FAQ: 5 things you need to know about the REAL ID

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash. Beginning May 7, 2025, anyone 18 years and older that plans to fly domestically or visit certain Federal facilities will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Find out what you need to know about the REAL ID in our FAQ.

1. What is REAL ID? The REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that don't meet these standards for accessing federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants.

2. What happens when the REAL ID enforcement date begins? Beginning May 7, 2025, federal agencies may only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for accessing federal facilities and TSA airport security checkpoints if the license or card was issued by a REAL ID compliant state and includes the REAL ID compliant star marking. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are acceptable alternatives.

3. How do I get a REAL ID? To get a REAL ID, visit your state's driver's licensing agency website. At a minimum, you'll need documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address; and 5) Lawful Status.

4. My driver’s license does not have a REAL ID compliant star marking. What other acceptable documentation can I use? Other acceptable documentation that may be used at airport security checkpoints include.

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

   • U.S. passport

   • U.S. passport card

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

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

   • Permanent resident card (also known as the “Green Card”)

   • Border crossing card

   • An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, 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

   • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) (also known as the “EAD” or “work permit”)

   • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

   • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

5. What happens if I arrive at airport security without a REAL ID compliant identification? Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. Specifically, the TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

This is a fairly new development so it’s important to keep yourself informed. Stay tuned as we monitor this and other developments. Learn more on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dedicated webpage or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) page. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tumblr, for up-to-date immigration news.

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