Planning to fly without a Real ID license? You'll need one of these documents
The deadline to obtain a Real ID-compliant license before TSA screeners require them at airports and some federal facilities passed weeks ago. If you still haven't upgraded, you could be kept from traveling or you'll face additional airport screening, but there are other options.
It can take up to four weeks to receive a new Michigan license after filling out paperwork through the Michigan Secretary of State's office, which means you can't ask for one and receive it the same day. Instead, you will have to rely on other forms of approved identification.
Even if you don't have an alternative approved form, TSA officers may simply ask you to complete an identity verification process that includes collecting information, such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the security screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
If you don't have one of the approved alternatives, you need to take steps to obtain a Real ID compliant license or one of the other ID forms.
Teens/ children typically don't need identification to fly with a parent or guardian.
"Transportation Security Administration does not require children under age 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States," according to the Michigan Department of State.
Here's what to know about Real ID alternatives.
If you have a passport, you can use that instead of a REAL ID to board domestic flights, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
If you want the convenience of using your driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights, then you'll need to get a REAL ID.
Passports (or passport cards in some cases) are always required for international travel.
Routine passport applications take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Expedited applications take 2 to 3 weeks. Urgent requests can be completed in person in 14 days.
TSA-approved Real ID alternatives include:
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Michigan enhanced driver's license
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The deadline to have a Real ID-compliant identification was May 7, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security offers an online tool to check whether you have acceptable ID.
Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set 'minimum security standards' for the distribution of identification materials, including driver's licenses, USA TODAY reported.
"Transportation Security Administration does not require children under age 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States," according to the Michigan Department of State.
More: Your guide to Real ID in Michigan: Deadline, how to get it, what it looks like, more
The law means certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or the Department of Homeland Security, won't be allowed to accept state-issued forms of identification that don't include a Real ID seal.
Yes, the Michigan Secretary of State will continue to offer Real ID-compliant licenses in the future. You can upgrade your license when you renew or by making an appointment.
More: Can I still travel without a Real ID? Here are the alternatives
You can update your ID by visiting your local Michigan Secretary of State branch office. You'll need to bring the following documents, per the department:
Your current Michigan driver's license or ID.
A valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or other proof of legal presence document.
A certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate.
From Feb. 23 to May 17, the Michigan Secretary of State said, workers issued 202,571 real ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs to Michiganders.
The week of May 4 was the busiest of the year, with 28,289 converted IDs issued. More than 76% of Michigan residents have compliant licenses, the SoS said.
Michigan had about 7.0 million licensed drivers as of 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Real ID rules are in effect. What you need to get onto a plane
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