It's widely held knowledge that no traveler can board a domestic or international flight without a valid form of government-issued identification. But in the coming years, a law known as Real ID will go into effect, changing which forms of identification may be used to board domestic flights in the United States.

Intended as a measure to boost homeland security after the September 11 attacks on the US, the Real ID Act of 2005 required that all forms of identification—be it driver's licenses or other state-issued identification cards—meet enhanced security standards. These standards increase homeland security by making it more difficult to forge or duplicate an identification card, like a driver's license.

The rollout of Real ID has been delayed several times. As a result, there has been some confusion about whether and when travelers will need to take action in order to have compliant driver's licenses or other forms of identification that fall under Real ID.

So what do you need to know about Real ID and the effects it could have on your international travel plans? We’ve put together this FAQ to answer travelers' questions about this change in regulations.

What is Real ID?

Starting May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers will be required to update their existing forms of identification to a form of Real ID—which includes enhanced driver's licenses and identification cards—in order to fly domestically. Any traveler who hopes to board a flight using a driver's license or identification card will need to update their ID and obtain a Real ID before this date. A Real ID may also be required by various federal agencies and certain federal facilities that perform security checks or measures.

It's easy to tell the difference: Real ID–compliant driver's licenses are marked “valid for federal identification purposes” with a gold star in the upper right-hand corner. Standard licenses do not have this identification and instead have an indicator that reads, “NOT FOR FEDERAL ID” to identify the card’s non-compliance with the Real ID law.

Why has Real ID been delayed so long?

Originally slated to be rolled out in 2020, the Real ID has been delayed several times due to complications surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, at the end of 2022, the Department of Homeland Security delayed the rollout date by another two years, from May 2023 to May 2025. The intent is to leave travelers plenty of time to update their existing ID to a form of Real ID.

Can I still fly in the US without a Real ID?

If you usually fly with a standard driver's license, a state driver's license, or other form of existing identification, then you need to update those and obtain a Real ID for flying by the 2025 deadline.

However, the following forms of identification can also be used to board domestic flights if you do not have a Real ID by the deadline: A passport, a passport card, a border-crossing card, a permanent-resident card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). An EDL is a form of ID issued by several states and is the equivalent of a Real ID. Keep in mind that these alternatives to Real ID must be within their validity date in order to be accepted.

Do I still need a passport after I get a Real ID?

Yes. A Real ID is not a replacement for your passport, and the legislation only covers the US. You will still need a passport for international travel and, if required by the country you’re visiting, a visa as well. Your Real ID only ensures you will be allowed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoints and onto your commercial flight.

Does this apply to all US states?

Yes. All US states and territories are expected to begin issuing compliant licenses and IDs by the deadline. Some states are giving applicants a choice of receiving a Real ID–compliant license or identification card, or a noncompliant version.

What will happen once Real ID is enforced?

Once Real ID goes into effect, the TSA will only be able to accept Real ID–compliant licenses and identification cards at TSA airport security checkpoints. Travelers without a security-enhanced driver's license or other Real ID–compliant identification will need to bring their passport or a passport card to be allowed through the security checkpoint.

How do I get a REAL ID?

You can obtain a real ID at your state driver's license agency—usually called the Department of Motor Vehicles—as it cannot be applied for online. The documentation you'll need to provide will vary state to state but may include:

● Full legal name
● Date of birth
● Social Security Number
● Two proofs of address of principal residence
● Proof of citizenship or legal resident-alien status, such as a passport or birth certificate
● Payment for the fee, which will vary in amount from state to state

Some states may impose additional requirements, so you should visit your state’s driver's license agency website to find out all required documents before visiting in person.

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