Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all individuals traveling domestically to have a REAL ID, a form of identification available. This means that if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities, you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. The REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel but ensures that travelers can fly domestic within the U.S. and access secure facilities.
Traversers, even those with TSA PreCheck, won’t be allowed to board a domestic flight without a REAL ID or an equivalent form of documentation. Starting May 7, 2025, you will no longer be able to use a non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID to board a domestic flight. If you do not upgrade your REAL ID, you will need to present one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
If you cannot get a REAL ID, you might still be able to fly with a foreign passport, and you should consult with an attorney about the best way to do so. A REAL ID in the United States allows for the bypass for a passport and holds no weight. It is only good for domestic flights within the United States and holds no weight.
A REAL ID may not be available to immigrants with limited or no documentation. REAL IDs can only be issued to non-US citizens with legal presence in the US. If an undocumented immigrant currently holds a non-Real ID driver’s license or state ID card, this will not be accepted for domestic travel or entry into federal facilities.
As obtaining a Real ID requires proof of citizenship or legal immigration status, many undocumented immigrants may soon be unable to fly.
📹 What is a ‘Real ID’ and why do you need it to travel?
ONE YEAR FROM TODAY — THE ENFORCEMENT OF “REAL IDS” BEGINS. THAT MEANS YOU HAVE 365 DAYS TO MAKE …
Can a non US citizen travel within the US?
The approved forms of identification for domestic flights include foreign government-issued passports and/or a U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
Can undocumented immigrants get a REAL ID in New York?
New York State offers three types of ID documents: standard licenses and IDs, REAL IDs, and Enhanced licenses and IDs. Non-citizens can apply for standard IDs, REAL IDs for non-citizens with proof of lawful presence, and Enhanced IDs for US citizens. To renew a license, the DMV requires updated paperwork from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the extension of the Temporary Visitor status. The new license will have the new expiration date.
What to do if immigration stops you at the airport?
In the event of being detained at the airport, it is advisable to refrain from signing any documents that are unclear or difficult to comprehend. Should one be unable to understand English, it is recommended to request the assistance of an interpreter. It is also important to maintain a calm and polite demeanor when interacting with immigration officials. Finally, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a professional attorney without delay. The aforementioned advice is applicable to Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Houston.
Can a non resident alien get a US driver’s license?
Nonimmigrants are permitted to apply for a driver’s license, provided that they consult with the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Designated School Official (DSO) and provide supporting documentation, such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which validates their authorized stay in the country.
Can undocumented immigrants get a REAL ID in California?
At the time of writing, only those who are U. S. citizens and have been granted authorization under federal law are permitted to submit an application for a standard California identification card (CA ID). The objective of Assembly Bill 1766 is to extend the eligibility criteria for a California identification card to all residents of California by 2027.
Can non-US citizens get a REAL ID?
Individuals who are not citizens of the United States but who have been lawfully admitted for permanent or temporary residence, have conditional permanent resident status, have an approved asylum application, or have entered the United States as refugees are eligible for a full-term REAL ID license or identification card.
Can a non-US citizen get a driver’s license?
Undocumented immigrants are eligible to obtain a state-issued driver’s license, provided that they possess an immigration status that is recognized under the prevailing immigration legislation. The majority of states mandate the presentation of evidence substantiating lawful residency, such as a naturalization certificate or green card. Nevertheless, the District of Columbia and 16 other states permit undocumented immigrants to procure licenses.
Can undocumented immigrants get a REAL ID in Illinois?
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has proposed legislation that would permit undocumented immigrants in Illinois to apply for standard driver’s licenses. The objective of this legislation is twofold: to enhance road safety and to eliminate discriminatory practices.
Can an undocumented person fly within the US?
Domestic flight travelers must present a valid, unexpired photo ID issued by the state or federal government. Undocumented individuals can use various forms of ID accepted by TSA, including state photo identity cards, state driver’s licenses, military IDs, foreign passports, U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Employment Authorization Cards, trusted traveler cards, border-crossing cards, Native American tribal ID cards, airline or airport photo ID cards, and transportation worker ID credential. To ensure security, keep your devices secure with a number or word security password instead of a pattern or fingerprint.
Can an undocumented person get an ID in the US?
REAL IDs are only available to non-US citizens with legal presence in the US, and states that offer standard driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants cannot issue them a REAL ID. Non-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards may be issued to undocumented individuals whose identities or current legal status cannot be verified. These cards must have a unique design or color and explicitly state that the driver failed to meet REAL ID requirements, making the license not acceptable for official federal purposes. Non-compliant cards do not necessarily indicate an undocumented immigrant, as individuals with lawful presence can obtain a non-compliant card for various reasons.
📹 REAL ID Starting Soon. Can Immigrants Travel After May 3, 2023? Who Is Eligible For a REAL ID?
