Jul 24

Real ID-Compliant Licenses Can Be Obtained Now

Most Americans Will Need a New ID to Fly.

Beginning May 7, 2024, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of ID (for example, your U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID) to fly within the United States.

If you can’t produce acceptable identification, your US airport’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint will not clear you for flight. The TSA is part of the Department of Homeland Security. That could lead to serious backups at US airports.

Some things to know:

Drivers’ licenses can be updated to REAL ID-compliant now.
Many states identify their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates they are compliant; however, some states such as Washington do not use gold stars for REAL ID-compliant licenses. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

What qualifies as Real ID?

Real ID-compliant state driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards
US passport
US passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized, Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
US Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

It’s the law

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.

How Do I 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.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration’s websites for more information on Real ID.