These are the documents you will need to travel by plane in the United States in 2025

Travelers should be aware of a new requirement for travel within the United States next year. Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must comply with the REAL ID law to board domestic flights, as well as to access certain federal facilities.

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “establish standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

The Act established minimum security standards for the issuance and production of licenses and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards.

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The documents you need to travel by plane in the US in 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration, may only accept state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards as documents to access federal facilities, including TSA airport security checkpoints.

You will need to identify yourself with a state-issued license or card that meets REAL ID security standards. This means the license or card must include the REAL ID-compliant star mark.

REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the markings at the top of the card.

Enhanced driver licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted.

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How to get a REAL ID card

Visit your state’s driver’s license agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. Some of the documents may include proof of full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of primary residence address, and proof of legal status.

States may impose additional requirements, so you should check your state’s driver licensing agency website before visiting them in person for additional guidance and assistance.

What happens to travelers who do not present a REAL ID?

Beginning May 7, travelers who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or an acceptable alternative will not be permitted through security checkpoints. For more information, please visit the REAL ID website of the Department of Homeland Security.