REAL ID Requirement for Domestic Air Travel: Are You Ready?

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers aged 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another TSA-approved form of identification to board domestic flights in the U.S. This new security measure, implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ensures stronger identity verification at airports and federal facilities.

Not sure if your ID is REAL ID-compliant? Look for a star in the top corner of your driver’s license or state-issued ID. If your ID doesn’t have one, you’ll need to upgrade at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before the deadline.

If you don’t have a REAL ID by May 7, 2025, you’ll need an alternative form of ID, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or DHS-approved travel document, to board a domestic flight.

REAL ID vs. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)

• REAL ID: A federally compliant driver’s license or ID that meets stricter security standards and is required for boarding domestic flights and entering certain federal buildings. It is marked with a star in the top corner.

• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): Available in select states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington), an EDL functions as both a REAL ID and a passport alternative for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

  
  

Which One Do You Need?

• If you only need an ID for flying domestically, a REAL ID is sufficient.

• If you frequently cross U.S. borders by land or sea, an EDL may be a better choice.

To find out what you need to get a REAL ID in your state, visit the official DHS website:🔗 www.dhs.gov/real-id Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your REAL ID today!