Starting from May 7th, the Real ID enforcement system will officially come into effect in the United States, but there may still be many people who have not upgraded their identification documents before the deadline. You may wonder, if you don’t have a Real ID by then, what other documents can support you for boarding at the airport?
All air passengers over the age of 18 will need to have compliant identification to pass through security checkpoints at US airports starting May 7th. Without it, their domestic travel plans could be delayed.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States stated that this requirement is implemented based on the Real ID Act passed by the US Congress in 2005. This federal law aims to enhance the security of identification documents to prevent terrorism and identity fraud. Unlike traditional IDs, Real IDs usually feature a star-shaped symbol.
As the deadline approaches, many Americans are still rushing to their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to ensure they can obtain their Real ID in time and not disrupt their future air travel plans. But if they haven’t updated their ID yet, what other forms of identification can they present at the airport to pass through security?
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US, the following documents are also acceptable at airports:
– Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced State Identification Cards (EID) issued by states
– US Passport
– US Passport card
– Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
– US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
– US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
– Border Crossing Card
– Tribal or Native American tribal photo ID card deemed acceptable by the federal government, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC)
– HSPD-12 PIV Card
– Foreign Government-issued Passport
– Canadian provincial driver’s licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada Cards
– Transportation Worker Identification Credential
– US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
– US Merchant Mariner Credential
– Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Of course, you can also travel with a passport. The TSA website states that for domestic travel within the US, a passport book or passport card is a valid alternative to a Real ID. If you are planning international travel, a passport is still necessary.