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The U.S. government now requires Real ID for people aged 18 and older to fly within the country. This is part of a law passed after the 9/11 attacks to improve security.
Although the law has existed since 2005, it is only now being fully enforced during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Many people are now trying to get Real ID cards to meet the new rules. These are special versions of state driver’s licenses or state-issued ID cards. They have a black or gold star or a U.S. flag in the corner. Without one, you may not be allowed to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings such as courthouses or military bases.
To get a Real ID from a state licensing office, you must show documents such as:
- A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or green card
- A Social Security number (using a card, tax form, or pay stub)
- Two documents proving your home address
- Proof of legal immigration status (such as a visa, asylum approval, or work permit)
Some states also issue ID cards to undocumented immigrants. These are clearly marked as “not valid for federal identification” and cannot be used for domestic flights or entering federal facilities.
You can still travel domestically without a Real ID if you use another acceptable form of identification, usually a federally issued document that may not include the star or the flag. These include:
- A valid U.S. passport book or passport card
- A valid foreign passport
- A green card (lawful permanent resident card)
- A military ID or triba (native American)l ID
- Trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry or NEXUS
- A U.S. Employment Authorization Document
- Other federally issued picture IDs such as Veterans Health ID cards
Real ID is only needed for domestic flights or access to certain federal buildings. You are not legally required to get one unless you plan to do those things.
While Real ID is required for adults aged 18 and over, children under 18 do not need it for domestic travel if they are flying with an adult who has valid ID.
Children traveling alone as unaccompanied minors also do not need a Real ID, but the adult dropping them off or picking them up may need to show valid photo identification. In addition, airlines may request a birth certificate or passport to confirm a child’s age even if TSA does not require it.
Immigration lawyers say that many noncitizens remain uneasy. Even those with valid documents may fear being questioned, especially if they are undocumented or part of mixed-status families. Carrying a foreign passport, while legal, may attract additional scrutiny.
If a traveler shows up without any acceptable ID, TSA may still allow them to fly after completing an identity verification process. However, this can take time and is not guaranteed.
People with temporary legal status—such as international students, workers on visas, asylum seekers, or DACA recipients—are eligible to get a Real ID. The card is only valid for as long as their immigration status lasts. Some states, like Florida, require these individuals to renew their Real ID cards every year. U.S. citizens, by contrast, typically get Real ID cards valid for 5 to 8 years, depending on the state.
It’s important to understand that having a Real ID does not prove you are currently in legal immigration status. Nor does it protect you from being arrested by immigration authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses its own systems to verify immigration status. A Real ID is not enough by itself—ICE may ask to see a green card, visa, or other current immigration paperwork.
Finally, the TSA list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Travelers are advised to check the TSA website before flying to confirm which IDs are currently accepted.
Sources: U.S. Department of State, Transportation Security Administration, Al Jazeera, PolitiFact
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