Thousands, probably millions of Americans are wondering whether they have a REAL ID or not. An acceptable identification card will be essential to travel domestically in the United States after May 7, 2025.
So if you are planning to buy a plane ticket after May 7, 2025, check if you have a REAL ID or an acceptable identification method before you go through the TSA Checkpoint. Adult passengers who are 18 and older must have a valid identification, or else, they will not be allowed to travel.
What are the alternatives to REAL ID driver’s license or State IDs?
Apart from having a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, you will be allowed to use a passport, but this will not be the only option.
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Transportation worker identification credential
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced
- Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- Border crossing card
- Permanent resident card
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. passport card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
Do children need to have a REAL ID card?
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not require kids under 18 to carry with them an identification when they are traveling in the United States.
However, it is important to contact your airline to find out the ID your children will be required when they are traveling within the United States.
In case you arrive at the airport checkpoint without REAL ID or an acceptable alternative, make sure you arrive 3 hours in advance.
In this way you will have enough time to go through an identity verification process. If your identity cannot be confirmed, or you refuse to go through it, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.