ID vs driver’s license reading: Everything you need to know
As previously reportedThe US Department of Homeland Security will finally require American travelers to carry a Real ID when traveling to domestic airports starting May 7, 2025.
If you’ve traveled through an airport in the United States in the past few years, you may have noticed signs near security checkpoints reminding passengers about the REAL ID Act. The law was originally supposed to go into effect in 2008, but the deadline has been extended several times.
If you don’t have a Real ID yet, you may be wondering whether you can travel with a regular driver’s license.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Real ID requirement to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
What is the Real ID Act?
Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government set “clearer standards for issuing sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”
This law establishes a uniform set of specifications for driver’s licenses and other government-issued identification cards. The law also prohibits government agencies from accepting identification documents that do not meet Real ID Act standards.
One of the goals of the law is to add an extra layer of security to commercial aviation by making it more difficult for people to obtain false documents to board planes.
Government agencies will require more documentation when issuing a Real ID, and the card is more advanced and therefore more difficult to forge.
The law took two decades to implement because each state has different standards and processes for issuing photo IDs. Several states and the American Civil Liberties Union have criticized the law, saying the federal government has gone too far.
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The Real ID Act will now officially take effect on May 7, 2025, giving you less than a year to ensure that you have Real ID compliance — or plan to get one.
How to know if you have a real ID
Since this law has been in effect for a while, many states began issuing Citizen Identification Cards before they were federally required, meaning you may already have a Citizen Identification Card.
Luckily, there are some easy ways you can check. In general, IDs with a star or star pattern are Real ID compliant.
However, if your ID is missing an asterisk or says something like “federal restrictions apply” or “not for federal identification,” then you don’t have a Real ID.
All 50 US states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are issuing compliant identification documents.
But just because you live in a state that issues Real IDs doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get a Real ID. You may need to provide additional documents, wait to receive your ID, or pay a higher processing fee.
This means you should double-check your ID to see if it’s compliant. If you’re still unsure, DHS has a quick solution quiz on its website to help you determine whether your product is compliant.
Can I still use my driver’s license to fly in the US?
When the Real ID Act is enacted, passengers will not be allowed to pass through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints without a Real ID. Although your driver’s license will not be sufficient to get through TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, you can still travel with a US passport or various forms of identification approved by the TSA. acceptance.
If you did not upgrade your driver’s license and do not have a Real ID, you can still use one of the following methods:
- US passport card
- DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global entry, Nexus, SENTRIFAST)
- Resident card
- US Department of Defense ID
- Border crossing card
- Enhanced driving license issued by the state
- Photo identification issued by a federally recognized tribal nation/Indian tribe
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Passport issued by a foreign government
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Canadian Indian and Northerners card
- Transport employee certification
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- United States Merchant Seaman Certificate
Travelers under 18 do not need to provide identification when traveling with a companion, this will not change under the Real ID Act.
Do I need a Real ID if I apply for PreCheck or Global Entry?
Correct. While your Global Entry card is a valid form of ID, you will need to carry it (or another compliant photo ID) with you when you travel, even if you are enrolled in one of these programs . Your TSA PreCheck card is not eligible.
My state is Real ID compliant. Does this mean my driver’s license is accepted?
Not necessarily. Just because your state issues a compliant ID doesn’t mean you’ve received one. Check the star or star cutout to confirm your ID is compliant.
The Real ID regulation requires states to recertify compliance with the act every three years, on a rolling basis, as determined by DHS.
Do I need a Real ID to fly if I’m under 18?
No, minors traveling with a companion do not need to present photo identification (even though their companion does).
How much does it cost to get a Real ID compared to a driver’s license?
The cost of a Real ID and driver’s license varies by state, ranging from about $10 to $85 for a Real ID and $24 to $30 for a regular driver’s license.
Bottom line
If your driver’s license is already Real ID compliant, you have nothing to worry about as these upcoming changes will not affect you. However, if your license does not meet the Real ID Act standards, you should consider upgrading your license as soon as possible to avoid crowds and long wait times as the deadline approaches next year.
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