In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, enacting post-9/11 recommendations that the federal government set standards for government-issued sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses and ID cards.
The federal government’s deadline for enforcing the REAL ID Act is May 7, 2025. On this date, U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or other TSA-approved form of identification to board commercial domestic flights. Examples of such approved forms of identification include but are not limited to:
n U.S. Department of Defense ID.
Please see the link below for a comprehensive list.
How Do I Know if My Driver’s License is a REAL ID?
REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards, known simply as “REAL IDs,” will have a star marking on the upper portion of the card, as shown below. If your card does not have one of these markings, it is not a REAL ID and will not be accepted for the purpose of boarding a commercial domestic flight or accessing certain federal facilities.
Who Needs a REAL ID?
Employees who use a state-issued ID to fly domestically, for either personal or Postal Service™ travel, must have a REAL ID starting May 7, 2025. Alternative forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or U.S. Department of Homeland Security-approved ID, will continue to be accepted in place of a REAL ID.
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL) issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. Most EDLs do not contain the star marking, and this is acceptable.
For a complete list of TSA-acceptable identification, go to tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
How to Get a REAL ID
To obtain a REAL ID, visit your local driver’s licensing agency office and provide the following:
n Proof of identity (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate),
n Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card, W-2, or IRS 1099 form), and
n 2 proofs of residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement).
Individual states may also have additional requirements, and many states may require an in-person visit. Check your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for specific requirements and appointment scheduling.
Employees who need to acquire a REAL ID must do so off the clock. Any expenses related to obtaining a REAL ID are the employee’s responsibility.
For more information about REAL ID requirements and enforcement, go to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website at dhs.gov/real-id or your state’s driver’s licensing agency website.
For questions about requirements official Postal Service travel, contact eTravelHelp@usps.gov
