REAL ID Requirements

As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept state-issued identifications that are not REAL ID compliant. A REAL ID document is required for the following:

• Board a domestic flight in the U.S.
• Enter a military base or nuclear power plant.
• Visit certain federal buildings.

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Acceptable REAL IDs include:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (or equivalent)
  • A temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification
• State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
• S. passport
• S. passport card
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• 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)

• Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Personal Identity Verification (PIV card)

• Foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation worker identification credential
• S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

TSA currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration for the above listed forms of identification. 

Passengers who do not yet have their REAL ID or another TSA acceptable form of ID will still be able to travel, but should expect delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. Additionally, passengers will need to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as name and current address to confirm identity. If identity is confirmed, passengers will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint where additional screening may be required.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID can be obtained from your local DMV.

Individuals with lawful status may obtain a REAL ID. Examples of lawful status include: permanent residents (“green card” holders), refugees, asylees and those with an asylum application pending, pending or approved Temporary Protected Status (TPS), certain nonimmigrant visa holders, deferred action (including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)), and some applicants for permanent residency. Those with temporary lawful status may be issued a temporary REAL ID, valid for no longer than one year.

For additional information regarding REAL ID and its impact on U.S. Citizens, individuals with lawful status and undocumented individuals, please click here.

Please feel free to contact the authors of this Client Alert or your Butzel attorney for more information.

Clara DeMatteis Mager
313.225.7077
mager@butzel.com 

Amany Kasham
313.983.6916
kasham@butzel.com