What Real ID Is and Why It Matters for Air Travel

Real ID is a federal identification standard that was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to establish security requirements that all state driver's licenses and identification cards must meet. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require that any person boarding a domestic flight present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a Real ID-compliant state identification card, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or certain other federal documents.

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The Real ID standard includes specific security features and document verification procedures that states must follow when issuing licenses. These features help prevent identity fraud and make it harder for someone to obtain an ID under a false name. The standard affects how states issue and design their identification documents, but it does not create a national ID database or track citizens' movements.

If you hold a driver's license or state ID from most U.S. states or territories, you likely already have a Real ID-compliant document, though you may not have noticed it. Most states have been issuing Real ID-compliant licenses for several years. You can usually spot a Real ID by looking for a small star symbol, often gold or metallic, typically in the upper right corner of the card. Some states place this star in a different location, so checking your state's specific design is helpful.

For air travel within the United States, you will need to show one of these accepted documents at the airport security checkpoint. This means showing your ID to TSA officers before you can proceed through security screening. Without an accepted form of identification, you may not be permitted to board your flight, which is why understanding these requirements matters before your trip.

Practical Takeaway: Look at your current driver's license or state ID card to see if it has a star symbol. If it does, you already meet the Real ID requirement for domestic flights. If it does not, you will want to visit your state's motor vehicle department to learn about obtaining a compliant document before you travel by air.

Types of Identification That Work for Flying

The TSA accepts several types of identification for domestic air travel. Understanding what documents work helps you prepare for your trip and avoid delays at airport security. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most common accepted document. This is a standard state-issued driver's license that meets the federal security standards. The card shows a star or similar marking to indicate compliance. Each state designs its Real ID cards slightly differently, but the mark makes it easy to identify.

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A Real ID-compliant state identification card serves the same purpose as a Real ID driver's license for people who do not drive. These non-driver ID cards go through the same verification process as driver's licenses and include the same security features. They are issued by state motor vehicle departments and can be used at airport security checkpoints just like a driver's license.

U.S. passports are always accepted for domestic flight security, regardless of when they were issued. A passport is one of the most secure forms of identification available. You do not need a Real ID if you have a valid passport because a passport already exceeds the Real ID security standards. Passport books and passport cards both work for airport security purposes.

The TSA also recognizes these other forms of identification for domestic air travel:

  • Military ID cards (active duty, reserves, National Guard, retired military, or military dependents)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Native American tribal identification documents that have been designated by the Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
  • Trusted Traveler Program cards, which include programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST

It is important to note that student IDs, work IDs, and most other identification cards are not accepted at airport security. Even if these documents have your photo and seem official, they do not meet the federal requirements for air travel.

Practical Takeaway: Before your trip, gather the ID you plan to use and verify it matches one of the accepted types. If you have a passport, you can use that for any domestic flight. If you plan to use a driver's license or state ID, check that it has the Real ID star marking.

How to Obtain a Real ID-Compliant Driver's License or State ID

If your current driver's license or state ID does not have the Real ID star marking, you will need to visit your state's motor vehicle department to obtain one. The process is straightforward but requires you to bring specific documents. Each state manages its own Real ID program, so the exact steps vary by location, but the basic requirements are similar across all states.

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To obtain a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, you typically need to provide documents that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your residence address. For identity, states usually accept a birth certificate, passport, or passport card. For proof of your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security benefit statement. For proof of residence, most states accept recent utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or mortgage documents that show your name and address.

You will also need to visit a motor vehicle office in person to apply for a Real ID document. You cannot complete the process online or by mail. The in-person visit allows state officials to verify your documents and take a new photo for your identification card. This is a security requirement of the Real ID program. Bring original documents or certified copies, as photocopies typically are not accepted.

The cost for a Real ID-compliant license or state ID varies by state, ranging from about $20 to $100. Many states charge the same price for a Real ID document as they do for a regular driver's license, though some charge a small upgrade fee. States also have different validity periods for these IDs, ranging from four to eight years, depending on your age and state rules.

Processing times also vary by state. Some states can issue a Real ID card on the same day you visit, while others may take several weeks. If you know you will be flying soon, checking your state's specific timeline is helpful so you have your card in time for your trip. Many state motor vehicle departments now allow you to schedule appointments online, which can reduce wait times at the office.

Practical Takeaway: Visit your state's motor vehicle department website to find the specific list of documents you need to bring and the current processing time. Schedule an appointment if possible to avoid long lines, and bring original or certified copies of your identity, Social Security, and residence documents.

Real ID Requirements for Different Types of Travelers

Different groups of travelers may have unique situations regarding Real ID requirements. Understanding your specific circumstances helps you prepare appropriately for air travel. For most domestic travelers, the rules are straightforward: bring an accepted form of ID to the security checkpoint. However, certain situations require additional consideration.

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Minors traveling by air have different identification rules than adults. The TSA does not require children under age 18 to show ID when traveling domestically with a parent or legal guardian. However, if your child is traveling alone or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, the child may need to show ID. It is always wise to bring a birth certificate or other identifying document for your child in case questions arise. Some airlines have their own policies about children's identification, so checking with your specific airline is recommended.

Non-citizen visitors to the United States who are flying domestically must have an accepted form of ID. Visitors with a valid foreign passport can use that passport at airport security. Visitors with a U.S. Green Card or Employment Authorization Document can use those documents. Visitors who are in the country legally but do not have these documents may face challenges at the security checkpoint and should contact the TSA or their airline in advance to understand what documentation they should bring.

Travelers over age 70 may be exempt from showing ID under certain circumstances, though this rule is not automatic. If you are over 70 and do not have a Real ID-compliant document, you can work with TSA officers at the security checkpoint who may allow you to proceed through additional security procedures instead of requiring ID. However, TSA guidance recommends bringing ID anyway, as carrying identification is the more straightforward path through airport security.