What Can I Use Instead of a Real ID to Fly?

If you’re flying within the United States, you must present a form of federally accepted identification – this could be anything from a driver’s license, permit or state ID card that meets minimum security standards – to travel domestically. Beginning 2025 all drivers will require Real ID-compliant cards; check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn how this process works and what documentation may be needed.

Migration for many migrants can be an uphill struggle. They frequently arrive at refugee shelters like Eagle Pass, Texas without knowing where to go next, often being lured into buying tickets by smugglers promising jobs or family connections in Massachusetts. NPR’s Joel Rose interviewed three migrants who claim that Perla approached them at their shelter with an offer of free flights to Boston which caused outrage from Massachusetts officials.

But don’t despair if your budget won’t stretch to buying new ID in time for fall flight rush – it is still not too late! Some states began transitioning to Real ID driver’s licenses a decade ago while others have only recently started issuing federally approved cards like Global Entry or NEXUS memberships which also meet domestic flight boarding requirements – just make sure that its expiration date hasn’t passed and look out for its star in the upper-right corner!