Do I Need to Have a Real ID if I Already Have a Passport?

No. If your passport is up to date, or you have another valid TSA-approved ID, you won’t need a REAL ID for domestic air travel.

What Types of Alternative ID Does the TSA Allow for Air Travel?

• Foreign government issued passport

• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

• U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including dependent IDs

• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

• Individual state enhanced driver’s license

• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

• Border Crossing Card

• DHS Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

• HSPD-12 PIV card

• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

Can I Renew My Real ID Online?

Some states allow you to renew a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID online if you already have a REAL ID and meet certain criteria, such as having no recent address or name changes. However, if you are converting to a REAL ID compliant license or ID meaning you are obtaining the REAL ID star for the first time or upgrading from a standard license you must visit a branch office in person with the required documentation.

Michigan allows online renewal of REAL ID–compliant licenses if eligibility requirements are met. First-time REAL ID applicants must appear in person.

What happens if I try to fly without a REAL ID?

Travelers without a REAL ID–compliant document may face delays, additional screening, or alternative identity verification procedures at airport security, depending on TSA policies.

Is REAL ID required for all flights?

REAL ID is required for domestic flights within the United States unless the traveler presents another TSA-approved form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport.

Does REAL ID replace my passport?

No. REAL ID does not replace a passport and cannot be used for international air travel. A passport or passport card is still required for international flights.

Can children fly without a REAL ID?

The TSA does not require children under age 18 to present identification for domestic flights when traveling with an adult who has acceptable identification.

Will REAL ID requirements change again?

REAL ID enforcement and related TSA procedures may evolve over time. Travelers should monitor updates from the TSA and the Michigan Department of State.

What is TSA ConfirmID?

TSA ConfirmID is a new alternative identity-verification system being rolled out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for travelers who arrive at airport security without a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or other acceptable form of identification

How much does TSA ConfirmID cost?

Travelers who use ConfirmID must pay a non-refundable $45 fee. he verification, once completed, is generally valid for a 10-day travel window, during which the traveler may use it for multiple flights within that timeframe.

Do I have to use TSA ConfirmID with children?

For domestic flights within the U.S., children under 18 are not required to provide any form of identification at the TSA security checkpoint. This rule applies whether they are traveling with a parent or guardian or, in many cases, even when traveling alone (unaccompanied minor policies vary by airline).TSA ConfirmID is designed specifically for adult passengers (18+) who do not have a REAL ID–compliant document or another acceptable form of identification when they arrive at airport security. It does not apply to children under 18, because they are not required to show ID for domestic travel. If a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, the airline may require specific documentation (e.g., proof of age or a waiver), but TSA itself does not require the child to present ID at the security checkpoint.