The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began full enforcement of REAL ID requirements on May 7, 2025, marking a significant change in how Americans board domestic flights. If you’re planning to fly within the United States, understanding the TSA REAL ID requirements for air travel is no longer optional—it’s essential.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about REAL ID compliance, acceptable forms of identification for flying, what happens if you don’t have the right ID, and how to prepare for smooth passage through airport security.

What Are TSA ID Requirements?

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The law was created in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, which identified the need for stronger identity verification standards to enhance national security.

The Purpose Behind REAL ID

Before REAL ID, each state set its own standards for issuing driver’s licenses and identification cards. This created a patchwork system with varying security levels, making it easier to obtain fraudulent identification. The REAL ID Act standardized requirements across all states, mandating:

Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other approved documents)
Social Security number verification
Legal residency documentation
Proof of address (utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements)
Enhanced security features (holograms, digital photos, tamper-resistant materials)

The result is a more secure, uniform identification system that federal agencies—including TSA—can trust when verifying travelers’ identities.

When Is REAL ID Required to Fly?

REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025. From this date forward, all travelers aged 18 and older must present either a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative form of identification to board domestic commercial flights.

The Long Road to Enforcement

The REAL ID deadline has been postponed multiple times since 2005:

2005: REAL ID Act signed into law
2008: Original compliance deadline
2008-2020: Multiple extensions due to state resistance and implementation challenges
2020-2023: Additional delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic
May 7, 2025: Final enforcement deadline implemented

Federal agencies, including DHS and TSA, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as identification for purposes of accessing federal facilities—including TSA airport security checkpoints—if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state in accordance with the REAL ID security standards.

Who Needs a REAL ID?

You need a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative if you:

Are 18 years of age or older
Plan to board domestic commercial flights
Need to access certain federal facilities
Want to enter nuclear power plants

You do NOT need a REAL ID if you:

Are under 18 years old (minors don’t need ID for domestic flights when accompanied by adults)
Have a valid U.S. passport or passport card
Possess an Enhanced Driver’s License from an eligible state
Hold a DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
Have a military ID (active duty or dependent)
Only drive and never fly or visit federal facilities

How to Identify a REAL ID-Compliant License

Not sure if your current driver’s license meets TSA REAL ID requirements? Here’s how to tell:

The REAL ID Star Marking

The license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking. Look for:

A gold or black star in the upper right corner of your license
A flag symbol on Enhanced Driver’s Licenses instead of a star
Bear + star symbol on California REAL IDs
“REAL ID” text printed on the license (some states)

State-Specific Variations

Different states display REAL ID compliance slightly differently:

Most states: Gold star in upper right corner
California: Gold bear with star
Florida: Gold star with “FLORIDA” text inside
Texas: Gold star in circle
New York: Gold star with “ENHANCED” for EDLs
Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont: Flag symbol for Enhanced Driver’s Licenses

What If Your License Has No Star?

If your driver’s license doesn’t display a star or special marking, it’s likely not REAL ID-compliant. This means you’ll need to either:

Upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license at your state DMV
Use an acceptable alternative form of identification (passport, military ID, etc.)

Don’t panic—you have options, and upgrading is straightforward in most states.

Acceptable Forms of Identification for Flying

If you don’t have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, TSA accepts numerous alternative forms of identification. If you’re booking trips soon, travel portals like Capital One Travel already notify users of REAL ID requirements and airport-specific updates while reserving flights.

Primary Acceptable IDs

U.S. Passport or Passport Card:

Most universally accepted form of identification
Valid for both domestic and international travel
No expiration restrictions (TSA accepts passports expired up to 2 years)
Passport cards work only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Bermuda, but are valid for domestic flights

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID

Functions as both license and border-crossing document
Contains RFID chip for expedited processing
Marked with flag symbol instead of star
More expensive than standard REAL ID ($50-100 depending on state)

DHS Trusted Traveler Cards:

Global Entry card
NEXUS card
SENTRI card
FAST card

These cards prove you’ve already undergone extensive background checks for expedited border crossing programs.

