New Deadline
REAL ID has been delayed again, until May 7, 2025. But don’t let this delay you in getting prepared. Plan ahead, and be ready!
Find Out NowDon't delay, prepare today.
The new ID law for air travel goes into effect on May 7, 2025. Prepare now to make sure you are covered. Review your options – you may already have what you need. What are you waiting for?
More ResourcesREAL ID will affect access to places controlled by the federal government
Airport security checkpoints
U.S. border crossings
Secure federal buildings (like military facilities)
You may already have what you need!
REAL ID is a law, not an actual piece of ID. Per the law, there are many pieces of existing identification options that will work including:
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- U.S. Military ID
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- Foreign Passport
- Enhanced Driver License (EDL)
- Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Federally Recognized, Tribal-issued Photo ID
- Border Crossing Card
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Ways to travel with Standard Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
Even though REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025, it only affects folks who want to travel by plane or access certain federal facilities. Your standard driver’s license or ID card will work for other U.S. travel like driving in Washington, across state lines, or riding a train. Standard driver’s licenses or ID cards are available without U.S. citizenship; however, in July 2018, ID cards began featuring a marking that reads "federal limits apply". Markings do not indicate citizenship or immigration status. In addition, you can still access federal facilities like courts, Social Security offices, national parks, and health care facilities with a standard driver’s license or ID.Discover REAL ID Options
Here are some of the options that will work for air travel when REAL ID goes into effect on May 7, 2025. Find the full list here.
Foreign Passport
Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
U.S. Passport
Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
U.S. Military ID
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Federally Recognized, Tribal-Issued Photo ID
U.S. Passport Card
Border Crossing Card