Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly

• A REAL ID is a federally accepted identification required for domestic air travel starting May 2025. 

• To obtain a REAL ID, you must provide proof of identity, Social Security number, US citizenship or lawful status, and state residency. 

• Your passport or other TSA-approved IDs will still be valid for domestic flights, even after the REAL ID deadline. 
   

Travelers planning to fly within the United States must be aware of important identification changes under federal law. The REAL ID Act sets security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards used for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities. As airport security checkpoints adopt stricter rules, providing the correct form of identification is essential to avoid travel delays. If you're wondering, "Do you need a REAL ID to fly?", the answer is surely yes, depending on your destination and timeline. 

Whether you plan to fly soon or in the future, understanding REAL ID can help you stay prepared. This guide explains when you need a REAL ID to fly and how to get ready. 
 

What Is a REAL ID 

A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets federal security standards set up under the REAL ID Act of 2005. This law was introduced to strengthen the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification cards and driver’s licenses by establishing some security standards across the country. 

Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID to board domestic flights, enter federal facilities, or access nuclear power plants. You can easily identify a REAL ID by the gold star or similar marking in the top right corner of the card of the license or ID card. 

However, a REAL ID is not required for all uses. A standard driver's license remains valid for everyday activities like driving, but it will not be accepted at airport security for domestic flights once enforcement begins. To obtain a REAL ID, applicants must present specific documents that prove their identity, Social Security number, and state residency. 

To check if your driver's license meets the REAL ID requirements, simply look for the gold star or visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. More detailed information can also be obtained from the official US Department of Homeland Security page. 
 

Why Was the REAL ID Act Passed 

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 following the guidelines from the 9/11 Commission. The goal was to prevent the use of fraudulent identification and create consistent security standards for issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards across all states. Before the Act, each state had its own rules for issuing IDs, which made it easier for identity fraud to occur. 

Under the Act, state-issued IDs must meet strict guidelines for proof of identity, lawful status, and residence. Federal agencies, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are required to accept only REAL ID-compliant cards or other acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints and when granting access to certain federal facilities. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees the enforcement of these standards to ensure that every participating state verifies an individual's information correctly. The result is a more secure, standardized system that helps protect against identity theft, fraudulent activity, and unauthorized access to sensitive areas. 
 

Do You Need a REAL ID to Fly 

Yes, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights within the United States once REAL ID enforcement begins. This requirement is part of a federal effort to improve travel security at airport security checkpoints. 

Here’s when you will need a REAL ID: 

• Boarding a domestic flight departing from any US airport. 

• Entering secure areas at certain federal facilities or military bases, where proper identification is mandatory. 

• Visiting select federal government buildings that require a secure ID. 

Important to know: 

• You do not need a REAL ID for international travel; a valid passport or other approved travel document is still required for trips outside the United States. 

• Children under the age of 18 are not typically required to provide identification when traveling with a companion on domestic flights, according to Transportation Security Administration guidelines. 

If you do not have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, you may be denied access to airport security checkpoints, face additional screening, and risk missing your flight altogether. 

What are the Acceptable Alternatives to Real ID 

For travelers who prefer not to get a REAL ID, make sure to carry a valid form of identification that the TSA accepts. Here are the most common acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID: 

Valid US Passport 

A valid US passport serves as a proper identification document. It can be used for both domestic and international travel. If you already have a passport, you may not need a separate REAL ID. 

US Passport Card 

A passport card is a wallet-sized version of the US passport. It is valid for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights. 

Military ID 

Active duty and retired members of the military can use a military ID card at TSA checkpoints. Military IDs are considered REAL ID-compliant cards. 

Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) 

US permanent residents can use their Green Card to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. 

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) 

Some states issue an Enhanced Driver’s License, which meets both REAL ID and border crossing requirements. States offering enhanced driver's licenses include Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These cards typically include a flag and are noted as "Enhanced" rather than simply having a gold star. 

Travelers should check their identification status well before their travel date to avoid last-minute issues and make sure they meet the specific ID requirements at airport security checkpoints. 
 

What Does a REAL ID Look Like? 

A REAL ID is similar to a standard driver's license, but it includes specific features that indicate it meets federal security standards. The most noticeable feature of a REAL ID-compliant license is a gold star located in the upper portion of the card. 

Depending on your state, the star may be gold, black, or have a different design, but its presence generally means the card is compliant with the REAL ID Act. This star signifies that the cardholder’s identity and lawful status have been verified according to federal guidelines. 