Military Identification:

Active duty military ID
Dependent ID cards
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Retired military ID

Permanent Resident Card (Green Card):

Valid for TSA identification purposes
Must be current (not expired)

Additional Acceptable IDs:

Border Crossing Card
Tribal identification cards (federally recognized tribes)
Canadian provincial driver’s license
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Merchant Mariner Credential

Complete TSA Acceptable ID List

TSA maintains a comprehensive list of acceptable identification documents. Beyond the most common forms listed above, TSA also accepts:

U.S. Department of State Diplomat ID
Federal agency PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Employment authorization document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
Inmate identification card (with certain restrictions)

Do I Need a REAL ID If I Have a Passport?

No, you do not need a REAL ID if you have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. Passports are federally issued identification documents that meet all TSA security requirements for domestic and international air travel.

Passport vs. REAL ID: Which Should You Get?

Choose a U.S. Passport if:

You travel internationally or plan to in the future
You want the most universally accepted identification
You don’t mind the higher cost ($130 for passport book, $30 for card)
You prefer not to carry your driver’s license for flights

Choose a REAL ID if:

You only fly domestically within the U.S.
You already need to renew your driver’s license
You want a more affordable option ($30-40 typically)
You prefer one card for both driving and flying

Get both if:

You travel frequently both domestically and internationally
You want backup identification options
You need maximum flexibility

Many travelers opt for both a REAL ID-compliant license and a passport, using the license for routine domestic flights and the passport for international travel and as a backup.

TSA: Can I Fly with a Paper ID?

You cannot get through TSA and fly if you only have paper identification with you. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer accepts Temporary (Interim) Licenses and ID Cards as proof of identification.

Why Paper IDs Don’t Work

Temporary or paper licenses lack the security features required by TSA:

No holographic images or special inks
Easy to forge or alter
Cannot be scanned electronically
Don’t contain embedded security chips

What If You Only Have a Paper License?

If you recently renewed your license and only have the temporary paper document, you have several options:

Option 1: Bring Your Old License If your old license hasn’t expired by more than two years, bring it along with your paper temporary license. TSA may accept the combination, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Option 2: Use Alternative ID Bring your passport, military ID, or another acceptable form from the TSA list.

Option 3: Identity Verification Process Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours early and go through TSA’s alternative identity verification process (explained later in this guide).

Option 4: Postpone Travel Wait until your permanent license arrives in the mail before flying.

Planning Around License Renewals

If you need to renew your license and have upcoming flights:

Renew early: Start the process 2-3 months before expiration
Request expedited processing if available in your state
Keep your old license until the new one arrives
Check processing times at your DMV before booking flights
Have backup ID ready (passport, military ID, etc.)

Can You Fly with a Temporary REAL ID?

The situation with temporary REAL ID documents is nuanced. Temporary or limited-term licenses and identification cards need to be renewed in person and upon presentation and verification of valid documentary evidence.

Two Types of “Temporary” IDs

1. Interim Paper Licenses (Not Accepted): The paper document you receive immediately after renewing at the DMV while waiting for your permanent card is NOT accepted by TSA for air travel.

2. Limited-Term REAL IDs (May Be Accepted): Some states issue limited-term REAL IDs to non-citizens with temporary legal status. Temporary and limited term cards need to clearly indicate both on its face and in the machine readable zone that they are temporary and include the expiration date. These plastic cards with proper markings may be accepted if they’re REAL ID-compliant.

Best Practices

Don’t fly with only paper documentation unless you’re prepared for the alternative verification process
Request expedited processing when renewing your license if you have upcoming flights
Keep your old license as backup until the new one arrives
Use alternative ID (passport) if you must travel before your permanent license arrives

TSA: Can You Fly with an Expired License?

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above listed forms of identification. This means you CAN fly with an expired license or ID, but only if:

Requirements for Using Expired ID

It must be:

Expired for less than 2 years
A REAL ID-compliant license (with the star marking)
Or an acceptable alternative (passport, military ID, etc.)
Still physically intact and readable

What TSA Accepts When Expired

U.S. passport (expired up to 2 years)
REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (expired up to 2 years)
Passport card (expired up to 2 years)
Military ID (check specific guidelines)

What TSA Does NOT Accept

Non-REAL ID-compliant licenses, even if expired less than 2 years
IDs expired more than 2 years
Damaged IDs that are unreadable
Foreign driver’s licenses expired any amount of time

Important Considerations

While TSA may accept your recently expired ID, other parties may not:

Car rental companies typically require valid, unexpired licenses
Hotels may have policies against expired identification
Bars and restaurants checking age won’t accept expired IDs
International travel requires valid, unexpired passports

Bottom line: While you technically CAN fly with an expired ID (if within 2 years and REAL ID-compliant), it’s risky and inconvenient. Renew your identification before it expires whenever possible.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Acceptable ID at the Airport?

