The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025. How can I tell if I have one? What you can bring instead
The REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025, which means after that date you'll need to have one or an approved alternative with you to pass through TSA checkpoints.
While a passport is the most common acceptable alternative, there are a few others. Here's what to know.
When is the deadline to get the REAL ID?
If you're flying across the country, you'll need to have a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025, or start bringing an acceptable alternative (like your passport).
While passports aren't usually required for domestic flights, if you don't have REAL ID, it is an acceptable alternative.
What will happen if I don't have REAL ID?
Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant license or acceptable alternative beginning May 7, 2025, will not be allowed through TSA checkpoints.
Others are reading: The REAL ID deadline is here. Live look at process, issues across the USA
What are all the REAL ID alternatives?
If you don't have time to get a REAL ID before your next flight, these are the acceptable alternatives:
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?
No. Any travelers who have an up-to-date passport, or any other TSA-approved form of identification, do not need a Real ID to travel domestically.
What's needed to get a REAL ID?
Proof of identity and lawful status (U.S. birth certificate, unexpired passport, Citizenship documents)
Proof of Social Security (Social Security card, W-2 form)
Proof of Residency (Two documents with your address: Computer-generated bill, bank statement, pre-printed pay stub)
Cards typically arrive via mail within a week or two.
You can find more information on necessary documentation — including for people who have changed their name, gender or date of birth — in the BMV's online documentation guide.
What does a REAL ID look like?
REAL IDs will have a stamped symbol (typically a star) on the upper corner to show that is federally compliant.
Story continues after photo gallery.
Can I get a REAL ID after the deadline?
Yes; you can still get a REAL ID after the deadline.
The deadline is the day TSA will begin requiring it for domestic travel.
For example, if your next in-country flight isn't until July, you should make sure you have it before then.
If you show up at the airport without it, or an acceptable alternative, you will be turned away.
Bradley Hohulin and Kathleen Wong contributed to this report.
Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How can I tell if I have a REAL ID? What are TSA-approved alternatives?
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