Have you obtained your Real ID yet? If you haven’t done so, what are you waiting for? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has warned passengers about the importance of carrying this identification at airports in the United States to avoid delays and facilitate the identification process. The Real ID was created in response to the need to strengthen National Security by the Department of Defense of the United States. Therefore, anyone over the age of 18 who wants to access federal facilities or travel within the United States must carry this identification or one of the accepted licenses.
Since May 7, 2025, its use has been in effect, so if you have not requested them by now, the TSA recommends doing so by visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. If you do not yet have your Real ID, you will not be able to access TSA PreCheck, which puts you at risk of slowing down your identification process and even facing delays when catching a flight. However, some of the alternative documents valid if you do not have your Real ID are an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), U.S. passport, permanent resident card, Trusted Traveler card from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or a border crossing card, among many others.
Real ID
The official website of the United States Government defines the REAL ID as a law that establishes higher security standards for identifications and driver’s licenses issued by the states. Only U.S. citizens and foreigners who can prove their legal residency in the United States can obtain the Real ID. Its use is necessary to access certain federal buildings and facilities, and to fly within the country.
Real ID Application
The enforcement of this identification requirement came into effect on May 7, 2025. Therefore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that those who have not yet applied should visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to obtain it as soon as possible. According to the TSA, “Driver’s licenses and identification documents are a vital component of the national security framework”.
What happens if I don’t have my Real ID?
Can I fly without my Real ID? The answer is yes, but you need to consider several aspects. First, you will not have access to TSA PreCheck, which may affect the smoothness of your travel. If you present a state-issued identification that does not meet the security requirements of the Real ID, you are most likely to go through additional security checks, which would slow down your identification process, and you may even miss your flight.
Aspect to consider regarding the use of Real ID
- The TSA accepts expired documents up to two years after their expiration date.
- Children under 18 are not required to present identification when traveling within the United States.
- In exceptional cases, unaccompanied travelers who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable identification to receive the expedited screening process.
What documentation is valid in the event of not presenting the Real ID?
Don’t worry, not all is lost. Here is a long list of valid identification documents that are also accepted:
- Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) Enhanced Identification (EID).
- U.S. Passport.U.S.
- Passport Card.
- Trusted Traveler Cards from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- U.S. Department of Defense Identification.
- Permanent Resident Card.
- Border Crossing Card.An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Indian tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC).
- PIV HSPD-12 Card.
- Passport issued by a foreign government.
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or card from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- Employment Authorization Card from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (I-766).
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
- Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC).
Are you aware of the new rules that minors must follow if they are traveling alone?