You won’t be able to board a plane in the U.S. without these documents: check if you have them
In order to travel on domestic flights in the United States, Americans will soon be required to carry a new form of identification. What you need to know.
Spring is on its way and Americans will be looking forward to warmer weather, the end of school and summer vacations. But for Americans who are planning to travel by plane to somewhere in the United States anytime after 7 May this year will need a new identification document to get through TSA check points.
That is the deadline before which most Americans will have to get their hands on a REAL ID if they don’t have another valid form of government issued ID that they can use to get through security at the airport. The new identification document will also be required to enter federal buildings (except publicly accessible areas such as those of the Smithsonian Museum), military bases and nuclear facilities
Ready to take your travel game to the next level? Say hello to REAL ID! ✈️
— TSA (@TSA) February 26, 2025
So, let’s get prepared! Check your state’s requirements, gather your documents, and make sure you’re set to jet! 🗂️✨
For more info, fly on over to: https://t.co/6uWOP95HFj pic.twitter.com/dVOSGV2sLe
Other forms of ID that can be used at TSA checkpoints
All adults passengers 18 and older must show some form of acceptable identification at airport checkpoints starting 7 May, 2025. Minors will not be required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States says the Department of Homeland Security on its REAL ID frequently asked questions website.
The Transportation Security Administration provides a list of identification documents that can be used instead of a REAL ID. They include the following:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License ( currently only Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
How to check if your driver’s license of identification document is REAL ID compliant
The United States has been working on rolling out REAL IDs for some time now, it was originally supposed to be mandatory in 2021. However, the covid-19 pandemic threw a wrench in those plans and the enforcement date was pushed back to 7 May, 2025.
REAL ID is not a federal identification document. Instead they are state identification cards and driver’s licenses that are compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act. If it has a gold or black star in the upper right corner, you already have a REAL ID and don’t need to take any further action.
How to get a REAL ID
To obtain your REAL ID, follow these steps:
- Visit your state’s DMV website – Each state manages its own REAL ID process, so find your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office online.
- Schedule an in-person appointment – Unlike standard renewals, this process requires an in-person visit.
- Bring the required documents, which typically include:
- Proof of identity (such as a valid passport or birth certificate).
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement).
- Complete the application and pay the required fee – Costs vary by state.
For further details and updates, visit the official REAL ID website or check your local DMV’s guidance.
With the deadline quickly approaching, now is the time to ensure you have the proper identification to avoid any travel or driving disruptions. Don’t wait until the last minute—secure your REAL ID today!
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