As the Real ID deadline for U.S. air travel nears, experts suggest there are ‘alternative solutions.’

April 28, 2025 Luna Ray 207 Views

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The deadline for U.S. travelers to obtain a Real ID is fast approaching — and those who don’t possess one may find it challenging to board flights within the U.S. The Real ID card is an optional, upgraded driver’s license or state identification card issued by a state driver’s licensing agency and marked with a star.

The good news: there are alternative forms of identification U.S. travelers can use — such as a valid U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card, or certain Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards — if they can’t secure a Real ID by the deadline of May 7.

“There are workarounds people can use,” said John Breyault, a travel expert at the National Consumers League, a consumer advocacy group. “Most people already have the ability to travel, whether they have a Real ID or not.” About 19% of travelers still lack a Real ID-compliant form of identification, according to Transportation Security Administration data as of Thursday.

Passengers arriving at the airport without an acceptable form of ID “can expect to face delays, additional screening, and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” according to the TSA. Even those with a Real ID card or other acceptable ID should aim to arrive at the airport at least 1½ hours before their flight due to expected delays in airport security lines as enforcement begins, Breyault noted.

What is the Real ID law?

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, establishing minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and ID cards. The federal government will require Americans accessing federal facilities to present a Real ID starting May 7. This includes travelers going through TSA airport security checkpoints and boarding commercial airplanes, even for domestic flights. The rule applies to all airline passengers 18 years and older, including TSA PreCheck members.

How to navigate the Real ID requirement

Travelers can bypass the need for a Real ID card by presenting other types of approved identification. Experts note that the most common include: a passport or passport card; a Global Entry card; an enhanced driver’s license issued by Washington state, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, or Vermont; or a permanent resident card (green card).

Here’s a list of all acceptable alternatives, according to the TSA:

State-issued enhanced driver’s license
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Department of Homeland Security-issued trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Consider the Real ID

It may be somewhat riskier to travel with an alternative document such as a passport for domestic flights, said Sally French, a travel expert. “A passport is much more complicated to replace than a driver’s license, and it’s often more costly,” French cautioned. “It’s advisable to consider obtaining a Real ID.”

A traditional passport book costs $130 to renew. Real ID fees vary by state but are generally less expensive, typically in line with standard driver’s license costs. For example, in California, it costs $45 to renew a standard driver’s license or $39 for a regular ID card; in Virginia, there’s a $10 one-time Real ID fee, plus a driver’s license fee, usually $32.

Travelers can also take a chance by arriving at the airport without a Real ID-compliant form of identification after May 7, hoping for leniency from airport agents. However, it is important to note that this approach leads to a “much longer screening” process and isn’t guaranteed, French explained. It’s a risky option.