How to Prepare for REAL ID Enforcement on Domestic US Flights
are you compliant with new identification standards?As of 07 May 2025, any identification that is not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted at U.S. airports.
REAL ID is a federally mandated identification standard that was created under the REAL ID Act of 2005. It aims to improve the reliability of IDs and better prevent terrorism and identity fraud.
Since its rollout on 07 May 2025, U.S. citizens require a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings – traditional state-issued driving licenses or ID cards will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
In this article, we list the valid forms of REAL ID and its alternatives, explain how you can get hold of one, and prepare you for what you can expect when traveling within the U.S.
What are the Valid Forms of ID?
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Valid Forms of REAL ID
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification can be discerned by the presence of a gold or black star (a bear with a star in California) in the upper portion of the document. They are typically state-issued and collected from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- REAL ID-Compliant Driver’s License
- REAL ID-Compliant State ID Card
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs)*
*Is REAL ID compliant but displays a U.S. flag instead of a star.
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Other Valid IDs
The following are not REAL ID licenses, but they are accepted for the same federal purposes:
- U.S. Military ID
- U.S. Passport / Passport Card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards
- Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa & I-94
For the full list of alternative valid IDs, visit the TSA website.
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Non-Compliant IDs
The following are not compliant when entering federal buildings or traveling on domestic U.S. flights:
- State-Issued ID (without REAL ID star)
- Temporary Driver’s License
- Student or Employee ID Cards
- Mobile Driver’s License*
* Unless explicitly compliant. Find out more here.
How to Acquire a Valid REAL ID
In order to obtain an official REAL ID, you need to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and provide specific documents, typically:
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form)
- Two proofs of residency (e.g., utility bills or lease agreements)
- Proof of lawful status in the U.S.
To schedule an appointment, visit your state’s DMV website. Some states offer walk-in services, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Be aware that documentation requirements and fees may vary by state
Can I Board Domestic Flights Without a REAL ID as a Non-U.S. Citizen?
If you’re a non-U.S. resident planning to travel within the United States, you do not need a REAL ID to board domestic flights. Instead, you can use your valid foreign passport as an acceptable form of identification at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints.
However, if you’re a non-U.S. citizen residing legally in the U.S. – such as a green card holder, visa holder, or someone with temporary protected status – you may be eligible to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card. Eligibility and requirements can vary.
In Conclusion
All U.S. travelers planning to take domestic flights have been required to be REAL ID compliant since 07 May 2025. Before traveling you will need to know:
- Whether your identification is REAL ID valid, determined by a gold or black star on the ID.
- What alternative IDs are valid (including a U.S. Military ID or a U.S. Passport)
- What IDs are no longer accepted (including student IDs or a temporary driver’s license)
To acquire a REAL ID, travelers will need to schedule an appointment at their local DMV and ensure that they have the relevant paperwork to hand. By following these steps, and complying with REAL ID guidelines, you should be guaranteed a smooth domestic flight.
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