All U.S. citizens flying domestically, entering certain federal facilities or accessing military bases after the deadline of May 7th, 2025 will need a REAL ID or a REAL ID-compliant document to do so.
If you’re unsure if you already have a New York State REAL ID, you can check with our guide here.
Ultimately, the REAL ID Act is streamlining a security standard for state-issued IDs. Thus, these alternative forms of identification meet such standards, sufficiently letting you board domestic flights, enter federal facilities and access military bases beginning May 7th, 2025.
1. Passport
A valid passport will serve as a REAL ID-compliant document. This refers to both a U.S. passport book and a U.S. passport card.
Be sure to stay informed on all of the significant passport requirements, from the 6-month rule to how many blank pages are necessary for entry.
If you’ve never had a passport before, here’s how to apply for your first!
2. Enhanced ID
Let’s make certain it’s understood that a REAL ID and an Enhanced ID are not the same. Though an Enhanced ID is a compliant form of identification in lieu of a REAL ID for five states including New York, one can also cross the U.S. border by land or sea from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean with their Enhanced ID. The REAL ID permits no such international travel. Because of this, Enhanced IDs are $30 more than REAL IDs.
Keep in mind that Enhanced IDs do not permit travel between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean via air travel. That would require a passport.
Learn more about the differences between REAL IDs and Enhanced IDs here.
3. DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
You might not have a REAL ID yet, but if you’re already part of one of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST, you can use your program card as a REAL ID-compliant document.
Please note, if you only have TSA PreCheck you will still need a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant document. This is because TSA PreCheck is simply a program to expedite the security screening process. You do not receive a program card like you do with the other aforementioned DHS programs. Moreover, most of the DHS programs (Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI) include TSA PreCheck.
4. U.S. Department of Defense ID
A U.S. Department of Defense ID (DoD ID) is a valid REAL ID-compliant document that will allow you to board domestic flights, access military bases and federal facilities after May 7th, 2025. This includes: Common Access Card (CAC), Military ID, Military Dependent ID, and other DoD credentials. Thus, if you have one of those, you will not need a separate REAL ID.
5. Transportation Worker ID Credential
Those with a Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC) can show their card at TSA checkpoints to board domestic flights from May 7th, 2025 onwards. Occupations that have TWICs include port facility employees, longshoremen, credentialed merchant mariners, truck drivers who work between ports, maritime workers and contractors, U.S. Coast Guard credentialed mariners and so on.
6. Permanent Resident Card
Green cards or permanent resident cards are considered REAL ID-compliant by DHS.
7. Employment Authorization Cards (Form I-766)
Unexpired Employment Authorization Cards (EADs) can be used in place of a REAL ID. This form of identification is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for non-nationals. With this form of identification, EAD card holders can prove that they are permitted to work in the United States for an allotted time period.
Find more REAL ID-compliant documents here.