Key Takeaways
• From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant or approved IDs are accepted for U.S. domestic flights.
• Expired, non-compliant, and student IDs are not valid at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.
• A U.S. Passport always works; children under 18 traveling with compliant adults do not need their own ID.
Starting on May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration is setting new rules about what kinds of identification you will need if you’re traveling by plane within the United States 🇺🇸. This change affects all air travelers who are 18 years old or older, whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or visiting the country. It’s very important to have the right ID because if you don’t, you will not be allowed past airport security checkpoints and you will miss your flight. Let’s break down what you need to know, which documents are approved, and what steps you should take to get ready.
What Is Changing in 2025?
The new rule comes from the REAL ID Act, which Congress has been working on enforcing for many years. Starting on May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant document or another approved form of identification to board any commercial aircraft in the United States 🇺🇸. The Transportation Security Administration will strictly check IDs at all security points, and you cannot board a flight if your ID isn’t accepted under these rules.
Signs and messages explaining these rules have been posted at airports all over the country for months. The goal is to remind everyone to get the proper document early, so no one gets surprised or left behind on their day of travel. According to information from the TSA, it is best to prepare as soon as you can, even before you book your next flight.
REAL ID: What Is It?
You may have heard the term “REAL ID” in news reports or seen it on your driver’s license. A REAL ID is a type of driver’s license or identification card that meets higher security standards. These standards were set by the government to make sure that IDs are harder to fake or misuse.
You can recognize a REAL ID by the star printed in the upper right corner of your driver’s license or ID card. If you’re unsure if your license is REAL ID-compliant, check for this star. If it doesn’t have the star, your license will not be accepted for flying after May 7, 2025, unless your state has been given a special extension. Most states already issue REAL IDs, but some people still have old versions.
The TSA is encouraging everyone to look at their cards now and not wait until the last minute. If you need to get a REAL ID, you can visit your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) to find out the requirements. You’ll likely need to bring documents like your birth certificate, proof of address, and your Social Security Number.
For more help understanding what documents are needed for a REAL ID, or to see frequently asked questions, you can visit the TSA’s official REAL ID page.
Approved Documents for Air Travel
The Transportation Security Administration has published a full list of IDs that are acceptable at all U.S. airports. Let’s go through this list in detail.
1. State-Issued Driver’s Licenses or ID Cards
- REAL ID-Compliant Card: Your state-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID card must be REAL ID-compliant after May 7, 2025. Look for the star in the upper corner.
- Enhanced Driver’s License: Some states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which are also acceptable for air travel and certain border crossings.
Tip: If your driver’s license does not have the star or is not labeled as “Enhanced,” it is not enough for air travel in the United States 🇺🇸 after the deadline.
2. U.S.-Issued Federal Documents
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card: A regular passport booklet or the smaller passport card will be accepted. Passports can be used for both international and domestic flights.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Cards: These include the Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards. They are given by the DHS to people who have passed background checks for faster border crossings.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: If you are in the military or are a dependent, your Department of Defense ID is always accepted.
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card: Often called a “green card”, this ID allows you to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 if you are not a U.S. citizen.
- Border Crossing Card: These are held by certain citizens of Mexico 🇲🇽 who are permitted to cross into the United States 🇺🇸 under special rules.
Advice: A U.S. Passport is almost always the most easily accepted document because it works for all flights, both domestic and international. Keeping your passport updated can also make last-minute travel easier.
3. Other Federally Issued Credentials
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): This card is given to people who need access to secure areas of transportation facilities, like docks and ports.
- HSPD-12 PIV Card: PIV stands for Personal Identity Verification. These cards are for federal employees and contractors.
4. Tribal and Foreign Government Credentials
- Tribal IDs: If you are a member of a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe in the United States 🇺🇸, your photo Tribal ID card—including Enhanced Tribal Cards—works for air travel.
- Foreign Government-Issued Passports: If you are visiting from another country, your own country’s passport is accepted.
5. Specialized IDs
- Canadian Provincial Driver’s License or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Card: These are accepted for Canadian citizens.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Document (I-766): This card shows you are allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): This is for veterans who get healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Merchant Mariner Credential: This card is for professional mariners in the United States 🇺🇸.
Each of these documents must be current and unexpired. Expired documents will not be accepted under the new rules.
What Happens If You Don’t Have the Right ID?
If you show up to the airport without a REAL ID (or another approved document), the Transportation Security Administration will not let you through security. This means you will miss your flight, and you may also lose the money spent on your ticket. The TSA will not make exceptions once this rule starts in May 2025 unless your state has a rare extension.
The only exception is for children under 18, who are not required to show ID as long as they are traveling with an adult who has a valid document.
Why Has This Rule Been Put in Place?
The government wants to make sure that it is harder for fake IDs to be used to get onto planes. After several security problems in the past, the REAL ID Act was created to make identification safer and stronger. The new rule helps prevent people from using stolen, fake, or copied IDs at airports—helping to keep everyone safer.
