REAL ID

Don’t have a Real ID yet? Here’s how you can still travel after the deadline

Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another federally-approved document to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.

www.dmv.ca.gov

Andy Hall

Update: Apr 24th, 2025 05:43 EDT

US residents planning to travel domestically and who have yet to apply for a REAL ID are urged to act now before the federal deadline approaches in a fortnight’s time.

Under the federal REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, from May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.

The Act “prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards”.

You can pack a carry-on like an absolute pro.
You can make it to the gate with three kids and zero meltdowns.
But did you remember to get your REAL ID?

Get the star, supermom. You’ve got places to go (and people to organize).

Learn more about REAL ID: https://t.co/6uWOP95HFj pic.twitter.com/WS3idIj3m0
— TSA (@TSA) April 23, 2025

How to check your identification is REAL ID-compliant

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top right part of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.

Alternative forms of identification to REAL ID

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.

Currently there are only five states that issue EDL/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. EDL/EIDs can be identified by having an image of the US flag and the word ’Enhanced’ at the top of the card. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking.

Children under the age of 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, whoever accompanies them will need acceptable identification.

Adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. For example, a temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.

Identication accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to fly within the US from May 7, 2025

State-issued ID or Enhanced Driver's License* (*must be REAL ID compliant from May 7, 2025)
US passport
US passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
US Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

You might not fly often, but when you need to, you'll want to be ready.

The REAL ID deadline is almost here, and you’ll need that, or another acceptable form of ID (like a passport) if you don’t want to face delays.

Learn more by visiting: https://t.co/DyypeVikAM pic.twitter.com/ssP9SdbGqT
— TSA (@TSA) April 22, 2025

Passengers traveling after the May 7 deadline should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.

Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.

What happens if I don’t have my REAL ID?

TSA officers may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.

Note that you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, or of you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or if your identity cannot be verified.