What a REAL ID is and when you need one

A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID card issued to minimum federal security standards set under the REAL ID Act of 2005. Since May 7, 2025, an adult needs one, or another accepted ID, to get through airport security for a domestic flight, enter certain federal facilities or enter a nuclear power plant. Every state, the District of Columbia and the five territories now issue them.

How to tell if you have one

A REAL ID has a star marking at the top of the card. A license without one isn't accepted at the airport checkpoint. An Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID card counts as well. It has a U.S. flag and the word Enhanced at the top.

A temporary paper license isn't accepted. A mobile driver's license on a phone is accepted only if it's based on a REAL ID or Enhanced license and its state has been approved for federal use.

What else works at the airport

A REAL ID isn't the only option. TSA also accepts a U.S. passport or passport card, a trusted traveler card such as Global Entry, a military ID, a permanent resident card and several other federal documents. TSA accepts these IDs for up to two years after they expire. You need one valid ID to fly within the U.S., not both a REAL ID and a passport.

A REAL ID can't be used to cross into Canada or Mexico, to travel abroad or to take an international cruise. For those, you still need a passport.

Getting one

You get a REAL ID from your state's driver's licensing office, in person. At a minimum you'll need documents showing your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, lawful status and two proofs of where you live. Without your Social Security card, a W-2, an SSA-1099 or a pay stub showing your name and number can stand in for it. Check the office's list before you go, since it may ask for more.

If you get to the airport without one

From February 1, 2026, an adult without an accepted ID can pay a $45 fee for TSA ConfirmID, which lets TSA try to confirm who you are at the checkpoint. It isn't guaranteed to work, and without it you may not get through security. The fee is paid online on Pay.gov, ahead of time, and covers 10 days from the travel date you enter. Each adult without an ID pays separately, and you show the receipt to the TSA officer.

An annotated example

What to do next

Check each adult's license for the star well before your next flight. If it's missing, look up the document list from your licensing office, or keep your passport handy for domestic trips. Note when each license and passport expires, so neither runs out before a trip.