REAL ID for Domestic Flights in 2026: Beginning May 7, 2025, Get a REAL ID or Acceptable ID for the TSA Checkpoint

Direct answer: Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler age 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification at the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint for domestic flights within the United States.

Travelers who do not have a REAL ID can use another TSA-accepted ID, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card. A standard state-issued license that is not REAL ID compliant is no longer accepted by itself at an airport security checkpoint.

Before traveling, check your identification and make sure you are REAL ID ready.

What Changed Beginning May 7, 2025, for REAL ID Compliance?

Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA began enforcing federal identification requirements established under the REAL ID Act at airport security checkpoints.

Adults flying within the United States must now present one of the following:

  • A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
  • A REAL ID-compliant state identification card
  • Another acceptable form of identification approved by TSA

The requirement applies at TSA checkpoints throughout the United States. It also applies to travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck.

TSA PreCheck may provide access to expedited screening, but it does not remove the requirement to present acceptable identification.

What Is a REAL ID-Compliant License?

A REAL ID-compliant license is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets federal identity and security standards established under the REAL ID Act.

A REAL ID can be used for:

  • Domestic airport security screening
  • Access to certain federal facilities
  • Other federal identification purposes

A REAL ID is not a separate national identification card. States and territories issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards through their motor vehicle or driver licensing agencies.

How Can You Tell Whether You Are REAL ID Ready?

You are generally REAL ID ready when your state-issued license or identification card displays the required REAL ID marking. Most compliant credentials have a star near the top of the card.

The exact design may vary by state. When you are unsure whether your license is ID compliant, contact the state motor vehicle agency that issued it.

Before your flight:

  • Check the front of your license for a star.
  • Confirm that the card is REAL ID compliant.
  • Make sure the name on the card matches your reservation.
  • Check the expiration date.
  • Carry another acceptable form of ID when necessary.
  • Review TSA’s current acceptable forms of identification.

An Enhanced Driver’s License issued by a participating state may also be accepted for federal identification purposes.

What ID Do You Need for a Domestic Flight?

Adults age 18 or older need one acceptable form of identification to enter a TSA airport security checkpoint.

A REAL ID-compliant license is one option, but it is not the only acceptable ID.

Common acceptable forms of identification include:

  • REAL ID-compliant driver’s license
  • REAL ID-compliant state identification card
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • Permanent resident card
  • DHS trusted traveler card
  • Global Entry card
  • NEXUS card
  • SENTRI card
  • FAST card
  • Qualifying U.S. military identification
  • Federally recognized Tribal photo identification
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card
  • Acceptable foreign government-issued passport

Travelers should confirm the latest requirements before departure because acceptable forms of identification and checkpoint procedures may change.

Which Forms of ID Can You Use Without a REAL ID?

You can fly without a REAL ID-compliant state license when you present another acceptable form of identification.

For example, a valid U.S. passport is an acceptable ID at a domestic TSA checkpoint.

Form of identification Accepted at a TSA checkpoint? Important note
REAL ID-compliant driver’s license Yes
Common state-issued option
REAL ID-compliant state ID Yes
Accepted for domestic airport screening
U.S. passport Yes
Accepted for domestic and international travel
U.S. passport card Yes
Accepted at domestic TSA checkpoints
Permanent resident card Yes
Accepted as qualifying identification
DHS trusted traveler card Yes
Includes qualifying federal travel cards
Qualifying military ID Yes
Must meet TSA requirements
Tribal photo identification Yes
Qualifying federally recognized Tribal IDs are accepted
Foreign government-issued passport Yes
Must otherwise be acceptable and valid
Standard non-REAL ID state license No
Not accepted by itself
Temporary driver’s license No
Not accepted as checkpoint identification

These are not the only acceptable forms of identification. Travelers should verify current requirements before departure.

Can You Travel Within the United States Without a REAL ID?

Yes. You can travel within the United States without a REAL ID when you bring another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport or passport card.

A REAL ID-compliant license is not the only acceptable airport identification document.

However, a standard state license that is not REAL ID compliant will not be accepted by itself at the TSA checkpoint.

What Happens If You Arrive Without an Acceptable ID?

A traveler who arrives without a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification may be required to complete an identity-verification process.

This can result in:

  • Longer checkpoint delays
  • Additional questions
  • Extra security screening
  • Denial of checkpoint access if identity cannot be confirmed

TSA must be able to verify a traveler’s identity before allowing that person to enter the secure airport area.

Travelers who expect an identification problem should arrive well before the airline’s recommended airport arrival time.

Can You Fly Using an Expired Form of ID?

TSA may accept certain identification documents from its approved list for a limited period after expiration.

However, the expired document must still be a type of identification that TSA normally accepts.

An expired standard license does not automatically become compliant with the REAL ID Act. The expiration policy also does not change an airline’s requirements or passport-validity rules for international travel.

Confirm the current expired-ID policy shortly before departure.

Do Children Need a REAL ID-Compliant Document?

TSA generally does not require children under age 18 to present identification when traveling domestically with an adult.

However, airlines may have separate requirements, especially for:

  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Children traveling with only one parent
  • Travelers with different last names
  • Age-based fare verification
  • International connections

Parents and guardians should confirm the airline’s requirements before traveling.

Does REAL ID Replace a Passport for International Travel?

No. A REAL ID-compliant card does not replace a passport for international travel.

A REAL ID is used for domestic airport security screening and certain other federal purposes. International travelers must still carry the passport, visa, travel authorization and entry documents required by their destination or transit country.

A passport can serve as an acceptable form of identification for a domestic flight. However, a REAL ID cannot be used instead of a passport for international travel.

For help understanding international travel-document requirements, review Desmo Travel’s passport and visa services.

How Do You Get a REAL ID?

To get a REAL ID, apply through your state’s driver licensing or motor vehicle agency. TSA does not issue REAL ID cards.

Although exact requirements vary by state, applicants are generally asked to provide documents proving:

  • Full legal name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Lawful status in the United States
  • Current residential address

Some states may require an appointment or specific original documents.

Before visiting the issuing agency:

  1. Review the required document checklist.
  2. Confirm whether an appointment is required.
  3. Check the applicable fee.
  4. Bring original or otherwise accepted documents.
  5. Make sure the names on your documents match.

The identity and document standards come from the federal REAL ID Act, but each state manages its own application process.

2026 REAL ID Readiness and Airport ID Checklist

Use this checklist before leaving for the airport.

Confirm your acceptable ID

  • Check whether your license is REAL ID compliant.
  • Look for the required star or state marking.
  • Confirm that the document has not expired beyond the accepted period.
  • Carry another acceptable form of ID when necessary.
  • Do not rely on a temporary driver’s license.
  • Confirm that each adult traveler has an acceptable ID.

Prepare for the TSA checkpoint

  • Make sure the name on the reservation matches the identification.
  • Keep the original identification document readily accessible.
  • Confirm the latest acceptable forms of identification.
  • Arrive early if you expect an identification issue.
  • Do not depend on a photo or digital copy unless it is specifically accepted.
  • Check the requirements again shortly before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions About REAL ID Compliance

Is a REAL ID the only acceptable form of ID?

No. A passport, passport card and several other federal credentials may serve as another acceptable form of identification.

Can I use a passport instead of a REAL ID?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport is an acceptable form of ID for domestic TSA checkpoints.

Can I use a passport card for a domestic flight?

Yes. A U.S. passport card can be used as identification at domestic airport checkpoints.

Can I fly without a REAL ID?

Yes. You may fly without a REAL ID when you present another acceptable form of identification.

When did REAL ID compliance begin at airport checkpoints?

TSA enforcement of REAL ID requirements began on May 7, 2025.

Does TSA PreCheck remove the ID compliance requirement?

No. TSA PreCheck travelers age 18 or older must still present a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable ID.

Is a standard driver’s license REAL ID compliant?

Only when it meets REAL ID requirements and displays the appropriate state marking. A standard noncompliant license is not accepted by itself at a TSA checkpoint.

Can I use a temporary driver’s license?

No. A temporary driver’s license is generally not accepted as airport checkpoint identification.

What happens if I forget my ID?

You may be asked to complete an identity-verification process and undergo additional screening. If TSA cannot verify your identity, you may not be allowed through the checkpoint.

What if my ID expired last year?

Certain approved forms of identification may be accepted for a limited period after expiration. Confirm the latest rule before traveling.

Do teenagers need a REAL ID for domestic flights?

TSA generally does not require travelers under age 18 to present identification for domestic travel. Airlines may have separate requirements.

What states require a REAL ID to fly?

The airport identification requirement applies nationwide. It is not limited to certain states.

Every adult traveler departing from a U.S. airport must present a REAL ID-compliant state credential or another acceptable form of identification.

Sources and Fact-Checking

This article was prepared using guidance from the Transportation Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and the federal REAL ID Act.

Author: Desmo Travel Editorial Team
Reviewer: Desmo Travel Airfare Desk
Last updated and fact-checked: August 7, 2026

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an official determination of travel eligibility. REAL ID rules, TSA procedures, accepted forms of identification, airline policies, fees, deadlines and government requirements may change without notice.

Travelers should verify the latest requirements with the appropriate government agency, their airline, their state motor vehicle agency and relevant destination or transit authorities before traveling. Desmo Travel is not responsible for denied boarding, checkpoint delays, additional screening, missed flights or other losses resulting from outdated, incomplete or incorrectly interpreted information.

Need Help Preparing for Your Flight?

Not sure which identification or travel documents may apply to your trip? Desmo Travel can help you review your travel plans, understand general document requirements and book your flight with greater confidence.

Explore our air travel services, review our passport and visa services, consider available travel insurance options, request a personalized travel quote, or contact a Desmo Travel advisor.