US travelers now need a REAL ID in order to board domestic flights. What happens if you don't have one.
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- What is a REAL ID?
- Why is a REAL ID now required?
- How do I get a REAL ID?
- What if I don’t have a REAL ID when I show up at the airport?
- Can I use a passport or other forms for ID instead?
- What if I have recently gotten a new driver’s license?
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets REAL ID security standards (meaning it has the REAL ID-compliant star marking in the upper corner). It is a federal standard for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards designed to strengthen the security of IDs used for key purposes such as air travel and access to certain federal facilities.
All 50 US states, as well as Washington DC and the US territories of Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands, are issuing REAL IDs.
Why is REAL ID now required?
The US government has set new federal standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards that are more consistent and secure.
The switch to this new form of ID was mandated by the REAL ID act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to a recommendation by the 9/11 Commission. The law was originally supposed to be implemented in 2008 but has been pushed back numerous times due to logistical challenges and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But the time for enforcement has finally come, as of May 2025. Without it, you may now face additional screenings, delays, or charges.
How do I get REAL ID?
You can get REAL ID at your local driver’s licensing agency (DMV, BMV, etc.). The documents you’ll need vary from state to state but at minimum, they include documentation that shows:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Two proofs of your current address
- Lawful status (whether you are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the US)
Visit the website of your local DMV to find out if further documents are required.
It’s also highly recommended to make an appointment for your license renewal.
Planning a domestic trip? Find out how travel insurance can cover lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, trip cancellation, or other mishaps.
What if I don’t have a REAL ID when I show up at the airport?
Starting February 1, 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began charging a $45 non-refundable fee for an alternative identity verification process (called TSA ConfirmID) for travelers who arrive without compliant ID. This confirms your identity so you can still fly, but it takes extra time and costs money.
Can I use a passport or other forms of ID instead?
A passport is an acceptable alternative to REAL ID. For domestic travel you will need REAL ID or a passport, but not both.
But you can’t use REAL ID for international travel. You will still need a passport for that, including cruises and crossing the border into Mexico and Canada.
Other forms of acceptable ID may include:
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DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
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Permanent resident (Green Card)
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U.S. military ID
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Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
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Certain tribal IDs — check TSA’s official list for details
What if I have recently gotten a new driver’s license?
If you’ve recently renewed your license, you may already have REAL ID. If so, your card will have a small gold or black star in one of the upper corners (or a bear, if you’re a California resident). In that case, you’re all set.
If you aren’t due for renewal for a while and don’t want to go through the process right now, you can use your passport instead. But if you don’t have a valid passport, you should make plans to get REAL ID as soon as possible.
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