The Transportation Security Administration reminds travelers that preparing in advance helps airport lines move smoother and reduces stress for travelers and airport workers alike. With the deadline only months away, now is the best time to check what type of ID you carry and, if needed, apply for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if my ID is REAL ID-compliant?
Check for a star in the upper right-hand corner of your driver’s license or state ID. If you do not see a star, contact your local DMV or go to their website for help. You can also look on the official TSA REAL ID page to see pictures of what the compliant cards look like.
2. Can I use an expired ID?
No. All documents used for airport security must be current and not expired. This rule is strict.
3. What if I have a passport from another country?
If you are not a U.S. citizen, simply use your current passport from your home country. Be sure it is not expired.
4. What should I do if my state cannot give REAL IDs yet?
A few states may be slower in rolling out REAL ID-compliant cards. If you live in one of those states, the TSA will accept another document from their approved list, like a U.S. Passport, until your state begins to issue the new IDs.
5. Is my U.S. Passport enough for domestic flights?
Yes. A valid U.S. Passport or passport card works for all domestic and international U.S. flights.
Steps You Should Take Now
Here are easy steps you can follow to make sure you’re ready for the 2025 changes:
- Check your current ID for the REAL ID star right now. If you have the star, you’re set for air travel.
- If your ID is not compliant, plan to visit your state’s DMV as soon as possible. This could require an appointment and specific documents.
- Update your U.S. Passport, if you plan to use it for flying. Passports must not be expired.
- Gather your documents early if you need a REAL ID. You will probably need to show your birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security Number.
- If you have questions, visit the TSA’s REAL ID information page or call your local DMV for updated information.
The Impact of These Rules
Making sure everyone has the same type of strong identification helps the government keep travelers safe on planes. It also helps airport security spot bad documents faster and reduce the chances of people getting through with fake IDs. While this can be an extra step for travelers, it will help avoid stress at the airport and improve airport lines.
For immigrants, students, or those with special needs, having a U.S. Passport, REAL ID-compliant state ID, or one of the other listed identification cards is very important for smooth travel. International visitors must always hold a current passport from their home country to fly within the United States 🇺🇸.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that being proactive can make a huge difference—getting your approved ID early can save time, money, and stress when traveling.
Where to Find More Information
To stay updated and get official answers, the best place to look is the TSA’s own website. You can go directly to their REAL ID information page for step-by-step guides, lists of approved documents, and answers to many common questions. The site also links to your local state’s DMV websites, so you can schedule appointments and see exactly what paperwork is needed.
Final Thoughts
The Transportation Security Administration’s new identification rule is a very important change for flying within the United States 🇺🇸, starting May 7, 2025. All travelers aged 18 and over must show a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID, a U.S. Passport, or other approved document—no exceptions for expired or old cards. The TSA recommends checking your identification early to avoid being turned away at the airport.
By reviewing your documents, renewing your U.S. Passport if needed, or applying for a REAL ID now, you can be sure your travel plans go as smoothly as possible. For extra help, visit the TSA’s REAL ID FAQ page for the latest information and resources.
Safe travels, and remember: don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your identification is up to date.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A driver’s license or ID card that meets higher federal security standards. Required for U.S. air travel from May 7, 2025.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) → The U.S. agency responsible for airport security and enforcing new REAL ID rules at all flight checkpoints.
Enhanced Driver’s License → A state-issued driver’s license offering higher security features and sometimes accepted for travel and border crossings.
Trusted Traveler Cards → Special DHS-issued cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST) for pre-approved travelers, accepted as identification at U.S. airports.
Employment Authorization Document (I-766) → A U.S. immigration card permitting non-citizens to work and serve as airport identification, issued by USCIS.
This Article in a Nutshell
Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require REAL ID or approved identification for U.S. flights. If your ID isn’t compliant or expired, you’ll miss your flight. Get ready early: check for the star on your license, or ensure you have a passport or another listed document for travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Understanding REAL ID: Requirements, Air Travel Implications, and the May 7, 2025 Deadline
• Understanding REAL ID Act Changes for May 2025 Air Travel
• How REAL ID Will Change Domestic Flights for Undocumented Immigrants
• REAL ID Act to be enforced for domestic flights by May 7, 2025
• Maine residents reminded to get Real ID for flights before May 7 deadline
Thank you for the information. I am a retired military person. May I use my retired DOD identification card as an alternative id to fly domestically?
Hi there! Absolutely, you can use your retired DoD identification card for domestic flights within the U.S. The TSA accepts all DoD-issued IDs, including retiree IDs, as a valid form of identification at the airport. Just make sure your card is current and not expired, as expired IDs won’t be accepted after May 7, 2025. If you’re planning any international trips, remember that you’ll still need a valid U.S. passport. Safe travels, and thank you for your service! 😊✈️