Drivers License for Airport Security

REAL ID Driver’s License for Airport Security

Will the TSA accept my driver’s license at airport security?

For decades, U.S. residents have been used to being able to use their driver’s license at airport security. Most people haven’t had to worry about bringing special ID because they carry their driver’s license wherever they go.

However, due to increased security efforts by the TSA, that’s no longer going to be the case in the United States. It has been widely publicized by the Department of Homeland Security that the TSA will not accept certain drivers licenses as valid I.D. in order to board domestic flights.

You may be wondering, does this apply to every person living in every state? What do I need to do to prepare for this change? When will this take effect?

Read the article below to learn how you can continue to use your driver’s license at airport security when traveling domestically.

New Requirement: The REAL ID

For the last several years, TSA security has accepted various forms of ID when flying domestically. These include:

State-Issued Driver’s License or State-Issued ID
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. 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
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Most of these forms of ID, like passports and permanent resident cards, will still be valid. The main thing that is changing is that the driver’s license is now being replaced by the REAL ID.

What is a REAL ID?

The REAL ID is an enhanced form of identification to tighten up airport security. While it may seem like a headache, the government is doing its best to try to keep people in the United States as safe as possible. Before issuing this REAL ID, the government will do record checks and look at other evidence to confirm the person’s identity.

Most REAL ID driver’s licenses have a small star in the top right hand corner and a magnetic strip (barcode) on the back. This contains information regarding the owner of that identification card and prevents tampering. However, some states offer a different option like an Enhanced Driver’s License, that doesn’t include a star. Feel free to research what other choices your state offers.

Why is the REAL ID Required?

In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in an attempt to prevent identity fraud and ensure people are who they say they are. The Act implemented by Congress imposes much stricter measures on how people can obtain a driver’s license and sets more thorough standards as to what is displayed on them.

Unfortunately, identity theft is very real and causes many problems. In 2023, there were over 1,000,000 cases of identity theft reported in the United States alone! In the case of the TSA, this will make it less likely for a security breach when people use their driver’s license for airport security.

NOTE: The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. However, any travel companions will need acceptable identification.

Is My State Included?

This law applies to all U.S. residents living in any state. Earlier on in the process, several states were reluctant to implement the REAL ID for airport security. But, now they have no choice.

In the United States, driver’s licenses are issued by the states, not by the federal government. Since the United States has no national identification card (and because of the widespread use of cars), driver’s licenses have been used as a de facto standard form of identification within the country.

So, while each state issues its own driver’s license, the REAL ID is a federal requirement for all states.

When Will REAL ID Be Required?

The TSA has been talking about requiring people to use a REAL ID for airport security instead of a regular driver’s license for about ten years. However, the deadline has been delayed three times now. Some of this was due to certain states not being ready or willing to implement the REAL ID, and COVID also postponed the process.

The TSA has now set a final deadline. Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older are required to have a REAL ID or other approved identification to fly domestically in the United States.

Make sure to get your REAL ID as soon as possible if you haven’t already. Don’t let this change interfere with your upcoming travel plans!

Bottom line: Effective May 7, 2025, air travelers with a driver’s license or identification card issued by a state that does not meet the requirements of the REAL ID Act must present an alternative form of identification acceptable to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to board a commercial domestic flight.

OUR TSA TRAVEL I.D. RECOMMENDATIONS:

You may still use your regular driver’s license at airport security until May 7, 2025. Passengers may also continue to use any of the various other forms of identification accepted by TSA (such as a Passport or Passport Card, Global Entry card, U.S. military ID, airline or airport-issued ID, federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID).

However, we recommend obtaining a REAL ID as soon as possible. As the deadline approaches, an increasing number of people will be switching over. This means longer wait times and could potentially delay any travel plans you may have.

We also strongly recommend frequent travelers consider enrolling in either TSA Pre-check or Global Entry (with a preference for Global Entry if you plan to travel internationally.) Both of them will also speed up your way through airports and provide less hassle during travel.

Another tip comes by way of Sarus Global and their online travel safety course. Make sure you check the expiration date on your passport before any travel overseas.

Some nations require you to have at least six months worth of time left on your passport (before expiration) beyond your anticipated return date to the USA. Even if you only transit through or switch planes there. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter. This is a great tip!

The Department of Homeland Security has answered a series of frequently asked questions about REAL ID.

The TSA has also answered a number of Frequently Asked Questions regarding travel and required identification at the airport.

One Other Travel Tip

The U.S. State Department and Good Neighbor Insurance recommend that you check your insurance coverage before any travel plans. Unfortunately, some insurance plans only provide coverage in-state, and very few provide coverage overseas.

Make sure you will be completely covered at your destination. If not, be sure to purchase international travel insurance to cover emergency evacuation and any costs you may incur. That way you and your family aren’t stuck with an enormous medical bill.

Emergency care and transportation from another country is expensive and can typically cost anywhere from $12,000-$100,000, depending on your location and need!

Safe travels, wherever they may take you!