Learn About REAL ID Requirements for Air Travel

Understanding What REAL ID Is and Why It Matters

REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It was created following the September 11, 2001 attacks as part of the REAL ID Act of 2005. The federal government set minimum security standards that state driver's licenses and ID cards must meet. These standards include better document verification, security features, and background checks.

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As of May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card to board a domestic airplane in the United States. This requirement applies to all commercial air travel within the country. It does not apply to international flights, though you will still need a valid passport or other acceptable document for those.

The REAL ID logo appears on compliant driver's licenses and ID cards as a small star in the top right corner. This star is the key way to identify whether your current ID meets federal standards for air travel. Not all states issued REAL ID cards at the same time, and some people may not have renewed their licenses since the standard was introduced.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that over 86 percent of Americans already hold a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card as of 2024. This means the majority of travelers will not need to take additional steps. However, millions of people still carry older licenses that do not meet the federal standard.

Practical takeaway: Check your current driver's license or ID card for the star symbol in the top right corner. If you see it, your identification meets federal air travel standards. If you do not see the star, you will need to understand your options before booking domestic flights.

Which Forms of Identification Work for Air Travel

REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards are the most common form of identification accepted for domestic air travel. However, the federal government recognizes several other documents that also allow you to board domestic flights. Understanding all acceptable forms helps you travel without confusion at airport security checkpoints.

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Valid passports satisfy federal air travel requirements regardless of whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant. A passport is a travel document issued by the U.S. Department of State. It serves as proof of citizenship and identity. Passports are accepted for both domestic and international flights. If you already have a valid passport, you can use it at airport security instead of obtaining a REAL ID card.

The federal government also accepts other documents for domestic air travel. These include:

• U.S. military identification cards (both active duty and dependent cards)
• Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized Native American tribes
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentials
• Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC cards)
• Permanent Resident Cards (also called Green Cards)
• Enhanced Driver's Licenses from certain states
• Passport Cards (the wallet-sized version of a passport)

Some states issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses before REAL ID became the federal standard. These cards contain machine-readable security features and are accepted at TSA checkpoints. However, not all states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses, and some states have phased them out in favor of REAL ID cards.

Non-compliant driver's licenses from states that have not met REAL ID standards are not accepted for domestic air travel. Additionally, ID cards issued by the District of Columbia that are not compliant will not work. If your identification does not fall into an accepted category, you have two main options: obtain a REAL ID-compliant card from your state, or use an alternative acceptable document such as a passport.

Practical takeaway: You have multiple ways to board a domestic flight. You do not have to obtain a REAL ID card if you already have a passport, military ID, or other federally accepted document. Choose the option that works best for your circumstances and travel plans.

How to Obtain a REAL ID-Compliant License or ID Card

Each state manages its own driver's license and ID card programs. The process for obtaining a REAL ID card varies by state, but all states follow the same federal requirements for verification and security. Most states allow you to obtain a REAL ID card either in person at a driver's license office or through a combination of online and in-person steps.

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In-person visits to your state's driver's license office are required for obtaining a REAL ID card. You cannot complete the entire process online. During your visit, you will need to provide original documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and residence. The specific documents required may vary by state, but the federal government requires verification of these three pieces of information.

Common documents used to prove identity include:

• U.S. passport or passport card
• Birth certificate (must be certified or official)
• Consular reports of birth abroad
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship

Documents used to prove your Social Security number include your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. Documents to prove residence may include utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements. Most documents must be current or recent, though specific timeframes vary by state. Some documents may need to be original copies rather than photocopies.

Fees for REAL ID cards differ by state. Most states charge between $15 and $50 for a REAL ID driver's license renewal or replacement. Some states charge the same fee for REAL ID cards as they do for non-compliant cards, while others charge an additional fee for the enhanced security features. Contact your state's driver's license office for specific pricing information in your area.

Processing times also vary by state. Some states issue REAL ID cards immediately upon application, while others mail cards within one to two weeks. A small number of states have longer processing times. Check with your state's driver's license office about timing before you plan any travel.

Practical takeaway: Contact your state's motor vehicle department before visiting an office. Ask what documents you need to bring, what fees apply, and how long the process takes. Having this information in advance prevents making multiple trips and ensures you bring everything needed on your first visit.

States With REAL ID Compliance and Current Status

All 50 states now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards. However, not all states issued them at the same time. Some states began issuing REAL ID cards in 2009, while others did not start until 2020 or later. Understanding your state's status helps you know whether a REAL ID card is readily available in your state.

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States fall into different categories based on their compliance status. Some states have been fully compliant for many years and only issue REAL ID-compliant cards. Other states are in a transition period where they issue both REAL ID-compliant and non-compliant cards. A small number of states only recently achieved full compliance.

Most states that began issuing REAL ID cards early now only issue compliant versions. These states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The District of Columbia also issues REAL ID-compliant identification cards. U.S. territories including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands have varying levels of REAL ID compliance.

You can verify your state's current status through the Department of Homeland Security website or by contacting your state's driver's license office directly. If you are unsure whether your state is fully compliant, or whether your specific license is REAL ID-compliant, check for the star symbol on your card.

Practical takeaway: All states now offer REAL ID-compliant identification. If your current license does not have the star symbol, you can renew or replace it at your state's driver's license office.