Is State Identification Valid For Domestic Travel?

Starting May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs will no longer be allowed to board domestic flights. If you do not upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or other acceptable forms of identification to fly. The REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by a state to meet federal security standards.

For domestic air travel, real ID will be required for domestic flyers post-May 7, 2025, but it can also be used by travelers prior to this date. Convenience is key, as Real ID combines your driving privileges with the security features of a state-issued ID.

Starting May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver’s license or a state-issued driver’s permit. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration. TSA ID requirements are changing on May 7, 2025.

A State ID is the same as a Driver’s License, just without the driving privileges, so it is still valid at TSA. If you plan on flying domestically, you will need a REAL ID instead of an old driver’s license. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses or state-issued ID a year after expiration.

In summary, starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. 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 not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles.

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 a US citizen fly to the U.S. without a 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 you fly with a NYC ID?

The IDNYC card does not grant drivers’ licenses, allow alcohol or tobacco purchases, or provide immigration status or work authorization. Military bases may have their own admission procedures and background checks, so IDNYC cardholders should contact the base beforehand to inquire about acceptable identification and procedures. If you notice an unauthorized sale of the IDNYC card, it is free and should not be sold anywhere. To obtain a card, applicants must submit an application at one of the Enrollment Centers. If you suspect an illegal sale or a fake IDNYC card, call 311.

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.

What ID do I need to fly internationally?

A passport is a requisite item for international travel, while a valid form of identification is necessary for travel within the United States. This identification may be a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, but not both.

Can I fly in the US with a state ID?

Starting May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs or licenses must be REAL ID compliant for use within the U. S., and if not, they must be checked with the state department of motor vehicles. The TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for special circumstances at checkpoints, but weapon permits and temporary driver’s licenses are not acceptable. REAL ID is the only acceptable form of identification for use within the U. S., and if you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID, consult your state department of motor vehicles.

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 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.

Can you fly with Washington state ID?

Standard driver licenses and ID cards will continue to be available for Washington residents as identification, but they will no longer be accepted as valid forms of ID for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Enhanced driver licenses (EDL) and enhanced identification (EID) are forms of identification with enhanced security features, meeting federal requirements under REAL ID and providing an alternative to a passport or passport card for re-entry into the U.

S. at land and sea borders between the U. S., Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. To obtain an EDL or EID, a U. S. citizen must provide a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, identity, and Washington State residency.

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.

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.