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.
Follow the steps below to determine if you need to apply for a REAL ID.
1. Are you planning to fly to another state or U.S. territory?
You must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities.
For a list of federally acceptable forms of identification, click here.
2. Are you over the age of 18?
3. Are you planning to visit a federal facility, such as a military base or the White House?
Certain federal facilities require federally accepted identification from all visitors, including minors, for entrance.
To ensure you have the proper identification, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends contacting the federal agency you plan to visit in advance to obtain information on the required identification.
Take our
IDocument Guide quiz to determine what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID.
![]()