Starting May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require that all individuals traveling domestically to have a REAL ID, a form of identification available to U.S. citizens and immigrants who have certain lawful statuses in the country.
While its implementation will ensure security to detect and prevent individuals who pose national security threats, it will also limit the forms of identification that immigrants with irregular status currently use to board domestic flights.
Members in our WhatsApp community have inquired if undocumented migrants will be able to travel domestically after REAL ID comes into effect. These are other forms of identification that immigrants can use to meet the federal requirements.
What is a REAL ID?
As Documented reported in the past, a REAL ID is a state DMV-issued driver’s license, learner permit or non-driver ID that is federally compliant. It was part of the REAL ID Act of 2005, which “established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.”
Immigrants must submit proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency or temporary lawful status to obtain a REAL ID.
Also read: REAL ID Pushed Back: The New Deadline For Federal Identification and How to Get One
Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2025?
After May 7, 2025, In order to enter secure areas of airports and board a flight, all travelers must present an acceptable, REAL ID compliant form of identification at a TSA checkpoint, a spokesperson for TSA told Documented. “If they can be identified, then they can travel,” the spokesperson said.
Can I use a passport instead of REAL ID?
For undocumented migrants, according to the TSA, one of the documents they could use is an unexpired foreign passport. The passport will permit the individual to travel domestically, within U.S. states.
“If noncitizens do not have an acceptable ID and do not submit to facial recognition technology, they will be denied entry into the secure areas of the airport and will be denied boarding,” the spokesperson explained.
Also Read: List of Latin-American Consulates in New York City
Can I travel to Puerto Rico as an undocumented migrant?
Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, immigrants who possess an unexpired foreign passport can board on direct flights to the island.
However, according to Make The Road, “Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) has the authority to conduct ‘preinspection’ at the airport in Puerto Rico, where they can review if you are allowed to re-enter the mainland U.S. before you board the flight back.”
Preinspection can be especially risky for individuals who are deportable or inadmissible to the U.S., it is highly recommended consulting with an attorney before travel.
Visit The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Are You REAL ID Ready?” tool to see acceptable identifications while traveling domestically.
Also Read: Advance Parole: How DACA Recipients Can Travel and Re-Enter the Country
