REAL ID

Yes. Even if you have TSA PreCheck®, you’ll still need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID starting May 7, 2025.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

Individuals who are unable to verify their identity will not be permitted to enter the TSA security checkpoint and will not be allowed to fly.

You’ll need your passport for international travel, and you can use your passport to verify your identity at the TSA checkpoint instead of a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license. If you plan to present your state driver’s license to verify your identity at the TSA checkpoint, that card must be REAL ID compliant.

Yes, the REAL ID requirements apply to passengers using CLEAR and passengers enrolled in CLEAR will need a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID starting May 7, 2025.  

TSA began testing the acceptance of certain digital IDs, including mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) from participating states, at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints in early 2022.  Checkpoints that are testing the acceptance of digital IDs will have signage posted. For the full list of participating field assessment pilot airports, participating states/issuing authorities, and eligible digital IDs, click here.

All passengers must continue to have readily available their physical driver’s license, identification card, or other acceptable ID listed on the TSA website. The TSA officer may require this physical ID in addition to the digital ID.

TSA recommends eligible travelers complete the process of adding their digital ID to their mobile device before arriving at the TSA checkpoint to get the most efficient passenger experience. Only passengers with TSA PreCheck® on their boarding pass will be eligible to participate in the digital ID testing at this time. TSA plans to add the capability to accept digital ID from other passengers in the future.

Digital identity has the ability to strengthen airport security and enhance the passenger experience by reducing touchpoints, providing greater privacy, and verifying IDs more accurately. The ability to automate the ID verification process is expected to mitigate risks while helping move passengers through screening more quickly.

REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card.

Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses do not have a star on the top of the card.

Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.

If you’re not sure, check your state driver’s licensing agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

Check with your state driver’s license agency. You will need to go in person to present documentation to verify who you are in order to get your REAL ID.

No. TSA accepts and will continue to accept other forms of identity documents. Read about other acceptable forms of identification you may present at the security checkpoint.

Yes, a federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID is an acceptable form of identification.

Not necessarily. Compliant states are allowed to issue both compliant and non-compliant cards.  REAL ID-compliant licenses are marked by a star on the top of the card. If you’re still not sure, check your state driver’s licensing agency website on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.

TSA is currently accepting all driver’s licenses and identification from states that are compliant, or have an extension from DHS. Information on state compliance can be found on the DHS web page for REAL ID here.  Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept compliant state-issued identification.

Starting May 7, 2025, every traveler will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable form of identification to fly within the U.S. Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of identification will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

For more information, visit the DHS REAL ID schedule and enforcement brief and frequently asked questions about REAL ID.

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

To learn whether your state is compliant with the REAL ID Act, visit the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID page.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable IDs.

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need acceptable identification.

Interim driver’s licenses are temporary paper documents and are not currently an acceptable form of ID.