Is My State Id Valid For Domestic Travel?

The Real ID Act mandates that all state-issued identification documents (IDs) must meet minimum security standards to be accepted for federal purposes, including boarding domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., ensure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

For domestic travel in India, please carry your ticket and a valid proof-of-identity document, such as a passport or voter ID card. Starting May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID will no longer be able to board a domestic flight. If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly.

The U.S. passport book and passport card are both accepted as REAL ID for domestic flights. However, 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 license or state ID, you can use a passport or one of these other acceptable forms of identification to fly.

A State ID is the same as a Driver’s License, just without the driving privileges, so it remains valid at TSA. All standard issued driver licenses, permits, and ID cards will remain acceptable for domestic flights and for access to federal facilities. An enhanced ID should be sufficient to travel by any means to and from any of the 50 states as long as you are not landing in Canada or Mexico.

Before May 7, 2025, every air traveler 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 identification. Beginning May 7, 2025, the federal government will require you to use a valid U.S. passport or obtain the new Illinois REAL ID to fly domestically.

What type ID is required to fly?

On May 7, 2025, all individuals aged 18 and above intending to fly within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or an alternative form of identification deemed acceptable by the relevant authorities. Cards that comply with the REAL ID standards are marked with a star at the top, while state-issued enhanced licenses are also acceptable and marked with a flag.

Do I need a passport to fly domestic in the US in 2024?

The REAL ID Act, which was set to become law on Oct. 1, 2020, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all U. S. travelers to meet the REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights by May 7, 2025. This change was made due to the unprecedented circumstances of the last few years, including travel during the pandemic. While a passport may not be necessary for travel, it is still required for those who are already issued a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, which can be identified by the star in the upper right-hand corner of the ID. If your ID is not already compliant, you can prepare accordingly.

Can US citizens travel without passport?

U. S. citizens need U. S. passport books for air re-entry, while land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents like U. S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options, such as a green card, a visa, receipts for new electronics, proof of rabies vaccination for dogs traveling abroad, a valid license for driving overseas, permits and certificates for restricted animal or plant products, medications in their original packages, and an envelope for holding purchases abroad.

When U. S. citizen children under 16 arrive by land or sea from Canada or Mexico, they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. For groups of children arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

Can I travel with my state ID in the US?

As of May 7, 2025, individuals intending to utilize their state-issued identification or license for aviation purposes within the United States are obliged to ascertain that they are in compliance with the REAL ID standards. In the event of uncertainty, it is recommended to seek guidance from the relevant state department of motor vehicles.

What ID is needed for domestic US travel?

In order to pass through security in the United States, it is necessary to present a valid U. S. government-issued photo ID or passport from one’s country of origin. Furthermore, the name on one’s boarding pass must correspond with the legal name on the aforementioned ID.

What ID do I need to fly domestically in Canada?

In order to gain entry into Canada, it is necessary to present a valid form of identification that bears a photograph issued by a government authority within Canada. Alternatively, two forms of identification that do not include photographs are permitted, provided that they correspond to the names and dates of birth of the individual in question. In addition, the following documents are required: a valid passport, NEXUS card, Permanent Resident Card, and enhanced driver’s license.

The failure to present the aforementioned documents, which must display the individual’s entire face or bear a resemblance to the photograph on their travel document, may result in the individual being refused entry to the country.

Can a non-US citizen travel within the US without a passport?

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 a non US citizen fly domestic without a passport?

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 you fly with a foreign ID in the US?

Foreign passports or Employment Authorization Document Cards are approved for domestic flights, as they are included on the approved list of domestic forms of identification, which also includes the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

What is the state ID in the US?

In the United States, identity documents include regional state-issued driver’s licenses, identity cards, Social Security cards, and passports. However, there is no official national identity card, as there is no federal agency with nationwide jurisdiction. There have been proposals to nationalize ID cards, but the current system consists of a patchwork of documents issued by both federal and state governments. This is a political and practical issue, with federalism being cited as supporting regional identification.

Legislative attempts to create a national identity card have failed due to opposition from liberal and conservative politicians, who view the national identity card as a mark of a totalitarian society.

What is domestic travel?

Domestic travel, or internal travel, is the act of traveling within one’s own country’s borders, rather than crossing international boundaries. This type of travel can range from short local trips to longer journeys across multiple states or provinces. Domestic travel is often easier and cheaper than international travel due to the absence of visas, shorter transit times, and cultural differences. It plays a crucial role in supporting the local economy, promoting regional tourism, contributing to local businesses, and encouraging cultural exchange.

Many nations invest in domestic tourism development, highlighting historical sites, natural wonders, festivals, and other attractions to attract citizens to explore their homeland. Domestic travel offers a rich array of experiences, nearly as varied as international journeys, especially in larger or geographically diverse countries.