Do I need REAL ID to fly domestically in 2025
Use the free tool — Travel Doc Check
What REAL ID Is, and Why 2025 Matters
Starting May 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card — or a valid passport — to fly on domestic flights inside the United States. The star marked on the corner of your license is what airport security checks now.
Source: TSA — REAL ID.
How to Tell If Your ID Already Qualifies
Look for a star in the corner of your driver's license or state ID card. That star means it is REAL ID-compliant.
- If you see the star: you're covered for TSA security lines.
- If you don't see it, or you're not sure: verify this with the agency that issued your license.
No REAL ID Yet? A Passport Works
A valid US passport is also accepted for domestic flights. If you're renewing anyway because you also have an international trip coming up, check the passport's expiration date separately: many countries deny entry if a passport expires within 3-6 months of the stay. That's a different rule from REAL ID, but worth checking at the same time.
Source: US State Dept — country pages.
Traveling with Kids or as a Green Card Holder
REAL ID rules cover the adult photo ID checked at security. If your trip continues internationally, other rules apply on top of that:
- Children flying without both parents: carry a notarized consent letter. Some countries require it at the border. See State Dept — children's travel.
- Green card holders: visa needs follow your passport's nationality, not your green card. You still need the green card (or a reentry permit for long trips) to come back into the US. This is general information, not immigration advice — confirm your situation with the agency.
What We Don't Know, and What to Verify
Entry rules, visa policies, and REAL ID enforcement details can change. We don't state any country's visa policy as settled fact, and we don't invent processing times. Confirm close to your travel date on the official page linked above, or directly with your airline and TSA.
This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules vary by nationality and change without notice.
What to Do Next
The free Travel Doc Check tool reads the trip details you enter — who's traveling, what documents they hold, dates and destinations — and builds a checklist for each person, with the official links to verify. Nothing you type is stored.
- Describe the trip: travelers, documents, destination, dates. Nothing is saved.
- See each person's list: validity math, entry rules to verify, kid letters — with official links.
- Fix the gaps early: renewal paths and templates while there's still time.
Travel Doc Check gives general document guidance with official links. It can be wrong, and it is not legal or immigration advice.
Travel Doc Check provides general document guidance with official links; it can be wrong and it is not legal or immigration advice. Rules vary by nationality and change without notice. Nothing you type is stored.