5 Things Travelers Should Know About Real ID Card Requirements

Whether you travel often, plan to take one trip this year, or don’t know the next time you’ll be flying, you’ve probably seen urgent warnings and posts on social media about getting a REAL ID compatible driver’s license. Although there’s no need to panic, you likely do need to visit your local DMV to make sure your driver’s license is REAL ID compliant.

Federal Register, The Daily Journal of the United States Government, reports that the REAL ID Act sets minimum security requirements for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you should get a driver’s license or state-issued ID that complies with REAL ID by May 7, 2025, if you plan to use that form of identification to fly within the United States.

Here are some other things you should know about getting a REAL ID complaint driver’s license or state identification card.

Double Check You Have The Right Paperwork Before Going To The DMV

One of the top concerns that people have about getting a REAL ID card is having the right documentation. The requirements may vary by state, but they are similar. To get a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state ID card in the state of Alabama, for example, you will need:

• Documents that verify your identity and date of birth. Common documents used for this purpose are a United States passport or official birth certificate.
• Verification of your social security number such as a social security card or W-2 tax form.
• Documents that verify their residential address. You need two of these documents, and they can be a valid driver’s license or identification card, a voter registration card, a utility bill, or one of many other documents. Check with your local DMV for what is acceptable to verify your current address.

See the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s document list page for more information or look for similar pages for your local DMV. It’s best to call your local DMV and confirm you have everything you need before making an appointment or showing up to upgrade your current license or ID.

You Can Take An Online Quiz To Make Sure You’re REAL ID Compliant

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has an online quiz called Are You REAL ID Ready?. It will help you assess what your next steps should be.

If your answers to the quiz reveal that no further action is needed, you’ll get a response that says, “You’re REAL ID ready! You will need this ID to board domestic flights and may need this or another acceptable form of identification to visit federal facilities.”

If your answers show that you need to get your REAL ID, you’ll get a response that says, “You’re not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Select your state or territory to visit your local DMV to learn more.”

There Are No REAL ID Requirements For Children And Teens Under 18

If you will be traveling with your children and teens, they don’t need to worry about REAL ID compliance if you have acceptable identification. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the TSA does not require persons under the age of 18 to provide identification if they are traveling with an adult companion within the United States. Their parent or other adult travel companion, however, will need to have identification that complies with the requirements of their trip.

REAL ID Cards Do Not Replace Passports

With the extra documentation necessary to get the REAL ID compliant license or state ID, it might seem like it will be a powerful ID for travel everywhere. However, it can only be used for travel within the United States. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirms that they “cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel”.

Also, you cannot use your REAL ID card for international cruise travel. You will need likely need a valid passport so check with the cruise company when booking your trip.

You Can Fly Within The U.S. Without A REAL ID Compliant ID If You Have A Passport

Yes, there is a lot of emphasis on getting a REAL ID compliant ID, but you should be able to travel within the United States and internationally if you have a current, valid passport. Check the TSA’s Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint page to ensure you have the identification you need to fly where you want to go.