Planning a domestic trip for 2024 and wondering whether you’ll be stopped at security because of your driver’s licence? The short answer is that a REAL ID is now the standard form of identification for boarding U.S. airlines, but there are a few nuances you need to understand before you pack your bags.
What exactly is a REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal‑level security standard for state‑issued driver’s licences and identification cards. It was created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make it harder for counterfeit IDs to get through airport checkpoints.
The badge on a REAL ID‑compliant card shows a gold star in a circle. If the star is missing, the card is not REAL ID‑approved.
Legal timeline - when did the rule kick in?
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, but implementation was staggered. Each state had up to two years to upgrade its licence printing process. The deadline kept moving because of pandemic‑related delays, finally landing on May 7, 2025. After that date, airlines and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will refuse boarding to anyone presenting a non‑REAL ID for a domestic flight.
International flights have never required a REAL ID; a valid passport is still the only accepted document.
Who needs a REAL ID for domestic flights?
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 18 or older.
- Anyone travelling on a domestic airline ticket, regardless of destination.
- Passengers under 18 can use a non‑REAL ID (including a standard state ID) if they’re traveling with a parent or guardian who has a REAL ID.
If you’re a non‑U.S. citizen, a valid passport or a visa‑linked travel document is still required, so the REAL ID question doesn’t apply to you.
Alternatives to a REAL ID
Not everyone wants to wait for a new licence, and there are legitimate alternatives for boarding:
- Passport - the simplest fallback. If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can use it for any domestic or international flight.
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) - issued by a handful of border states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington). An EDL meets the REAL ID standard and also serves as a limited passport for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- State‑issued ID card that bears the gold star - some states issue non‑driver ID cards that are REAL ID‑compliant.
In short, if you don’t have a REAL ID, your passport is the safest backup plan.
How to get a REAL ID - step by step
- Check whether your current licence has the gold star. If it does, you’re good to go.
- Visit your state’s DMV website and locate the REAL ID application page. Most states require an in‑person visit.
- Gather the required documents. You’ll need:
- A proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization).
- Proof of Social Security number (SSN card, pay stub, or W‑2).
- Two proofs of residence (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement).
- Schedule an appointment. Many DMVs now allow online booking, which cuts waiting time dramatically.
- Pay the fee - typically $25‑$35, though some states charge more for a REAL ID‑compatible card.
- Take a new photo and have your signature captured. The DMV will print the gold star on your new licence on the same day.
- Update any automatic renewals (car insurance, parking permits) to reflect the new licence number if it changes.
Most states can issue the REAL ID within an hour of the appointment, so you can usually get it done before your next trip.
What if you show up without a REAL ID?
At the security checkpoint, TSA agents will scan your ID. If the system can’t verify it as REAL ID‑compliant, you’ll be asked for an alternative document. Here’s what typically happens:
- If you have a passport, they’ll accept it and you can proceed.
- If you’re an adult without a passport and no REAL ID, you’ll be barred from boarding unless you obtain a REAL ID on the spot - which most airports don’t offer.
- For minors, the TSA may allow a non‑REAL ID if a parent/guardian presents a REAL ID, but they’ll still verify the child’s identity.
The best strategy is to double‑check your ID the night before you travel. A quick selfie with your licence on your phone next to the gold star can save a lot of stress.
Quick checklist before you fly
- Does your driver’s licence or state ID show the gold star?
- If not, do you have a valid passport?
- Are you traveling with a minor? Verify the minor’s ID requirements.
- Have you scheduled a DMV appointment (if needed) at least two weeks before departure?
- Keep a digital copy of your passport or REAL ID in a secure password‑protected folder as a backup.
Following this list eliminates most surprises at the gate.
Comparison of common travel IDs
| Feature | REAL ID (driver’s licence) | U.S. Passport | Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted for domestic flights | Yes (post‑May 2025) | Yes | Yes |
| Accepted for international flights | No | Yes | Limited (US‑CAN‑MEX land/sea only) |
| Cost to obtain | $25‑$35 (plus possible renewal fee) | $130 (adult passport book) or $65 (passport card) | Usually $40‑$50 extra over regular licence |
| Application time | Same‑day at most DMVs | 2‑6 weeks (or expedited) | Same‑day at participating DMVs |
| Proof of citizenship required | Yes (birth certificate, passport, or nat. cert.) | Yes (passport itself) | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a REAL ID to fly abroad?
No. International flights always require a valid passport (or a passport card for land/sea travel). The REAL ID only applies to domestic airline trips.
Can I use an older driver’s licence if I have a passport?
Yes. The TSA will accept a valid passport in place of a REAL ID. Just make sure the passport isn’t about to expire.
What happens if I lose my REAL ID right before a flight?
Report the loss to your state DMV immediately and request a replacement. In the meantime, a passport or EDL will get you through security. Some DMVs offer a same‑day replacement for a higher fee.
Do minors need a REAL ID?
Children under 18 can travel with a standard state ID or school ID when accompanied by an adult who has a REAL ID. The adult’s ID will be scanned, and the child’s identity is verified verbally.
Is an EDL considered a REAL ID?
Yes. EDLs meet the REAL ID standards and carry the gold star, plus they double as a limited passport for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Bottom line: for any U.S. domestic flight after May 2025, you’ll need a REAL ID‑compliant driver’s licence, a passport, or an Enhanced Driver’s License. Check your ID well before you head to the airport, and you’ll avoid that last‑minute scramble.