REAL ID, this is one of the most significant changes to air travel in recent years, requires you to have a compliant identification card to fly. Full-scale implementation at US airports and other points of entry is expected to begin soon.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A REAL ID?
REAL ID is the result of legislation passed in 2005 that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards that do not meet the standards.
Is REAL ID REQUIRED TO FLY?
To fly, every adult must have a REAL ID-compliant card.
DO CHILDREN REQUIRE A REAL ID?
Children do not require a REAL ID to fly. When traveling within the United States with a companion, children under the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.
Individual airlines, on the other hand, may have ID requirements for children under the age of 18, so it’s probably a good idea for that young driver to travel with a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license.
WHEN IS THE AGE REAL ID REQUIRED TO FLY?
Every air traveler who is between 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States beginning May 7, 2025.
The main impact of REAL ID will be how you interact with the Transportation Security Administration and go through airport security. However, you’ll also need a REAL ID to visit federal facilities or enter nuclear power plants, if those ever become a part of your travel plans.
HOW TO OBTAIN A REAL ID
For the majority of people, a REAL ID will not be a separate identification card from their driver’s license. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York, on the other hand, are issuing REAL IDs as well as REAL ID-compliant enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which will be accepted by the TSA.
Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security is collaborating with all 50 states to incorporate REAL ID compliance into driver’s licenses. The challenge is getting a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license before the deadline, even if your license isn’t technically up for renewal.
Obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license in some states, such as California, may necessitate an additional trip to the DMV. Reduce your zeal.
WHAT DOES A REAL ID LOOK LIKE?
REAL ID-compliant cards have a star at the top. If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, contact your state’s driver’s license agency for information on how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card.
A flag is also displayed on state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses. When REAL ID enforcement begins, these documents will be accepted at airport security.
WHAT ID DO YOU NEED TO FLY?
If you forget or lose your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, you’re not completely out of luck. The following ID types are also acceptable:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID>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
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IS IT POSSIBLE TO FLY WITHOUT a REAL ID?
One of the most common concerns that travelers have about REAL ID is whether they will be able to fly if they forget their ID.
Fortunately, the answer is probably yes.
When the REAL ID requirement takes effect on May 7, 2025, you may still be able to fly if you arrive at the airport and discover that you have forgotten your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card.
The TSA will attempt to confirm your identity by requiring you to complete a verification process that includes providing your name, current address, and other personal information.
If the TSA confirms your identity, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you will be subjected to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of your belongings.
On the other hand, if the TSA cannot confirm your identity, you will be unable to enter the security checkpoint and will have to either rush back home for your ID or find alternative transportation.
While REAL ID should standardize the ID-card process, it will have little effect on how long it takes you to get through airport security. The TSA still recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you need a REAL ID to fly in the US in 2022?
When should I get a REAL ID? To fly within the United States beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID. Examine the entire list of acceptable IDs.
How hard is it to fly without an ID?
If your identity cannot be confirmed, you refuse to provide proper identification, or you refuse to cooperate with the identity verification process, you will be denied entry to the security checkpoint. The TSA recommends arriving at least two hours before your flight time.
Does everyone in the US need a REAL ID?
Beginning May 7, 2025, all residents of every state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, when entering federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, or boarding commercial aircraft.
Is my Colorado driver’s license a REAL ID?
Since 2012, the majority of Colorado driver’s licenses and identification cards have been REAL ID compliant. Some credentials, however, such as CO-RCSA driver licenses and identification cards, lack a gold or black star and are not REAL ID compliant.
CONCLUSION
This article provides you with all the knowledge you need to know about real ID and how it can be used to fly. So read through and see what it means.
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