IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Idaho Falls Regional Airport today reminded the public that every air traveler 18 years of age and older must have a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of ID accepted by TSA to board a commercial aircraft. This requirement went into effect on May 7, 2025.
To determine if an Idaho driver’s license or identification card is REAL ID-compliant, it needs to be a Star Card with a gold star in the upper-right corner. The presence of this icon will indicate that the credential is REAL ID-compliant and can be used for identity verification in the security checkpoint.
“TSA has been very pleased with the high rate of compliance with REAL ID requirements among travelers. We have seen little to no disruption in our security operations since REAL ID enforcement started on May 7,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho James Spies. “As we approach the busy summer travel season, we continue to remind travelers that REAL ID enforcement is the law of the land moving forward. Travelers 18 and older should plan now for the type of photo identification they will use during the TSA identity verification process.”
Idahoans who do not have a Star Card or another form of ID accepted by TSA may experience delays and receive additional screening when they arrive at the TSA security checkpoint. The length of the delay will be determined by the number of other travelers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant credential, or another form of identification accepted by TSA for identity verification.
Travelers can avoid delays in their air travel by ensuring their identification credential is REAL-ID compliant or be prepared to present another acceptable form of ID. Nationally, 93% of travelers are in compliance with the identity verification requirements. Locally, the compliance rate is around 90% at IDA.
TSA has a full list of acceptable forms of identification beyond a state-issued driver license or identification card that can be presented at the security checkpoint for identity verification. Some examples of alternate forms of acceptable identification are a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card; a foreign government passport; Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler card including a Global Entry or NEXUS card; active duty and retired military ID including IDs issued to dependents and retirees; and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
Congress passed The REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The Act further prohibited federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting state-issued driver licenses or identification cards that do not meet the minimum standards.
REAL ID is intended to improve the reliability and accuracy of driver licenses and identification cards while inhibiting the ability of terrorists and others to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing the Star Card in 2018 and it continues to issue them today. Currently, 57 % of Idaho driver’s license and ID cards are Star Cards. Eligibility requirements to get a Star Card include providing proof of identity, proof of Idaho residency and a trip to the DMV. Applicants will be asked to provide their Social Security number. More information on applying for a Star Card is available at itd.idaho.gov/starcard.
Signs continue to be posted at airports nationwide reminding the public that REAL ID-compliant licenses or other acceptable forms of identification are mandatory for commercial air travel. More information and Frequently Asked Questions on REAL ID can be found at www.tsa.gov/real-id.