DHS Chief Kristi Noem Announces All Adult U.S. Citizens Must Have REAL ID to Fly Starting May — Here Are Other Forms of Identification You Can Use
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has announced that effective May 7, 2025, all adult U.S. citizens must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or a valid passport to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
This enforcement marks the culmination of the REAL ID Act, originally passed in 2005 following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to enhance the integrity and security of state-issued identification documents.
On December 17, 2018, President Trump signed the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, Public Law 115-323.
“If you plan on traveling, we need your help to prevent delays and to prove your identity. Get a REAL ID. Starting May 7th, you will need a REAL ID to travel by air or to visit federal buildings in the United States,” Noem said in a video statement.
“These IDs keep our country safe because they help prevent fraud and enhance security. Please do your part to protect our country. Go today, and don’t delay.”
Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!https://t.co/rmP0renGHs pic.twitter.com/f92iT0uygA
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) April 11, 2025
Examples of REAL IDs:
There are several other forms of identification you can use to fly.
According to TSA:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Children
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Don’t Have Your Acceptable ID?
In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly.
The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose to not provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.
TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.
Travelers are advised to check their current identification for REAL ID compliance and, if necessary, obtain an alternative acceptable form of ID before the deadline to avoid travel disruptions.
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