It’s been five years since the federal government announced that it would require REAL IDs for travelers over 18. But in just a year from now, the regulation actually is likely to take effect.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act was the result of a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses” before allowing people to board a commercial airplane. The Act establishes minimum security standards for driver’s licenses that are used as identification, and prohibits certain federal agencies—including the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—from accepting IDs that do not meet the Act’s standards.
Delayed three times over the past five years, the requirement likely actually will take effect on May 7, 2025. Beginning on that date, a driver’s license will only be acceptable ID at the airport if it has a REAL ID seal.
While many travelers will need to get a new, compliant driver’s license even to fly domestically, many other forms of ID are also acceptable, including:
- A US passport book or card
- An enhanced driver’s license, available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington
- A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- A US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- A permanent resident card
- A border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
- An HSPD-12 PIV card
- A foreign government-issued passport
- A Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credentials
- A US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- A US Merchant Mariner Credential
- A Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Since driver’s licenses are issued by the states, each one has its own requirements for a REAL ID. But DHS requires as a minimum proof of your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and two proofs of address of your principal residence.
Note that while these forms of ID will get you on a plane, they can’t be used to travel across any border, including Canada or Mexico, DHS points out.
For more details on REAL ID, go to REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
