New REAL ID requirements go into effect on May 7, 2025, for U.S. travelers flying domestically. Find out what that means, including the documents you'll need to show at airport security checkpoints and how to know if you have the right type of identification for your trip.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is an upgraded form of a U.S. driver’s license or photo ID card that meets enhanced federal security standards. It allows cardholders limited access to certain federal facilities and is accepted as a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints for domestic air travel.

What are TSA ID requirements in 2025?

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will only accept state-issued driver’s licenses or ID cards for domestic flights if they are REAL ID-compliant. These IDs typically display a star in the top right corner, which may appear as a plain star, a star inside a circle, or a star inside a bear, depending on the state.

If you’re unsure whether your ID is compliant, check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for state-specific details.

Importantly, the REAL ID requirement only applies to licenses or IDs issued by the DMV. Adults age 18 and over can still use any valid TSA-accepted form of identification for domestic flights, such as:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)

• U.S. passport or passport card

• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

• U.S. Department of Defense IDs (including IDs issued to dependents

• Permanent resident card

• Border crossing card

• Tribal-issued photo IDs, 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 (TWIC)

• USCIS Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766)

• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Note: Temporary driver's licenses are not accepted for TSA screening.

Who needs a REAL ID for domestic travel and when?

As mentioned above, the TSA accepts various forms of identification for domestic flights. However, if U.S. state and territory residents aged 18 and above want to use their driver's license or state photo ID as proof of identity when flying within the United States, they will need to ensure that their card is REAL ID compliant. This security measure will officially take effect on May 7, 2025. If you prefer to use a passport or another acceptable form of ID, you do not need a REAL ID.

REAL ID vs. passport: What’s the difference?

Both a REAL ID and a passport are valid for domestic air travel. However, a REAL ID cannot be used for international travel — even to nearby destinations like Mexico or Canada. For any international trip, a valid passport is still required.

Does REAL ID replace passports for international travel?

No, a REAL ID does not replace the need to carry your passport when traveling internationally. A passport is a mandatory travel document for those leaving the United States.

Can you use a passport instead of REAL ID?

Yes, a passport is a valid form of identification both in the United States and abroad. In the U.S., travelers can choose to present a passport or a REAL ID, but they do not need to have both. 

Do you need a REAL ID for domestic travel?

It depends. If you're planning to fly within the U.S. and use your driver’s license or state ID as identification, it must be REAL ID-compliant. However, if you present a passport, passport card, or other TSA-approved ID, a REAL ID is not required.

Can I still use a passport for domestic flights?

Absolutely! If you prefer to travel with your passport as proof of identity, then that is perfectly acceptable for U.S. domestic flights.

How do I get a REAL ID?

U.S. residents aged 18 and older can obtain a REAL ID by visiting their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and providing the required documents, which typically include proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands) currently issue REAL ID-compliant credentials.

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

If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant license by May 7, 2025, you can still fly domestically by presenting another valid form of identification accepted by the TSA. If you don’t have any acceptable ID, you may be subject to additional screening or denied entry past airport security.

Disclaimer: All information in this article is accurate as of April 30, 2025. Travel regulations and identification requirements are subject to change. Please refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.