Which forms of ID are compliant with Real ID? How to check after deadline passes
Beginning on May 7, U.S. travelers will need to have a gold star in the top right corner of their IDs to board domestic flights and/or access certain federal facilities. This is what’s known as a “Real ID.”
The Department of Homeland Security is enforcing the “Real ID” to tighten up security measures. The Real ID Act was passed in 2005, in response to a 9/11 Commission recommendation.
The act states that travelers 18 years or older will need the Real ID. Here’s what to know if you are younger than 18 or if you don’t have a license.
What identification qualifies as compliant with Real ID?
Not everyone has a driver’s license, but most people have some form of identification.
For those who do not have a driver’s license, these forms of ID will still be accepted, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (marked with a flag instead of a star)
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including military IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
TSA does not require children 18 years or younger to show identification while traveling within the U.S.
What happens if you do not have a Real ID by May 7?
If your ID does not have the star by May 7, you can still use it until its expiration date - with a catch.
“It will only be accepted for state-related purposes such as driving (driver license only), banking, and voting. It will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes,” according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
If you need to apply for a Real ID, see here for more details.
This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 1:47 PM.