You Have Alternatives If You Don’t Have a Real ID Driver’s License

After many delays,  the new REAL ID rules will go into effect next month. Starting May 7, travelers who don’t have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification won’t be allowed through TSA checkpoints at any U.S. airport.

These new rules mean that travelers who want to use a driver’s license to board domestic flights will need an enhanced version of that ID to pass through TSA. However,  if you have not had time yet to obtain your REAL-ID enhanced driver’s license, you have other identification options that will allow you to board the plane.

Passport Books and Cards

If you have a valid U.S. passport, you can of course use it to satisfy TSA requirements for both international and domestic flights. If you have a valid foreign passport, that will also be accepted as will valid U.S. passport cards.

Global Entry and Other Trusted Traveler Cards

If you have a current Global Entry card or other card under Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Program such as Fast, Nexus or Sentry, those cards will be accepted.

Various Other Federal Cards Will Work As Well

There are various other federally issued IDs that will satisfy the new rules. This includes Permanent Resident cards, Border Crossing cards and Veteran’s Health Administration cards.

For more information on acceptable forms of identification under the new rules, check out the TSA’s website page HERE.