Which states don't do REAL ID?

No states don't have REAL ID; rather, some states offer non-compliant licenses or Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) (like WA, MI, MN, NY, VT) accepted by the TSA, while others (like CA, OR, AK, HI) don't automatically issue REAL ID by default, requiring residents to opt-in and potentially face extra steps, with the goal for all states to comply with the federal REAL ID Act for airport/federal access.

What 5 states don't require a REAL ID?

Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.

Is TSA charging for no REAL ID?

The TSA introduced a $45 fee starting February 1, 2026, for travelers without a REAL ID or other acceptable ID, using the TSA ConfirmID system for identity verification for up to 10 days; this optional digital process provides an alternative to flying without proper ID, though it involves potential delays and requires online payment, with the goal of covering costs for those who aren't compliant with federal ID laws, according to TSA press releases. 

Why would a REAL ID be denied?

Some Real IDs have been rejected at TSA checkpoints due to scanning issues. Travelers can use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport, if their Real ID fails. If you lose your ID or it doesn't work, TSA may use an identity verification process to allow you through security.

Who opposes REAL ID?

The ACLU of Southern California soundly opposes Real ID. The House of Representatives approved the controversial measure last week. By all accounts its passage in the Senate is imminent and the Real ID Act will likely be enacted without being scrutinized in any hearings or debate.

Don't have a Real ID? You can still travel with these approved documents

Why avoid REAL ID?

If fully implemented, the law would facilitate the tracking of data on individuals and bring government into the very center of every citizen's life. By definitively turning driver's licenses into a form of national identity documents, Real ID would have a tremendously destructive impact on privacy.

What happens if you don't have your REAL ID?

If you don't have a REAL ID, you can still fly domestically by using other accepted IDs like a passport or military ID, but starting February 1, 2026, if you lack an acceptable ID, you'll face a $45 fee for the TSA ConfirmID process to verify your identity at the airport; otherwise, you'll need another acceptable ID, like a passport or passport card, or you might not get through security.
 

How many Americans still don't have a REAL ID?

An estimated 83 million Americans (34%) currently do not have any form of ID that would be accepted on May 3, 2023.

Why do people hate REAL ID?

People oppose the REAL ID Act due to significant privacy concerns (creating a national ID database, surveillance), financial burdens (higher fees, state costs), fears of increased discrimination and tracking, the potential for identity theft, and the view that it's an unfunded mandate that oversteps federal power, turning driver's licenses into national ID cards for daily life beyond just flying. 

Is a REAL ID better than a passport?

Yes, a U.S. passport is generally better than a REAL ID because it offers all the functionality of a REAL ID (domestic flights, federal facilities) plus international travel, making it far more versatile, though a REAL ID is a convenient, cheaper option if you only fly domestically and don't travel abroad. A passport is the only document for international travel, while a REAL ID is sufficient for U.S. domestic flights and federal access.
 

What if I forgot my passport and I don't have a REAL ID to fly to New York from Memphis?

You can still fly from Memphis to New York without your passport or a REAL ID by using other documents to prove your identity to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website (TSA), like a credit card, business card, or utility bill, though you must arrive early and expect extra screening; or, starting February 1, 2026, you can pay a $45 TSA ConfirmID fee for identity verification.
 

What if you don't have REAL ID to flight after May 2025?

If you don't have a REAL ID for a flight after May 2025, you can still fly by presenting another acceptable form of identification like a U.S. Passport, passport card, DHS Trusted Traveler card, or military ID; otherwise, you'll face additional screening and potentially a new $45 fee for the TSA ConfirmID process, requiring more time at the airport for identity verification before screening. 

Can I travel in the US with just a REAL ID?

Yes, you can travel within the U.S. with just a REAL ID, as it's a federally accepted form of identification for boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities, but you can also use other accepted IDs like a passport or passport card, as a REAL ID isn't mandatory if you have an alternative. After May 7, 2025, you'll need a REAL ID or another valid ID to fly domestically, but you don't need both.
 

Is TSA turning people away without REAL ID?

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security ...

Which states oppose REAL ID?

Amid the new deadline, five states will not require REAL ID: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington. Residents of these states are given several options when applying for identification, such as a standard license/ID or Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) and Enhanced IDs (EID).

Can you fly in the US with a normal driver's license?

Yes, you can fly in the U.S. with your driver's license, but as of May 7, 2025, it must be a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a star) or another acceptable form of ID like a passport, military ID, or Global Entry card, as non-compliant licenses won't be sufficient for boarding domestic flights or entering federal facilities.
 

Why are they forcing U.S. to get REAL ID?

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs, born from 9/11, that mandates stricter security and verification processes to ensure identities are legitimate, required for boarding domestic flights, accessing federal buildings, and nuclear facilities starting May 7, 2025, because previous IDs lacked uniform security, making them vulnerable for terrorists. It creates a trustworthy, standardized ID system for federal purposes, ensuring a person is who they claim to be and is lawfully present, though states can offer non-compliant IDs for other uses like driving.
 

Who started the REAL ID?

Congress. The House of Representatives approved the original Real ID Act, H.R. 418, on February 10, 2005, by a vote of 261–161.

Why don't people want REAL ID?

People oppose the REAL ID Act due to significant privacy concerns (creating a national ID database, surveillance), financial burdens (higher fees, state costs), fears of increased discrimination and tracking, the potential for identity theft, and the view that it's an unfunded mandate that oversteps federal power, turning driver's licenses into national ID cards for daily life beyond just flying. 

Who is the only person who doesn't need a passport?

The Japanese Emperor and Empress, along with the British monarch, are uniquely exempt from needing passports for international travel. This privilege stems from their symbolic roles as embodiments of their nations and the principle of sovereign immunity, respectively.

Why do US citizens need a REAL ID?

The purpose of the REAL ID Act in the U.S. is to establish minimum federal security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, improving fraud protection and anti-terrorism efforts by ensuring IDs are harder to fake, with compliant IDs required for boarding domestic flights and accessing federal facilities after May 7, 2025, if a passport isn't used. It standardizes identification, making them reliable for official federal purposes, as recommended after the 9/11 attacks. 

Is a passport better than a REAL ID?

Yes, a U.S. passport is generally better than a REAL ID because it offers all the functionality of a REAL ID (domestic flights, federal facilities) plus international travel, making it far more versatile, though a REAL ID is a convenient, cheaper option if you only fly domestically and don't travel abroad. A passport is the only document for international travel, while a REAL ID is sufficient for U.S. domestic flights and federal access.
 

Can I carry a passport instead of a REAL ID?

Yes, you can absolutely use a U.S. passport book or passport card instead of a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access federal facilities, as they are both federally approved alternatives to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. This is a great option if you don't have a state ID with the star marking or want to avoid getting a REAL ID, but remember the passport book is required for international air travel, while the card is for land/sea travel only. 

What's the point of a REAL ID in California?

What is the REAL ID Act? Beginning October 1, 2020, the federal government will require your driver license or identification card to be REAL ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities that require identification.