Arriving at the airport without proper identification doesn’t automatically mean you can’t fly, but it does complicate the process significantly.

TSA’s Alternative Identity Verification Process

If you arrive without acceptable ID, If you arrive at the airport without valid identification you may still be allowed to fly. TSA has procedures for verifying identity through alternative means:

Step 1: Notify TSA Officer Immediately inform the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you don’t have acceptable identification. Don’t wait in line only to be turned away.

Step 2: Identity Verification Questions You’ll be taken to a separate area where a TSA supervisor will ask questions to verify your identity:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Current address
Previous addresses
Social Security number
Family member names
Employment information

Step 3: Database Verification TSA will attempt to verify your identity through multiple databases and public records. This process takes 15-45 minutes typically.

Step 4: Additional Screening Even if TSA successfully verifies your identity, expect:

Enhanced pat-down screening
Complete bag search
Explosives trace detection
Additional questioning

Step 5: Boarding Decision TSA will make a final determination on whether you can proceed to your gate. This isn’t guaranteed—if TSA cannot verify your identity to their satisfaction, you’ll be denied entry.

Success Rates and Timing

While TSA doesn’t publish exact statistics, anecdotal reports suggest:

70-80% success rate for those attempting alternative verification
30-60 minutes average processing time
Higher success rates during off-peak hours with more available staff
Lower stress levels when travelers arrive very early

Documents That Help (But Aren’t Sufficient Alone)

While these won’t replace proper ID, they can support the verification process:

Birth certificate (non-certified copy)
Credit cards with your name
Social Security card
Prescription medication with your name
Work ID badge
Photos of your lost/stolen ID on your phone
Utility bills or bank statements

When Alternative Verification Fails

If TSA cannot verify your identity, you have limited options:

Miss your flight and arrange alternative identification
Contact local police to see if they can assist with verification
Have someone overnight your ID if it’s at home
Visit DMV for emergency ID (if time permits and DMV is nearby)
Rebook travel for after you’ve obtained proper identification

How to Apply for a REAL ID

Obtaining a REAL ID is straightforward but requires preparation and documentation.

Documents You’ll Need

Proof of Identity (bring ONE):

U.S. birth certificate (certified copy with raised seal)
U.S. passport or passport card
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Social Security Proof (bring ONE):

Social Security card
W-2 form
Pay stub with full SSN
1099 form

Proof of Residency (bring TWO different documents):

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, cable)
Bank statement
Mortgage or lease agreement
Property tax statement
Home insurance policy
Voter registration card

Legal Presence (for non-U.S. citizens):

Permanent Resident Card
Employment Authorization Document
Valid foreign passport with I-94
I-20 with unexpired visa

The Application Process

Step 1: Gather Documents Collect all required documentation before visiting the DMV. Make a checklist and verify you have everything.

Step 2: Complete Pre-Application (Optional) Many states allow online pre-registration to save time at the DMV:

Visit your state DMV website
Complete the REAL ID application form
Upload document photos (some states)
Schedule an appointment (highly recommended)

Step 3: Visit DMV in Person REAL ID applications must be completed in person—you cannot do this entirely online or by mail:

Bring all original documents (no photocopies for identity documents)
Allow 30-90 minutes for the process
Take a new photo
Provide signature sample
Pay the fee ($30-50 typically)

Step 4: Receive Temporary Document You’ll typically receive a paper receipt, but remember this cannot be used for air travel.

