A vacation journey can be quite exhilarating. But the excitement can quickly fade away if you’re stopped at the TSA line. One of the common reasons for that will be a missing star on your driver’s license. The rules in U.S. airports have changed since May 7, 2025, as you need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly within the country. But do airports require a REAL ID in 2026?
There are some exceptions in some of the states, though. How’s that possible? What are the alternatives to a REAL ID? Our blog explains it to you in detail.
Do airports require a REAL ID?
Yes, since May 7, 2025, all airports in the U.S. require travelers aged 18 and above to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, passport, enhanced driver’s license (EDL) issued by their state, or any other acceptable ID forms to board domestic flights. TSA checkpoints won’t accept any non-compliant license.
How do I know if I have a REAL ID?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a REAL ID-compliant license or ID will have a star marking in its upper right-hand corner. The star can be black, gold, or white inside a gold circle. If the star is missing on your license, it indicates that your license isn’t REAL ID-compliant.
What happens if you don’t have your REAL ID?
You can still board any domestic flight by showing any other acceptable ID form, like a passport, or by getting your identity approved via TSA’s latest security screening program, TSA ConfirmID, which starts on February 1, 2026. To opt for TSA ConfirmID, you must submit an application form and pay $45 online before you reach or when you’re at the airport. You can apply and pay for ConfirmID via this website.
What you need for payment
- Your complete legal name
- The starting date of your journey
- A legal method of payment. The website accepts payments via debit/credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
Longer security lines mean more TSA delays. It is critical to arrive early at the airport. If you don’t want parking to delay your flight further, reserve your parking spot in advance and have a stress-free journey.
How to get a REAL ID
You can make your license or a state ID card REAL ID-compliant when you apply for a new one or renew the existing one. So, when you receive the new card, it will have the star marking in its upper right-hand corner. The process to get a REAL ID and the documents required may vary by the state you reside in. However, these are some common REAL ID requirements mandated by the state driver’s licensing agencies.
- Identity: A U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Green Card (for non-U.S. citizens)
- Social Security Number: Present your Social Security card, paycheck, or Form W-2.
- Residency: Your DMV may ask you for a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement to prove your state residency.
How long does it take to get a REAL ID?
Once you complete the in-person application at your state DMV office, it will take around 7-14 business days for you to get the REAL ID via mail.
What are the alternatives to having a REAL ID?
These are some IDs that you can use instead of a REAL ID at TSA security checkpoints.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS Trusted traveler cards like NEXUS, Global Entry, FAST, or SENTRI
- Permanent resident card
- A U.S. Military ID
- Native American Tribal photo ID
- Canadian Provincial Driver’s License
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Border crossing card
- Passport issues by a foreign government
You can find the complete list of acceptable IDs on TSA’s website.
What states will not require a REAL ID?
The REAL ID exception states are New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Vermont, and Washington. These states don’t require a REAL ID-compliant ID as they’re issuing an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). TSA recognizes an EDL as an acceptable ID for boarding a domestic flight.
Can I use a REAL ID instead of a passport?
No, a REAL ID isn’t a replacement for a passport, as you can’t use it for international travel or border crossings. REAL ID is an accepted ID for flying within the U.S. and entering federal facilities.
Will REAL ID be required for children?
No, children aged below 18 don’t need to have a REAL ID while accompanied by an adult for domestic travel.
