Can I Fly with My Drivers License? [Updated 2023]
Are you a frequent traveler who’s wondering if you can travel with just your driver’s license? You’re not alone! With so many new TSA regulations to keep up with, it can be difficult to know exactly what documentation is required for air travel these days. Fortunately, having just your driver’s license is still possible for domestic flights in the U.S., as long as that document meets certain criteria from The Real ID Act of 2005.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything that travelers need to know about flying domestically without other forms of identification.
Do You Need a Star on Your Drivers License to Fly?
What is the star on your driver’s license? This symbol indicates that your license meets the requirements of The Real ID Act of 2005. To be able to fly domestically in the U.S. without other forms of identification, your driver’s license must have this star. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to provide another government-issued photo ID for boarding a plane – such as a passport or military ID.
Related Read: Vacation Destination That Does Not Need Any Passport?
How Do I Know If My Drivers License Has a Star?
The star on your driver’s license is usually located at the upper right corner of the front, although this varies by state. It will also appear alongside other information, such as your full name, date of birth, address, and driver’s license number.
The Real ID Act requires that a star is printed on all licenses issued after October 1, 2020. Even if you had your license before this date, it may have been updated with the star when you renewed or replaced it. You can check with your state’s DMV for more information about when and how your driver’s license was issued.
If I Fly With My Driver’s License Without a Star, Will I Need an Additional Form of Identification?
Yes, if you fly with your driver’s license without a star, you will need to provide an additional form of identification. Acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights include other government-issued IDs, such as a passport or military ID. Even if your driver’s license does not have the star, it is still a valid form of identification.
Remember that you will need to check the policy for the airlines you are flying with, as they may have additional requirements.
Related Read: Do You Need a Passport to Fly Domestic?
When is Real ID Required to Fly?
Real ID is required to fly within the United States for all domestic flights. The star on your driver’s license indicates that it has been issued in compliance with the Real ID Act and is a valid form of identification. Without the star, you will need to provide another accepted form of government-issued identification.
Related Read: What is Real ID?
Conclusion:
No matter what form of identification you are using to fly domestically, make sure that it is accepted by the airline and meets all requirements under the Real ID Act. The star on your driver’s license indicates that it has been issued in compliance with the Real ID Act and is acceptable for flying within the United States. If your driver’s license does not have a star, you will need to provide another accepted form of government-issued identification. It is important to make sure that your ID meets all requirements and is valid before entering a TSA checkpoint.
Remember, if you have any questions about the Real ID Act or the documents needed for traveling on domestic flights, please contact us at US Passport Help Guide for more information or assistance.