REAL ID Starting Soon. Can Immigrants Travel After May 3, 2023? Who Is Eligible For a REAL ID? In this video, I discuss the …
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I believe this only applies to people who are planning to travel with a drivers license. I actually sent an inquiry about this to TSA and they responded that a foreign valid passport is and will be an accepted form of ID when you travel after may 2023. I’m not undocumented, I have a green card, I also travel a lot and always travel with my foreign passport. It has never been an issue.
OMG, please don’t get me started on this issue. I am a US citizen and getting my REAL ID / drivers license is a NIGHTMARE. I have been to DMV 4 times trying to get my license renewed. Every time I have to get ANOTHER document proving my REAL ID. If its hard for me, I can’t even imagine what an immigrant has to go through to get their ID/DL. GOOD LUCK AND PERSEVERE.
Not being able to fly is going to impact the bottom line of not just the airlines. Hotel bookings, uber/cab rides to/from airports and food places will all take a big hit. The most hilarious part is my “regular” drivers license expired right in the middle of the covid madness back in 2020 and the DMV was closed for all in-person appointments for months. So even if I wanted to get a real ID it wouldn’t have been possible. Their solution to people with expiring documents in the middle of the covid shutdown was to mail out the non-real ID instead – bad luck if you wanted to fly and then couldn’t. Regarding other acceptable documents, a valid foreign passport should be sufficient to verify your identity. I seriously doubt DHS will be using it to question your residency or citizenship – that would create a huge uproar.
I just put in for a replacement drivers license and I didnt have to show my passport or my 2 forms of mail. I dont believe that it is legal to require someone to show this paperwork. I dont even think the process is legal, why do I have to show mail if I have a valid ID at the DMV? why do I have to identify myself if I have an license at the DMV that identifies me? Am I crazy or is something incorrect here? I also dont consent to anything from the government I am suppose to sign something else that is illegal…that I consent to some random undefined breathalyzer or ? I’m not drinking, I dont drink Im confused? I feel scared for assault from the government. It is illegal that invalidates any request from law enforcement unless you define you search. I honestly feel scared right now so much I almost cried…..I cannot consent to something that has not happened or is in the future of a driving violation….am I crazy or is that on your page to? so confused
My Driver’s license expires in a couple of months and they want me to get the new real I.D if I want to Renew my driver’s license, and I Do not want this new real. I. D. Is there any type of identification or regular state Driver’s license in the state of Florida that I can get? Without getting the new real I d?
Good morning lovely one ! I try my best to share your educative articles! Remain blessed. I want to ask these questions! 1: when is this effective from ? Is it immediately if not when ? 2: have they started applying for the Federal ID ? 3: My 1-360 has been approved since November 30, 2021, and I hv I-485 pending, though finger print taken again in February 2022, what next ? Thanks so much sweetie for your anticipated response and God bless you
Bought a new REAL ID in KY that says not for real id purposes even thou spent my own money in it took two weeks and they knew I had a flight to catch in June, I am so confused why my new one says it’s not an ID used for ID purposes, this seems like voter suppression, prevents buying alcohol and might prevent my entire vacation and flight coming up…..this seems like a disaster because it’s a real ID that says not a real ID, logic am I right?
I’m puzzled by the whole real ID thing, how many times did I have to prove my citizenship with my birth certificate and Obama made it to the presidency and never had to show his, think about that while you think about how long ago this real id thing has been on the books and why is it so important now . Nothing to see here folks just comply and move along.
I was approved of my real ID card without a ssn or green-card inn2021 That was in IN state. I took my receipt of notice. Married certificate and passport to DMV and they referee me to Social security office ans I was printed a form which in return I took back to DMV they accepted that letter and I did the test.passed and got my 1yr real ID. When my SSN came out and my EAD I went back to DMV and my number was linked. .
Good afternoon I have a New York State ID but I do not want the one to travel because I don’t need that 1 I just want the regular 1 which they gave me from the motor vehicle and I think that Just saying that I don’t think that’s the one would affect me because I’ve been having it for about least 10 years now yes no so I’ll just hope that they don’t do anything about that cause that’s more important that when have you’ve been stopped or if you’re going in the store to buy anything and you use your card it shows that you are the person you are so I hope you don’t do anything about that 1 thank you
Hello my name is Richard Jackson I are here since 2002 but I came in true Mexico and I got married to and American Citizen in 2011 and file for My papers in 2014 and I still don’t get them and sini I don’t have a I.194 that I have to go back to My country Just for a few minutes interview could I get a weiver and get My green card here is it anything I can do in order to get it here ❤️
I really do need helpbat this moment I don’t have valid Identification card nor green card I really do need help sister I’m in the shelter at this moment I shouldn’t be living in the shelter I deserve better I’m suffering at this moment…I deserve better …. cptcd has almost ruined my life …please need help I’m so sure I’m eligible for a real ID even though yet to get my green card etc….sister please I need help …..