REAL ID Explained: What You Need to Fly in the US

REAL ID is a set of federal security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards, created by the REAL ID Act of 2005. Licenses that meet the standard are issued only after a state verifies your identity documents in person.

Since enforcement began on May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable ID to pass TSA security for domestic flights and to enter certain federal facilities.

Look for a star marking, usually in the upper portion of the card. Its design varies by state; California’s REAL ID shows a star on a bear. If your card says “Federal Limits Apply” or similar, it isn’t compliant.

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, available in a handful of states, are also accepted at TSA checkpoints even though they may not carry the star.

You don’t need a REAL ID license if you carry another acceptable document. TSA’s full list is on its website and can change, but common options include the following.

Starting February 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID, an alternative identity-verification process. Approval isn’t guaranteed, and the process takes extra time, so you risk missing your flight.

The simple fix: if your license isn’t compliant, carry your passport or passport card when you fly. Our passport renewal guide helps if yours has expired.

Apply in person at your state’s driver licensing agency. You’ll generally need proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of your Social Security number, and two proofs of residential address. Bring name-change documents if your current name differs from your birth certificate.

Many states, including California, let you start the application online before your appointment. Check your state agency’s website for its document list.