the real id act: what you need to know

the real id act, implemented by the tsa, aims to strengthen the security in airport controls and guarantee the authenticity of identification documents. this means that standard driver’s licenses or state identification cards may no longer be sufficient for boarding domestic flights if they do not meet real id standards.

is your id real id compliant?

the easiest way to determine if your current identification meets the real id requirements is to look for a specific marking. according to the tsa, you must verify that the document presents a golden star in the upper right. this star indicates that the document complies with the security standards established by the regulations.

if your current id lacks this star, it is likely not valid for boarding national flights within the u.s. in this case, you will need to obtain a new identification card that meets real id requirements.

the process for obtaining a real id-compliant identification can vary by state. it is indeed recommended to consult with your local department of motor vehicles (dmv) for detailed facts on the specific steps to follow in your state.

acceptable forms of identification

the tsa has established a list of documents that will be accepted for boarding national flights within the united states. these include:

• driver’s license or state identification card that meets the requirements of the real id act.
• enhanced driver’s license issued by the state.
• u.s.passport.
• u.s. passport card.
• trusted traveler cards of the department of homeland security (global entry, nexus, sentri, fast).
• identification of the u.s. department of defence (includes dependents).
• permanent resident card.
• border crossing card.
• identification issued by federally recognized tribes.
• hspd-12 piv card.
• passport issued by a foreign government.
• canadian provincial driver’s license or canada’s indigenous affairs card.
• transport worker credential.

it is essential that travelers verify that they have one of these documents before their trip to avoid inconveniences at the security control points.

consequences of non-compliance

travelers who do not present a valid, real id-compliant identification at airport security controls may face considerable delays. those without acceptable identification may not address national flights within the u.s. territory. this requirement applies to all passengers over 18 years of age who use commercial flights.

the tsa recommends that users verify the validity of their identity documents in advance and obtain a real id if they do not already have one. the lack of the required documentation could cause the loss of the flight or prolonged waiting times at the airport control points.

faq: real id and air travel

what is the real id act?

the real id act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights.

how do i know if my id is real id compliant?

look for a golden star in the upper right corner of your driver’s license or state identification card.

what happens if i don’t have a real id?

you will need to present another acceptable form of identification, such as a u.s. passport, to board domestic flights.

were can i get a real id?

contact your local department of motor vehicles (dmv) for information on how to obtain a real id in your state.

are there any exceptions to the real id requirement?

children under 18 are not required to present real id-compliant identification for domestic flights [[2]].