TSA Announces REAL ID Alternatives Before Deadline
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Beginning on May 7, a standard driver's license will no longer get you past security at the airport for domestic flights, as the TSA and FAA will require a new REAL ID in order to fly domestically. However, there are a few alternatives.
The new REAL ID has been in the works since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 The ID meets stricter requirements and can be recognized by a gold star located in the upper right corner of the identification card.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to 'set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.' While it took about two decades to be officially implemented, the deadline of May 7, 2025 is expected to be the final deadline.
If you don't have a REAL ID and won't be able to get one before the May 7 deadline, there are a few other documents that passengers can use to get through the TSA checkpoint and onto their flights.
Before this month's deadline, the TSA published a list of 15 REAL ID alternatives that passengers can use if they have not yet made the switch.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's License.
U.S. passport.
U.S. passport card.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (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).
TSA also accepts expired IDs up to a year after the expiration date on any of the above documents. Additionally, children under the age of 18 are not required to provide ID of any kind to travel domestically.
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