Step 5: Wait for Permanent Card

Arrives by mail in 1-4 weeks depending on state
Track delivery if your state offers it
Verify the star marking when it arrives
Report any errors immediately

State-Specific Requirements

Requirements vary slightly by state. Check your state DMV website for:

Exact document requirements
Processing fees
Wait times and appointment availability
Online pre-application options
Delivery timeframes

Costs and Timing

Typical Costs:

Standard REAL ID upgrade: $25-40
Enhanced Driver’s License: $50-100
Replacement/duplicate: $15-30
Expedited processing (if available): $30-60 additional

Timeline Expectations:

In-person appointment: 30-90 minutes
Processing time: 1-4 weeks for delivery
During peak seasons (summer): Add 1-2 weeks
Renewal close to expiration: May take longer

Pro Tip: Apply for your REAL ID when your regular license renewal comes up to avoid paying duplicate fees.

TSA Security Updates Beyond REAL ID

Understanding broader TSA changes helps you prepare for smoother airport experiences.

Facial Recognition Technology

TSA is expanding biometric verification at security checkpoints:

How It Works:

Camera captures your face at the checkpoint
System compares photo to your ID
Verification happens in seconds
No need to hand ID to officer

Key Points:

Participation is optional – you can decline and proceed with standard verification
Photos are deleted immediately after verification
Privacy protections prevent storage or other uses
Speeds up processing significantly

Where It’s Available: Currently deployed at major airports including:

All terminals at major hubs (ATL, LAX, JFK, ORD, DFW)
Expanding to 400+ airports by end of 2025
Both TSA PreCheck and standard lanes

Digital ID Integration

Several states and tech companies are developing digital driver’s licenses:

Current Status:

Apple Wallet: Supports digital IDs from Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia
Google Wallet: Testing in select states
TSA Acceptance: Limited to certain airports currently
REAL ID Compliant: Digital versions meet requirements

Advantages:

Always with you (no forgotten wallet)
Can’t be physically stolen
Easy to update if information changes
Convenient for multiple verifications

Limitations:

Not accepted everywhere yet
Phone must have battery
Technical glitches possible
Privacy concerns for some travelers

Other Security Changes

Power Bank Restrictions:

Must be in carry-on baggage only
Prohibited in checked bags due to fire risk
Capacity limits apply (usually 100Wh)

Liquid Rules:

Still limited to 3.4 oz containers
Must fit in quart-size bag
New scanning technology may eventually eliminate this

Checkpoint Lane Optimization:

Automated screening lanes at major airports
Multiple bins per traveler speeds process
RFID-tagged bins track flow

Special Situations and Edge Cases

Flying with Children Under 18

Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights when accompanied by an adult with valid identification. However:

Recommendations:

Bring birth certificates for infants and toddlers
School IDs or other photo identification for teens
Custody documents if traveling with only one parent
Notarized permission letters if traveling with non-parents

International Travel: All children, including infants, need passports for international flights regardless of age.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines have specific policies for children flying alone:

Age requirements vary (typically 5-14 must use unaccompanied minor service)
Identification requirements determined by airline
Parent/guardian must show ID at drop-off
Person picking up must show ID and match approved list

Name Mismatches

Your ID must match your boarding pass name exactly. Issues arise when:

Recent Name Changes:

Marriage or divorce changed your name
Recently transitioned and updated documentation
Legal name change for other reasons

Solutions:

Bring marriage certificate or court order
Update ticket to match ID (easier than changing ID last-minute)
Contact airline at least 24 hours before flight
Some airlines allow minor corrections free

Middle Names:

Not always required on boarding passes
Middle initial is acceptable
Use exactly what’s on your ID

International Travel Considerations

REAL ID rules apply only to domestic flights. For international travel:

Requirements:

Valid passport required (not expired)
REAL ID not sufficient for leaving U.S.
Visas may be needed depending on destination
Six-month validity rule for many countries

Passport Card Limitations:

Valid for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Bermuda
NOT valid for international air travel
Use passport book for flying internationally

TSA PreCheck and REAL ID

Having TSA PreCheck doesn’t exempt you from REAL ID requirements:

What TSA PreCheck Provides:

Expedited security screening
Keep shoes, belt, light jacket on
Leave laptop and liquids in bag
Shorter lines and faster processing

What It Doesn’t Provide:

Exemption from REAL ID requirements
Ability to fly without proper identification
International travel privileges

