As of May 7, 2025, all adult air travelers are required to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the United States.
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this new requirement. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact my office at 919-967-7924.
More information on REAL ID requirements from the Department of Homeland Security is available here.
What is a REAL ID?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, outlining the security requirements identification cards must meet for a resident to access certain federal government facilities or board an airline flight in the United States. These REAL ID requirements are fully in effect as of May 7, 2025.
What forms of ID will be accepted?
The following forms of identification will be accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to board a flight. A full list of acceptable IDs is available on the TSA website.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Traveler cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation
- HSPD-12 PIV Card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian driver's license
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Expired IDs are accepted by TSA for up to two years after the expiration date.
Are minors required to have a REAL ID?
No, children under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
Will I be able to travel without a REAL ID?
Yes, but you may be directed to a separate screening area for travelers without REAL IDs. Procedures may vary by airport depending on technology and staffing capabilities. If TSA cannot verify your identity, you will be directed back to the airline ticketing counter. TSA estimates that more than 80% of current travelers are using REAL ID-compliant forms of identification.
Can immigrants obtain REAL IDs?
Yes, immigrants with the following statuses can obtain REAL IDs:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs)
- Lawfully admitted for temporary residence
- Conditional permanent resident status
- Approved aslyum applicants
- Refugees
Permanent resident cards, foreign-issued passports, and USCIS Employment Authorization Cards are all REAL-ID compliant.
Are temporary paper IDs compliant?
Temporary Paper IDs will only be accepted if presented with an expired driver's license or another state-issued ID.