Do I Need a REAL ID?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A REAL ID is a federally compliant credential accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic travel and restricted federal facility entry, such as military bases. You may already own a federally accepted credential, such as a passport or military ID, which you can use as an alternative to a REAL ID. 

Select the REAL ID scenario below that applies to you.​

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You will need a REAL ID or another federally accepted identification to fly within the United States or its territories.

  • Under 18: TSA does not require children under 18 to provide ID when traveling with a companion within the United States. The companion will need a REAL ID or another federally accepted ID.
  • 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.

Certain federal facilities require federally accepted identification from visitors (including minors) for entrance.

To confirm what’s accepted, contact the federal agency you plan to visit before you go.

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