Soon, Your ID Might Not Get You Through Airport Security

These security measures only matter if you’re flying in a regulated commercial airplane domestically, or need to enter a federal building or a nuclear power plant. They will not apply to you if you’re boarding a bus or train throughout the US.

What do I do if my state is not compliant with the REAL ID enforcement?

The only US territory currently not fully compliant with REAL ID enforcement is American Samoa. American Samoa is currently under review for REAL ID enforcement. If you live there, get moving. Apply for a passport, or a passport card now, even if you only intend on traveling domestically. Passport applications can take some time, and if you’re behind on your taxes, you may be denied one, so get organized and start the process as soon as you can. We suggest that you order a 52-page passport at no extra charge so that if you ever go abroad, you’ll have room for all the visas and stamps required.

Is my state-issued enhanced driver’s license acceptable by federal agencies?

Yes, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license will be sufficient. If you’re lucky enough to reside in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington, these are currently the only states that issue Enhanced Driver’s Licenses. State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag.

Will I be turned away by TSA if I don’t have a license from a compliant state?

Yes, you’ll be turned away if you don’t provide an alternate form of ID that is compliant with the REAL ID Act, such as a passport. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. Acceptable forms of ID are:

• US passport
• US passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• US Department of Defense ID
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• State-issued enhanced driver’s license
• Driver’s licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• 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
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
• US Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card

Does this apply to minors?

No, children under 18 don’t need to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will still need to have valid compliant identification.

Will my REAL ID allow me to travel to Mexico and Canada?

No. Travelers wanting to cross international borders need a valid passport. A REAL ID only does not allow border crossing into Mexico or Canada.

A version of this article was previously published on July 30, 2018, by Evangeline Chen, and was updated on April 28, 2021, by Morgane Croissant.