Best Combination: TSA PreCheck + REAL ID/Passport = Fastest, smoothest airport experience

Lost or Stolen ID While Traveling

If your ID is lost or stolen during a trip:

Immediate Steps:

File police report in the jurisdiction where it was lost/stolen
Contact your state DMV about replacement options
Visit U.S. embassy/consulate if traveling internationally
Prepare for alternative verification at airport

Return Flight Options:

Go through TSA alternative verification process
Have someone overnight your passport from home
Get emergency passport at embassy if abroad
Local DMV may issue emergency temporary ID (rare)

Preparing for Smooth Airport Security

Your Pre-Flight Checklist

Two Weeks Before Flight:

[ ] Verify your ID has the REAL ID star or you have acceptable alternative
[ ] Check ID expiration date
[ ] Ensure name on ID matches boarding pass exactly
[ ] Request name correction from airline if needed
[ ] Apply for REAL ID if you don’t have one

Day Before Flight:

[ ] Pack ID in easily accessible location
[ ] Take photo of ID as backup
[ ] Charge phone fully
[ ] Review TSA prohibited items list
[ ] Check flight status and terminal

At the Airport:

[ ] Arrive 2 hours early for domestic (3 hours if no proper ID)
[ ] Have ID ready before reaching TSA podium
[ ] Remove items from pockets
[ ] Follow TSA officer instructions
[ ] Be patient and polite

What to Keep in Your Wallet While Traveling

Essential:

REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative
Backup ID (passport if you have both)
Credit cards (notify bank of travel)
Health insurance card
Emergency contact information

Leave at Home:

Social Security card (risk of identity theft)
Extra credit cards you won’t use
Non-essential loyalty cards
Irreplaceable sentimental items

Apps to Download

TSA Mobile App:

Wait times at security checkpoints
What can I bring tool
Flight delay information
Real-time updates

Mobile Passport Control:

Expedited passport control for U.S. citizens
Free to use
Available at 40+ airports
Faster than regular immigration lines

Airline Apps:

Mobile boarding passes
Flight updates
Gate changes
Baggage tracking

Common REAL ID Questions Answered

Q: Can I use my REAL ID for international travel? No. International flights require a valid passport. REAL ID-compliant licenses work only for domestic flights and federal facilities within the U.S.

Q: Do I need REAL ID to drive? No. You can drive with a non-compliant license. REAL ID is only required for boarding planes and entering certain federal facilities.

Q: Will REAL ID have my personal information? REAL ID contains the same information as your current license—name, address, date of birth, photo. The difference is the enhanced security features and verification standards.

Q: Can I have both REAL ID and Enhanced Driver’s License? No. You can only have one type of license at a time. Choose the EDL if you need border-crossing capabilities; otherwise, standard REAL ID is sufficient and cheaper.

Q: What if my state hasn’t issued REAL ID yet? All U.S. states and territories are now REAL ID compliant. If you haven’t received yours, visit your DMV to upgrade.

Q: Does REAL ID tracking my movements? No. REAL ID doesn’t contain GPS or tracking technology. The security features verify authenticity, not track location.

Q: Can I fly to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, or Alaska without a passport? Yes. These are domestic destinations. A REAL ID or acceptable alternative is sufficient.

Q: Do I need REAL ID for train or bus travel? No. REAL ID requirements apply only to commercial air travel and certain federal facilities, not ground transportation.

Final Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Before You Book

When booking flights through travel portals or directly with airlines:

Verify your identification status first
Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your ID
Double-check spelling before completing purchase
Save confirmation emails and boarding pass access information

Stay Informed

REAL ID requirements and TSA procedures can evolve:

Check TSA.gov before each trip
Sign up for TSA text/email alerts
Follow TSA social media for updates
Read airline communications about ID requirements

The Bottom Line

TSA REAL ID requirements for air travel are now fully enforced. While the transition has taken nearly two decades, the deadline is here and non-compliance means you can’t board domestic flights without acceptable alternative identification.

Don’t let identification issues ruin your travel plans. Check your ID today, upgrade to REAL ID if needed, or ensure you have an acceptable alternative ready. With proper preparation, you’ll breeze through TSA checkpoints and focus on enjoying your journey.