In the United States, since last May, it is mandatory to carry a Real ID at airports. Since that date, this is the only valid document which allows passengers to take a flight or access a government building. However, there are exceptions, such as military personnel belonging to the U.S. Army, including retired military personnel. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), active military or veterans may identify themselves by carrying their DOD ID or VHIC cards, as an alternative to Real ID.
However, some veterans have had problems with their IDs having “indefinite validity”, to which the U.S. Department of Defense has responded emphatically that all IDs are valid as long as they are current, so in those cases, you can ask to speak to a superior to be allowed access.
Mandatory Real ID
On May 7, 2025, a new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rule was implemented, whereby all passengers must update their IDs to Real ID in order to pass through airport identification checkpoints, as well as to gain access to government buildings. This new measure is intended to enhance security on domestic flights and at federal facilities. This new rule extends to the entire population of the country, with some exceptions.
The military does not need Real ID
This new security measure was extended to the entire population, except for those belonging to the U.S. military. According to the official website of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), any ID issued by the Department of Defense will be valid and accepted in the identification process. It also adds to the list DOD ID cards (including those of family members), and VHICs, which correspond to veterans’ health credentials. The Military Times quoted Defense Department spokesman Dave Fitz as explaining, “TSA agents are trained to accept military IDs as valid proof of identity. Those with ties to the Armed Forces should be able to fly just by showing that document”.
Trouble for veterans
Both the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the U.S. Department of Defense have seen fit to include veterans who are no longer active in the “privileged” list. The only rule required for this exception is that the ID shown must be current. What about veterans? Those individuals who served in the U.S. military, but have retired, have a dated, non-expiring ID. It is the ID that states that it is “valid indefinitely”. Thus, it is still valid and can be used without any problem.
However, several retired military personnel have reported having problems when passing through the controls because they carry this type of identification. In response, Fitz stated, “Department of Defense IDs are legitimate forms of identification, even if they do not have an expiration date. In the event that an officer does not accept the document, the passenger can ask to speak to a supervisor”.
Are other types of identification allowed?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), there are more credentials that could be valid or substitute for the Real ID, although it is important to remember that it will always depend on the state of origin. Some of them are:
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL).
- Enhanced IDs (EID).
It is important to remember that this federal security regulation not only affects domestic flights at airports, but also for access to any type of government building or facility. However, military bases may have, in addition to this, their own identification and access rules, where credentials issued to spouses, children and veterans are still valid. In these cases, the following forms are acceptable:
- DD2 Form.
- DD Form 1173.
- DD Form 1173-1.
- DD Form 2785 blue, pink or brown.
Currently, this is the current rule, but you are advised to check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for updates.