Key Points
- The REAL ID enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025.
- Travelers aged 18 and above must present a REAL ID or an approved alternative to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.
- A range of federal- and state-issued IDs will be accepted, but temporary licenses will not be valid.
Overview
Beginning May 7, 2025, the US federal government will enforce REAL ID requirements for all domestic commercial air travel and access to specific federal facilities. This policy applies to travelers aged 18 or older, including US citizens, lawful permanent residents, and nonimmigrants. Individuals without a REAL ID-compliant credential or an acceptable alternative will face additional screening and may be denied boarding.
To board a US domestic flight, eligible travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued identification card (not temporary), or a valid alternative form of identification. Acceptable alternatives include a US passport, permanent resident card, trusted traveler card (e.g., Global Entry), I-766 employment authorization card, and foreign passports.
Below is a list of acceptable alternative forms of identification that are approved for domestic air travel:
- 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
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, 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)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
This mandate reflects the federal government’s efforts to strengthen domestic air travel identity verification and security protocols. Notably, REAL ID-compliant documents can typically be identified by a star or other mark in the top corner, although compliance status may vary by state.
Given the evolving nature of accepted identification documents, travelers should check the current requirements on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website or consult their state’s motor vehicle agency before traveling. Failure to present an accepted form of identification may result in significant travel delays or inability to board.
Looking Ahead
Travelers, employers, and HR professionals should prepare for the upcoming May 7, 2025, deadline. Employees traveling for business should verify that their IDs are compliant well in advance of their scheduled flights. Similarly, foreign nationals and nonimmigrant visa holders should ascertain whether their existing documentation meets the updated guidelines.
Federal and state agencies may continue updating the list of acceptable IDs or implementation policies, so monitoring official TSA and DHS updates is recommended. Encouraging early verification and application for compliant documents can help prevent disruptions to travel plans and avoid unnecessary scrutiny at airport security checkpoints.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. If you want guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and are a client of the Corporate Immigration Partners, PC, consult your attorney. If you are not a CIP client, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with CIP.
