After years of anticipation, the REAL ID deadline is finally here … at least for most U.S. travelers. Starting Wednesday, May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require most adults to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board federally regulated commercial flights, enter certain federal buildings or access nuclear power plants.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver’s license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the REAL ID Act of 2005, passed following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
What forms of ID are accepted by TSA?
While a REAL ID-compliant license or ID will satisfy the requirement, travelers can also use several other TSA-approved forms of identification, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or other state photo ID cards issued by a DMV (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- 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
- Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID, 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 (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Note: Temporary driver’s licenses are not accepted.
Five states offer an alternative to REAL ID
However, some residents may not need a REAL ID at all. In Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington, state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs) and Enhanced IDs (EIDs) are accepted by the Department of Homeland Security as alternatives to REAL ID.
These enhanced IDs meet federal standards and can also be used as proof of both identity and U.S. citizenship when entering Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea.
How to tell if your license or ID is enhanced
In these five states, not all licenses or IDs are enhanced by default. Residents must specifically request an Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID during the application or renewal process.
Here’s how to tell if yours is enhanced:
- Look for a U.S. flag icon on the front of your license or ID. This symbol is what differentiates an enhanced document from a standard or REAL ID-compliant one.
- Enhanced driver’s licenses will bear the word ‘Enhanced’ at the top of the card.
If your license or ID doesn’t show the flag, it’s likely not enhanced and not valid for air travel unless it meets other REAL ID requirements or is supplemented by another accepted form of ID.
So, if you’re flying soon, now is the time to confirm your ID meets TSA requirements or ensure you have a valid passport or another approved identification option on hand.
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