As of May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and over flying within the US will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board their flight. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID. A state-issued enhanced driver's license is currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. This license includes security features such as an RFID chip and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) barcode, which can be scanned by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to quickly access the holder's biometric information.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Date of enforcement | May 7, 2025 |
Purpose | Boarding domestic flights and accessing certain federal facilities |
Alternative documents | Passport, Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) |
States issuing EDL | Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont |
What You'll Learn
- From May 2025, a REAL ID or enhanced license will be required to fly domestically
- Enhanced licenses are harder to obtain than REAL IDs
- Enhanced licenses are accepted in some countries for driving, but not all
- An enhanced license is a low-cost alternative to a passport for entering the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean
- An enhanced license is more durable and convenient than a passport book
From May 2025, a REAL ID or enhanced license will be required to fly domestically
From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or enhanced license will be required to fly within the US. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. These IDs will be needed to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities, such as nuclear power plants.
The REAL ID-compliant card will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a star, a flag, or the word "Enhanced". If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for commercial aircraft boarding.
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued card that provides a license to drive, as well as proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and re-entering the US borders. It is a low-cost alternative to a passport when entering the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry. An EDL qualifies as a REAL-ID and can be used for domestic air travel in the US, but not for international air travel.
The application process for an EDL depends on where you live. It is currently only available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. The cost of an EDL is typically higher than a standard-issue driver's license.
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Enhanced licenses are harder to obtain than REAL IDs
An enhanced license is harder to obtain than a REAL ID. This is because enhanced licenses require proof of US citizenship, while REAL IDs do not. Enhanced licenses are also more expensive than REAL IDs, costing $30 more.
Enhanced licenses are only available to residents of certain states, including Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. They are also harder to obtain because the application process is more stringent, ensuring heightened security. For example, some states require applicants to undergo an interview to receive an enhanced license.
In addition, enhanced licenses have more documentation requirements than REAL IDs. For an enhanced license, you must provide proof of identity, US citizenship, and residency. For a REAL ID, you only need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
Enhanced licenses also have more restrictions on who can apply. For example, you must have no violations, suspensions, revocations, or denials on your driving record that would prevent you from legally operating a motor vehicle. There are no such restrictions for REAL IDs.
Overall, the enhanced license is harder to obtain than the REAL ID due to the additional requirements for citizenship, documentation, and a clean driving record. The enhanced license is designed to provide a higher level of security and convenience for cross-border travel, while the REAL ID is intended for domestic use.
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Enhanced licenses are accepted in some countries for driving, but not all
An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a secure, state-issued document that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea. It is a convenient and low-cost alternative to a passport for those entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. EDLs are currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
While an EDL can be used for domestic air travel within the U.S., it is not valid for international air travel or for domestic air travel within Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. However, it is accepted as a valid form of identification for driving in some countries, such as Canada, without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP).
It is important to note that each country has its own regulations regarding driver's licenses. Before traveling to or through a country, it is essential to check the specific requirements of that country. For example, some countries may require an IDP even if they accept a U.S. driver's license for driving.
In contrast, a standard U.S. driver's license is valid for driving in Canada and Mexico. However, for travel to other countries, a U.S. citizen may need to obtain an IDP, which translates identifying information into different languages. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official organization authorized to issue IDPs in the U.S.
In summary, while Enhanced Licenses are accepted for driving in some countries, they are not universally recognized. It is important to research the specific requirements of your destination country before assuming that your Enhanced License will be sufficient for driving abroad.
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An enhanced license is a low-cost alternative to a passport for entering the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a convenient and low-cost alternative to a passport for US citizens entering the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. The EDL is a state-issued identification card that serves as a license to drive and proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and re-entering the US by land or sea. It was created under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) to facilitate secure and swift travel for residents of US border states.
The EDL is more affordable than a passport, costing between $30 and $113, depending on the state. It is also more compact and convenient, fitting easily into a wallet. For those who frequently drive across borders, the EDL is advantageous as it serves as a single form of ID for the entire trip. Additionally, the EDL includes security features such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) barcode, which enable faster processing times at border crossings.
However, it is important to note that the EDL cannot be used for international air travel or domestic air travel within Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. For international air travel, a passport book is required. Additionally, while the EDL is accepted for land and sea travel in North America, travelers to Mexico should be aware that a US passport book or card may be required for entry at land border crossings.
Currently, only a few states offer EDLs, including Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. The application process for an EDL is similar to that of a standard driver's license, requiring proof of identity, US citizenship, and residency. The EDL is valid for up to four years and typically arrives within two to three weeks of application.
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An enhanced license is more durable and convenient than a passport book
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a more durable and convenient option than a passport book for those who frequently travel across borders. Firstly, in terms of durability, EDLs are harder to fake than regular passports due to their security features. Each EDL includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) barcode that stores the holder's biometric information. This allows border officials to quickly and accurately verify the identity of the EDL holder, facilitating faster travel.
In addition to enhanced security, EDLs offer greater convenience over passport books. Their wallet-sized design makes them more comfortable to carry than a passport book, which can be bulky and awkward to fit in a wallet. This convenience is particularly beneficial for travellers who frequently cross borders, as they only need to carry one form of identification for their entire trip. Furthermore, the process of obtaining an EDL is similar to that of a standard driver's license, making it a more accessible option for those who meet the residency requirements.
While EDLs offer these advantages, it is important to note that they are currently only available to residents of a limited number of states, including Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Additionally, EDLs cannot be used for international air travel, so travellers should still carry a passport book as a backup for emergency flights home or unexpected itinerary changes. Nevertheless, for frequent land or sea travellers, the enhanced license is a more durable and convenient option for identification and border crossings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a valid form of identification for domestic flights in the US. From May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, which includes EDLs.
An EDL provides a proof of identity and citizenship when exiting and re-entering the US borders. It is a low-cost alternative to a passport when entering the US from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean through a land or sea port of entry.
The EDL is currently available to residents of Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.