REAL ID's Required to Fly in 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security will enforce REAL ID for federal purposes, including airport security. This law, established in response to the 9/11 attacks, mandates higher security standards for state-issued IDs. Despite multiple postponements, the 2025 deadline is firm.
How to tell if you have a REAL ID:
To check if your ID is Real ID-compliant, look for a gold or black star symbol. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses from select states are also compliant. If unsure, contact your local DMV.
How to get a REAL ID:
Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.
*States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.
What happens when the REAL ID enforcement date begins?
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 (meaning the license or card must include the REAL ID compliant star marking). Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking and this is acceptable.
*Note:
As you're booking trips for next year, keep in mind a REAL ID allows domestic travel, but a passport is still required for international trips.
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