REAL ID for flying — TSA checklist
TSA wants a star-marked REAL ID or another ID on their list (a valid US passport already counts). State DMV issues REAL ID. CBP is a different agency.
Updated 3 Sep 2026 Official sites linked Free · no account
What usually works at TSA
| ID | Notes |
|---|---|
| REAL ID licence / state ID | Star marking. Issued by DMV. |
| US passport book | Already acceptable — no extra REAL ID needed to fly. |
| US passport card | Acceptable at TSA; not valid for international air travel. |
| DHS trusted traveler | Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI cards when on TSA’s list. |
| Licence without a star | Not REAL ID — bring a passport or get REAL ID at DMV. |
Always match the live list on tsa.gov — agencies add and remove credentials.
Checklist
- 1
Look at your licence
A REAL ID-compliant card has a star (or equivalent marking). If there is no star, it is not REAL ID.
- 2
Pick an acceptable alternative
A valid US passport book or card already works at TSA. So do some DHS trusted-traveler cards and military IDs — see TSA’s current list.
- 3
If you need a new passport
Use a 2×2 inch photo (white background). Crop in our passport tool; apply on travel.state.gov.
- 4
Do not confuse CBP with TSA
CBP facial comparison at international arrival does not replace REAL ID at a domestic TSA checkpoint.
TSA vs CBP
TSA screens passengers for flights. CBP processes people entering the United States. A CBP camera at an international arrivals hall does not waive REAL ID (or a passport) at a domestic TSA lane. Bring the ID TSA lists, not a screenshot of a news story about “contactless airports”.
FAQs
Do I need REAL ID to fly domestically in 2026?
TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant licence/ID or another acceptable ID such as a valid US passport. A passport book already qualifies — you do not need both.
Is this the same as CBP contactless arrival?
No. CBP experiments with facial comparison for international arrival. That does not replace REAL ID for domestic TSA checkpoints.
What photo do I need for a new passport?
2×2 inches, white background. Use our US passport photo tool — nothing is uploaded. Official rules: travel.state.gov.
Can I fly with an enhanced driver’s licence?
Some enhanced licences are REAL ID-compliant and also work for land border crossing. Check the star and your state’s DMV page.
What documents does DMV want?
Identity, Social Security number and two proofs of residence are the usual package — exact lists are state DMV. DHS REAL ID has the national overview.
Does Bodhixt issue IDs?
No. DMV / State Department / TSA only.
Official sources
Use these sites for the legal answer. We summarise; they decide.
Not TSA, DHS or CBP. Acceptable-ID lists can change — read tsa.gov before you travel. Not legal advice.