As of May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant credential or another acceptable federal form of ID to fly within the United States, visit military bases, or enter a federal building that requires a REAL ID. REAL ID-compliant cards in Kentucky have a star cutout in a black circle in the upper-right portion of the card.
Here’s a list of acceptable forms of ID for U.S. commercial air travel:
Kentucky’s REAL ID card versions or other REAL ID-compliant cards offered by other states
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC
TSA ConfirmID (starting Feb. 1, 2026): Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID (including non-REAL ID compliant state-issued identification) at TSA checkpoints may verify their ID using TSA ConfirmID.
Where to get a U.S. passport
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CREDENTIALS