Here’s how you can recognize a REAL ID: 

• Gold Star: Typically located at the top right or upper corner of the license or ID card. 

• State-Specific Design: Some states integrate additional design elements to reflect REAL ID compliance. 

• Text or Logos: Certain states may also print “REAL ID Compliant” or similar wording on the card. 

If your state-issued driver's license lacks a star or other indicator, it may only be a standard license, not a REAL ID-compliant one. In that case, you’ll need to either get a REAL ID or carry an acceptable alternative when traveling. 

Travelers are encouraged to obtain information directly from their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to verify what a REAL ID looks like in their state. 
 

Where Will You Need a REAL ID Besides Airports? 

While the most well-known use of a REAL ID-compliant license is for boarding domestic flights, travelers will also need a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative to access certain secure areas regulated by the federal government. 

Here’s where you need a REAL ID beyond air travel: 

Federal Facilities 

Some federal facilities and government buildings, especially those with restricted public access, require visitors to present proper identification. Examples include federal courthouses, Department of Homeland Security offices, and nuclear power plants. Not all federal facilities have the same rules; it's wise to verify access requirements before a visit. 

Military Bases 

To enter a military base for a tour, event, or to visit family, civilians must provide a REAL ID-compliant card, military ID, or another acceptable form of identification. Bases have their own security protocols, and enhanced ID requirements are strictly enforced. 

Other Federal Agency Offices 

Some locations managed by agencies like the Department of Energy, the Social Security Administration, or Customs and Border Protection may require REAL ID-compliant credentials to enter secure areas. Access rules can vary, depending on the building’s security level. 

If you plan to visit federal facilities, bring a REAL ID license or another TSA-accepted document. Certain federal buildings will deny entry if you lack a compliant ID, even for scheduled appointments. If travelers prefer not to obtain a REAL ID, carrying a valid passport or passport card is another way to meet identification requirements when entering secure government locations. 

Why Your REAL ID Matters for Travel Insurance Coverage 

While travel protection plans offer valuable support for unexpected trip disruptions, travelers should know that issues related to improper or missing identification, such as failing to present a REAL ID-compliant license, may not be covered under most standard policies. 

If a traveler is denied boarding at an airport security checkpoint due to not providing an acceptable form of identification, the situation is typically considered preventable and may fall outside covered reasons for trip interruption, cancellation, or delay benefits. 

Here’s what travelers should remember: 

• Review the full travel protection plan details before departure. 

• Understand what situations are covered and where exclusions apply, particularly regarding documentation issues. 

• Ensure you carry proper identification, whether a REAL ID, a valid passport, or another acceptable form, to avoid travel delays. 

Travelers preparing for trips within the United States should confirm they are REAL ID ready to minimize risks that travel protection may not address. 

For more information on identification requirements and accepted documents, visit the official page of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 
 

Conclusion 

Understanding REAL ID requirements is essential for travelers planning to fly within the United States. While the REAL ID Act introduces new identification standards, preparing ahead can make the process simple. Whether you choose to get a REAL ID or carry an acceptable alternative like a valid passport, having the proper documents will ensure smoother passage through airport security checkpoints and access to secure federal facilities. 

As the enforcement date approaches, taking a few steps now, such as checking your current ID and gathering required documents, can help avoid travel delays later. 
 

FAQs 

1. What documents are required to get a REAL ID? 

You’ll need to provide identity proof (passport or birth certificate), Social Security number (W-2 form, Social Security card, etc.), and two proofs of residency (utility bills, lease agreements). Requirements may vary slightly by state, so it’s best to check local DMV guidelines. 

2. Can I fly with a temporary driver’s license? 

A temporary driver's license is typically not accepted as identification for boarding domestic flights. Travelers should use a REAL ID-compliant license, a valid passport, or another acceptable form to clear airport security checkpoints. 

3. Do I need a REAL ID for non-air travel within the US? 

A REAL ID is not required for non-air travel, like driving, but it may be required to enter certain federal facilities or military bases. 

4. Do I need to renew my REAL ID every year? 

No, your REAL ID is valid for the same duration as a regular driver’s license, typically 4 to 8 years, depending on your state’s regulations. You will need to renew it once it expires. 

5. What should I do if my REAL ID is lost or stolen? 

If your REAL ID is lost or stolen, you should report it to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and apply for a replacement. You may need to provide proof of identity again.