General

Will Federal agencies accept my driver’s license?

All states that have not yet met the requirements of the REAL ID Act will receive temporary deferments, meaning Federal agencies may continue to accept driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by all states. 

As of February 25, 2013, DHS has determined that the following states have met the requirements: AL, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, KS MD, NE, OH, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WV, WY

What is REAL ID?

REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the Federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents, which should reduce fraud and deter acts of terrorism.  The REAL ID Act of 2005 enacts a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission report urging the Federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.”  It establishes minimum requirements for the production and issuance of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and authorizes grants to assist states in implementing the requirements. 

The Act also prohibits Federal agencies from accepting for official uses driver’s licenses and identity cards from states unless the Department of Homeland Security determines that the state meets the requirements.  Official uses are defined as accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally-regulated commercial aircraft. 

Which states, territories, and tribes are included?

The REAL ID Act covers 56 jurisdictions, including the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Tribal jurisdictions for Native Americans and the native peoples of Alaska and Hawaii are not covered by the REAL ID Act.

Boarding Aircraft

Can I use my driver’s license to board an aircraft?

Yes. 

If my driver’s license was issued by a state determined to meet the standards, will it be accepted at an airport in a state not determined to meet the standards?

Yes.  If enforcement occurs for air travel in the future, the key factor will be which state has issued your driver’s license.  

Will TSA accept identity documents other than driver’s licenses?

Yes.  TSA accepts other forms of identity documents such as a passport or Permanent Residency Card.  For more information, please see TSA’s website. At this time, TSA will continue to accept driver’s licenses and state-issued identity cards from all states.