DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an immigration policy in the United States designed to protect individuals who illegally entered the U.S. during their childhood. While DACA does not grant permanent legal status, individuals who meet the qualifications are allowed to work and live legally in the United States.
To avoid encountering issues in immigration affairs or during the application process, it is crucial for DACA recipients or individuals awaiting application to understand the potential travel requirements and restrictions they may face.
So, what information do you need to know?
If you currently reside in the U.S. and plan to travel domestically, the good news is that individuals with DACA status or those awaiting application can travel within the U.S. by carrying appropriate identification.
When boarding a domestic flight within the U.S., it is essential to present valid government-issued identification, with the name on the document matching the name on the flight reservation. Before boarding, passengers must show their identification to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff at the airport security checkpoint. TSA personnel will verify your flight reservation information and identification to confirm your identity before allowing you to board. The identification presented must be valid (not expired on the day of travel) and issued by a government agency. Acceptable IDs include but are not limited to driver’s licenses or permits issued by U.S. state governments, or your national passport.
If you do not have the aforementioned documents, DACA beneficiaries can use Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as supplemental proof of identification.
For more information on domestic travel in the U.S. and how to prepare for your flight, please refer to TSA’s official travel guide.
If you have recently applied for new identification documents or frequently travel, you may have heard about the “REAL ID,” which is the latest security standard for government-issued IDs. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as of May 7, 2025, all individuals aged 18 and above must possess REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights within the U.S. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses will feature a star-shaped icon at the top. Apart from state-issued driver’s licenses, there are several other categories of IDs considered REAL ID-compliant. For the complete list of acceptable identification documents, please visit the link provided.
DACA beneficiaries can typically obtain a REAL ID at their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
It should be noted that for DACA recipients, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) itself can serve as a REAL ID-compliant identification for boarding domestic flights within the U.S. Individuals without a valid EAD or those unable to obtain a REAL ID may need to use a passport for travel.
To learn more about REAL ID requirements in different states, including how to update your driver’s license, please visit the REAL ID official website and select your state on the map.
While domestic travel within the U.S. is usually feasible for all DACA recipients, international travel is more contingent on your specific immigration status. Generally, DACA beneficiaries cannot depart the U.S. for international travel without a specific travel permit issued by the U.S. government (Advance Parole). Even with an Advance Parole travel document, international travel is limited to specific reasons.