If you’ve been to, or near, an airport in the last few years, you already know this: As of May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane (or visiting certain federal facilities) must present a REAL ID-compliant document to gain access. But why, and what does that even mean?
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.” Specifically, to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you must provide proof of identity and legal U.S. residency.
Most states and territories changed the way they did things so that all their identifications would serve as proof of identity and legal U.S. residency. Several, however, did not so their regular identifications do not meet the REAL ID requirements.
Those are Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state. Standard driver’s licenses in those states are not REAL ID compliant, but all five states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which are compliant.
However, it may not be necessary for travelers to jump through the hoops and go to the expense of obtaining an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) so they can fly domestically. There are several other forms of identification that will work in an EDL’s place. They are shown on the graphic below.
If you show up at the airport without a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, you will likely face delays.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards.” Specifically, to get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you must provide proof of identity and legal U.S. residency.
Most states and territories changed the way they did things so that all their identifications would serve as proof of identity and legal U.S. residency. Several, however, did not so their regular identifications do not meet the REAL ID requirements.
Those are Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington state. Standard driver’s licenses in those states are not REAL ID compliant, but all five states offer Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which are compliant.
However, it may not be necessary for travelers to jump through the hoops and go to the expense of obtaining an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) so they can fly domestically. There are several other forms of identification that will work in an EDL’s place. They are shown on the graphic below.
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| Source: Alaska Airlines |
A "green card" is also considered a REAL ID compliant identification.
Then there’s the financial side of things. If you already have a U.S. passport, it doesn’t make sense to spend additional money to obtain an EDL. In Washington state, the cost of someone’s first EDL is $104 for the first four years. (Source: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-licensing-fees).
Then there’s the financial side of things. If you already have a U.S. passport, it doesn’t make sense to spend additional money to obtain an EDL. In Washington state, the cost of someone’s first EDL is $104 for the first four years. (Source: https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-licensing-fees).
The cost of a renewing an existing U.S. passport is $130 for ten years (Source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html) so it’s more economical for someone with a valid U.S. passport to simply use that rather than apply and pay for an EDL.
The price of an EDL varies in the other four states, so check with your state and crunch the numbers before applying.
The price of an EDL varies in the other four states, so check with your state and crunch the numbers before applying.
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| TSA Pre-Check area at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport |
If you show up at the airport without a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, you will likely face delays.
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance, may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers,” according to https://www.tsa.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs.
Plan ahead, be prepared, and all will (hopefully) go smoothly.
Plan ahead, be prepared, and all will (hopefully) go smoothly.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Photo by Carl Dombek
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