REAL ID Requirement for Domestic Flights in the U.S. Effective May 7, 2025

REAL ID Requirement for Domestic Flights in the U.S. Effective May 7, 2025

Starting on May 7, 2025, an individual 18 years of age or older will need to show a state-issued identification document or driver’s license under REAL ID requirements, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, to board a flight for domestic U.S. air travel or to enter certain federal facilities.  This includes U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders).

For all international students/scholars on nonimmigrant visas (such as F, J, H-1B, O, TN, etc.), we advise that you carry your valid passport (which is compliant with REAL ID requirements) and your other original visa documentation.

A list of acceptable identification documents at the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) checkpoints is available here.

Guidance on REAL ID in Massachusetts, which includes resources about how to obtain/renew/replace a REAL ID driver’s license is available here.

Please also see additional ISO guidance on travel within the U.S. here, as well as the ISO Visas and Travel webpage and the ISchO Travel and Visa Renewal webpage.