Legal Requirements for REAL ID Use in U.S. Travel
Domestic Air Travel
- Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 and older must present to the U.S. Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another acceptable form of identification (such as a U.S. passport), to board domestic flights within the United States.
- A REAL ID-compliant card is typically marked with a star in the upper corner. If your state-issued ID does not have this marking, it is not compliant
- Alternative forms of ID accepted by the TSA include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS)
- Permanent resident card (Green Card)
- U.S. military ID
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).[1]
- Children under 18 are not required by the TSA to have identification for domestic flights, but airlines may have their own requirements.
International Travel
- REAL ID is NOT valid for international travel. A U.S. passport (book or card, depending on destination) is required for all international air travel, regardless of age.
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs), available in some states, are REAL ID-compliant and can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries, but not for international air travel.
Entering U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices
- A REAL ID is not specifically required to enter U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices. However, you must present a valid, government-issued photo identification to verify your identity.
- Acceptable forms of I.D. include:
- A state-issued driver’s license or ID card (REAL ID-compliant or not)
- A U.S. passport or passport card
- A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Other government-issued photo IDs
Additional Uses and Requirements
- Federal Facilities: REAL ID is required to access certain federal facilities, such as military bases and nuclear power plants, after May 7, 2025.
- Obtaining a REAL ID: You must apply in person at your state’s DMV, providing proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. Requirements may vary by state.
Key Takeaways
- For domestic flights after May 7, 2025: You must have a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another TSA-accepted ID.
- For international flights: Only a valid passport is accepted; REAL ID is not sufficient.
- For federal facility access: REAL ID or another compliant ID is required after the deadline.
- If you lack a REAL ID or alternative ID at the airport: You may face delays, additional screening, or be denied entry to the security checkpoint.
ADVISEMENT FOR NON- U.S. CITIZENS
This information is solely intended to address the requirements of the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) for boarding domestic flights within the United States and for boarding international flights into the United States. Please note that for non-citizens seeking entry to the U.S. additional documentation may be required for inspection by U.S.Citizenship and Border Protection (CBP) such as a foreign passport, currently valid petition approval notice, visa, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and other documents specific to the traveler’s visa and/or immigration status.
[1] See complete list of acceptable forms of Identification here:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification)
