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Can residents without Real ID still board domestic flights or enter federal buildings, and what exceptions exist?
Executive summary
Starting May 7, 2025, adults must present a REAL ID‑compliant state driver’s license/ID or another TSA‑approved document (for example, a U.S. passport, passport card, military or DHS trusted‑traveler card) to board domestic commercial flights and to enter many federal facilities; if you lack both a REAL ID and an alternative acceptable ID you may be refused entry or screening [1] [2] [3]. The TSA and DHS materials make clear you are not legally required to obtain a REAL ID card — but without one you will need an alternative ID or use special procedures at checkpoints, and a new TSA alternative‑ID program may charge a processing fee [4] [1] [5].
1. What the rule actually requires and when it took effect
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a final rule implementing REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025: after that date state driver’s licenses and ID cards that are not REAL ID‑compliant are generally not accepted at airport security checkpoints, and most adults will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of ID to board domestic commercial flights or to access certain federal facilities, including some courthouses, military bases and other restricted sites [6] [1] [7].
2. If you don’t have a REAL ID, what still gets you through
TSA’s list of acceptable IDs includes alternatives to a REAL ID: notably a valid U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. Department of Defense ID, and DHS trusted‑traveler cards; travelers who present one of these accepted documents may board domestic flights or enter federal buildings without a REAL ID‑marked state card [2] [1] [8]. State DMVs and federal pages repeatedly say a passport remains an accepted alternative for both air travel and federal facility access [4] [8].
3. What happens at the checkpoint or federal gate if you have neither
Passengers who present a state ID that is not REAL ID‑compliant and who do not have an acceptable alternative may be notified of non‑compliance, possibly directed to a separate area for additional screening, and “may not be allowed” through TSA checkpoints and into certain federal facilities [1] [9]. Local reporting and agency guidance note that failure to present an acceptable ID can result in denial of entry to secured federal facilities [3] [10].
4. Short‑term alternatives and special procedures (including fees)
TSA has developed an alternative identity verification program for travelers who arrive at the checkpoint without an acceptable ID; a Federal Register notice published November 2025 describes a modernized program and establishes an $18 user fee for those who choose to use it, while noting participation is optional and does not guarantee access to the sterile area [5]. News coverage and analysis indicate this program functions as a limited alternative for identity verification when passengers lack a REAL ID or passport [11] [5].
5. Federal facilities: nuance and exceptions
DHS/Federal Protective Service guidance says, beginning May 7, 2025, adults will generally need a REAL ID‑compliant state ID or other acceptable ID to enter most federal facilities; however, access rules can vary by facility and building owners (tenant agencies) may set entry requirements based on security level, so some locations or visitor categories may be treated differently [3] [12]. Local outlets and Verify reporting emphasize that birth certificates alone are not acceptable for federal building entry, while passports remain a valid substitute [13].
6. Practical tips and friction points to expect
Agencies warn travelers to check the TSA list of acceptable IDs before traveling and to obtain a REAL ID if they routinely use a state license to fly, because non‑compliant cards are no longer accepted at checkpoints [1] [6]. State DMVs stress you are not required to get a REAL ID to drive — standard licenses still allow driving — but they will not work for federal purposes after the deadline [4]. Expect added lines or secondary screening if you attempt to fly without an accepted ID; consider using a passport or applying for REAL ID well before travel [1] [7].
Limitations, disagreements and missing details
Available sources consistently state the May 7, 2025 enforcement date and list passports and other federal IDs as acceptable alternatives [6] [2]. Sources differ in emphasis about how often denials occur at federal facilities—historical reporting earlier on REAL ID enforcement suggested denials were rare in prior phases, and facility entry rules can vary by security level [12]. Available sources do not mention every specific federal building’s policy; check the agency that runs the building you’ll visit for the final word [3].