What happens if you don’t have real ID? These are the valid identifications that US will accept
As of May 7, 2025, passengers over 18 who wish to address domestic flights in USA They must present their Real ida special identification that meets the security standards established by the federal government. However, for those who fail to obtain this card on time, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) He has confirmed that he will accept a variety of alternative documents as valid identification at airport control points.
The Real id It is an identification card or driver’s license that differs from the standard licenses for complying with the security requirements established by the real ID law, approved in 2005 after the recommendations of the September 11 commission. Although initially it was planned to implement this measure in May 2023, its entry into force was postponed until 2025. This document will be necessary to travel within the 50 states, the Columbia district and the five territories of USA.
For those who do not have a Real id After the deadline, the TSA will allow the use of other documents. It is necessary to understand that adult passengers of 18 years or more need to show a valid identification at the airport control point to be able to travel, as described by security authorities on the official website of the agency.
The accepted options, according to the TSA, are the following:
- Driver license Improved issued by the State
- Passport United States
- Passport card of the USA.
- DhS reliable traveler cards (Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, Fast)
- Identification of the US Department of Defenseincluding identifications issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An identification with acceptable photography issued by a tribal nation/Indian tribe recognized at the federal level, including improved tribal cards (etc).
- PIV HSPD-12 card
- Passport issued by a foreign government
- Provincial driver’s license Canadian or indigenous affairs card and northern Canada
- Transport worker identification credential
- Employment Authorization Card of the United States citizenship and immigration service (I-766)
- Merchant Marine Credential of the United States
- Health identification card For veterans (VHIC)
If you want to use your identification or license issued by the State to fly in the country, you must comply with the real ID regulations as of May 7, 2025.
If you are not sure that the identification you plan to use complies with these regulations, the security authorities recommend consulting the State Motorized Vehicle Department.
In addition, the TSA He pointed out that he will accept defeated identifications up to one year after his expiration date, as long as they belong to the aforementioned categories. However, it is important to highlight that certain documents, such as weapons permits or temporary driving licenses, will not be considered valid for this purpose.
The Real id It does not replace the passport, but it will be indispensable for those who wish to travel within USA on domestic flights. This card is distinguished by including advanced security characteristics that seek to prevent the use of fraudulent identifications. The implementation of this measure responds to the need to strengthen national security after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
The regulations will apply uniformly throughout the US territory, including the states, the district of Columbia and the territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, American Samoa and the Mariana Islands of the North.
