Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane. Most acceptable alternatives, such as state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, do not have the star, but are acceptable for official REAL ID Act compliance purposes. REAL ID-compliant cards generally have a star marking in the upper left- or right-hand corner.
These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect. Check your state-issued driver’s license or identification card for the star. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. As of now, starting May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 and older will need Real ID-compliant identification at security checkpoints for domestic travel, such as a state-issued, enhanced drivers.
If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.įor information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. Read the announcement.īeginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 3, 2023. Learn more about REAL ID enforcement.Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline.
These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable.
Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline.