Do I need a Real ID to fly within the United States?
Yes. Since 7 May 2025 you need a REAL ID compliant licence to fly within the US, unless you carry a passport or another ID on the TSA's accepted list.
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What REAL ID enforcement means in practice
Enforcement began on 7 May 2025 and is still in force. At every TSA checkpoint, adult passengers have to present a REAL ID compliant state licence or ID card, or another document from the TSA's accepted list.
A compliant card normally carries a star in the top corner. A few states use their own marking, so check with your state motor vehicle agency if you cannot see one. If you are booking a US trip on trip1, sort the ID out well ahead of your travel date, because appointments at state offices fill up.
What the TSA accepts instead of a REAL ID
You do not need a REAL ID at all if you already carry another accepted document. The TSA's list includes:
- A US passport or US passport card
- A DHS trusted traveler card: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST
- A state-issued enhanced driver's licence
- A permanent resident card, or an employment authorization card (Form I-766)
- A US Department of Defense ID, including dependent IDs and Common Access Cards
- A foreign government-issued passport, or a border crossing card
- A photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation
- A Canadian provincial driver's licence or an Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- A Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a US Merchant Mariner credential, an HSPD-12 PIV card or a Veteran Health Identification Card
What happens if you arrive without one
You are not automatically turned away, but you will lose time. Officers tell you the ID is not compliant and send you to a separate area for identity verification and additional screening.
Since 1 February 2026 the TSA has also offered a paid route called TSA ConfirmID. You fill in an online form and pay a 45 dollar fee to have your identity checked, and the receipt stays valid for 10 days. The TSA says it usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but it can run to half an hour or more.
Important: Neither the checkpoint process nor TSA ConfirmID guarantees you clear security. If your identity cannot be verified, you do not fly, so treat this as a last resort and not as a plan.
Children, international flights and hotel check-in
The TSA does not require identification from passengers under 18 on domestic flights. Airlines can still ask for proof of age, particularly for an infant travelling on a lap, so bring a birth certificate copy if that applies.
REAL ID is a domestic rule only. For any flight leaving the United States you need a passport, and often a visa or a travel authorisation as well.
Hotels are a separate matter. A US hotel will normally accept a driving licence as photo ID at check-in whether or not it is REAL ID compliant, and your trip1 booking confirmation covers the reservation itself.
REAL ID for US domestic flights - FAQ
Any other document on the TSA's accepted list. That includes a US passport or passport card, a Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card, a state enhanced driver's licence, a permanent resident card, a US military ID and a foreign government passport. If you already hold one of these, you do not need a REAL ID to fly domestically.
Yes. Enforcement began on 7 May 2025 and applies at every TSA checkpoint. Adults need a REAL ID compliant licence or state ID, or another accepted document. Since 1 February 2026, travellers without one can pay 45 dollars for TSA ConfirmID, which covers a 10-day travel period, but it does not guarantee you clear security.
Only if it is REAL ID compliant or a state enhanced licence. A compliant card usually carries a star in the top corner, and enhanced licences say Enhanced. A few states use their own marking, so check with your state motor vehicle agency if you are unsure. A standard licence without the marking is not enough on its own.
All of them. REAL ID is a federal rule, so it applies at every TSA checkpoint in the United States, whichever state issued your licence and whichever airport you fly from. If your licence is not compliant, a US passport, passport card or another document on the TSA's accepted list works instead.
You are told your ID is not compliant and sent to a separate area for identity verification and extra screening. You can also pay for TSA ConfirmID online before you travel. Neither route guarantees you get through, and if your identity cannot be verified you do not fly, so treat it as a last resort.
No. The TSA does not require identification from passengers under 18 travelling with a companion on domestic flights, although the adult travelling with them needs acceptable ID. Airlines can still ask for proof of age, particularly for an infant on a lap, so bring a copy of the birth certificate if that applies.