April 23, 2025
Your flight is booked. Your bags are packed. Is your identification good to go for travel in 2025? REAL ID enforcement is happening and one of the most important things on your travel checklist is making sure your photo ID card is accepted by TSA.
Beginning on May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 years and older will need a state-issued REAL ID compliant license, identification card, or another type of photo ID accepted by TSA to fly within the United States. The big news is that your regular driver’s license by itself isn’t enough to verify your identity with TSA for air travel. Here’s what to know to avoid travel delays and disruptions.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal law, not an actual piece of ID, that sets minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. To get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you must provide proof of identity and legal U.S. residency.
What are acceptable forms of REAL ID?
- Enhanced driver’s license (EDL)
- Enhanced identification card (EID)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- U.S. military ID for active duty members and dependents
- Permanent resident card (Green card)
- Foreign passport
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization card (1-766)
- Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID
- Border crossing card
Read the full list of photo IDS accepted by TSA
Are you ready?
Take the Washington State Department of Licensing’s quiz to ensure you have the correct identification for air travel.
How do I get a REAL ID-compliant license or ID?
Choosing the right ID depends on your travel needs. An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced ID (EID) allows you to fly around the U.S. and travel by land and sea into bordering countries. A passport allows you to fly within the U.S. and around the world.
Washington state residents can follow these steps for an EDL or EID.
- See what documents you need
- Make an appointment with the Washington State Department of Licensing
What if I don’t have a REAL ID yet?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin enforcing this new ID law for air travel at security screening checkpoints on May 7, 2025. If you don’t have any form of REAL ID-compliant identification, expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted through the security checkpoint. Read through the TSA’s info on acceptable identification. Eventually, there will be no exceptions to this requirement.
What about my kid?
Children under 17 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Contact your airline with questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18. For international travel, all children, regardless of age, are required to have a valid passport.
Not planning to fly?
Your standard driver's license or ID card will work for other U.S. travel like driving in Washington or across state lines or riding a train. Also if you're using a program like SEA Visitor Pass, a Real ID is not required unless you're flying commercially.
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