this date.

10. What should immigrants, non-citizens, and international travelers know about REAL ID and digital or mobile driver’s licenses?

• Immigrants and non-citizens living in the United States 🇺🇸 can apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in most states if they meet the legal document requirements.
• If you are a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or on certain visas, you may qualify for a REAL ID or an enhanced driver’s license.
• If you hold a foreign driver’s license, it cannot be used for TSA screening as a REAL ID.
• International travelers should use their passport from their home country or an official U.S. immigration document.

Tip:
Check your status and the lawful presence document checklist at your state’s DMV website.

11. Where can I get more help or see the official list of approved identification types?

You can always check the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s REAL ID information page and the TSA’s acceptable IDs list for the most recent rules and changes on REAL ID and approved digital or mobile driver’s licenses. These are the official sources for updates and changes.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, travelers should remain alert to any announcements from the Transportation Security Administration and their own state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, especially as the REAL ID deadline approaches.

Summary and Next Steps

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration will only accept REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, digital or mobile driver’s licenses issued by states with a valid federal waiver, or other approved IDs at airport security for domestic flights. Most travelers should continue to carry their physical REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a U.S. passport when flying. Only travelers from states listed on the TSA website as approved for mobile driver’s license use—and only at certain airports with the right technology—can rely on digital records. Check tsa.gov/digital-id before every trip for the latest guidance, and always bring a physical backup ID to avoid problems during your travels.

If you have further questions, speak to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or review official TSA guidance on digital IDs and REAL ID. Staying prepared will ensure you travel easily and avoid any last-minute surprises at airport security.

Learn Today

REAL ID → A federally mandated identification standard for state-issued driver’s licenses, required for U.S. airport security after May 7, 2025.
Mobile Driver’s License (mDL) → A secure, digital version of a physical driver’s license, stored and accessed via a smartphone application or wallet.
TSA Waiver → Special approval that allows states’ digital licenses to be accepted for airport security after meeting federal security and technology standards.
Enhanced Driver’s License → A type of state-issued license meeting heightened standards, often used as an alternative to REAL ID for certain federal purposes.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. government agency overseeing national security, including REAL ID enforcement and airport identification requirements.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. air travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved identification. Digital or mobile driver’s licenses are only valid at airports if the issuing state has a TSA-approved waiver. Always confirm your state’s status and carry a physical REAL ID to avoid issues.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Florida Slams Immigrants With Tough Driver’s License Rules
• REAL ID Act set new rules for driver’s licenses after September 11
• US driver’s license holders can easily convert to New Zealand license
• REAL ID not required for standard driver’s license in most states
• Enhanced Driver’s License approved for US domestic flights