---
title: "REAL ID basics"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, \"REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: government-legal
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions"
    publisher: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
    url: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# REAL ID basics

## Summary
Since May 7, 2025, a state license or ID must be REAL ID-compliant (usually a star marking) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. A passport or other accepted ID works instead. Children under 18 do not need ID from TSA for domestic travel.

> **General information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state; check the official source or a qualified professional for your situation.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: A REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable document is needed to board commercial aircraft, access federal facilities, and enter nuclear power plants.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Compliant cards carry a marking (usually a star) on the upper part of the card.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Enhanced Driver's Licenses from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are accepted alternatives, even without a star.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F5
  claim: For domestic flights you need one valid ID, either a REAL ID or an alternative such as a passport, not both; international travel still needs a passport.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F6
  claim: TSA does not require children under 18 to show ID for travel within the US.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs
  access: open, no account