Citizenship Identity Documents

Although these cards are not acceptable to demonstrate employment authorization, employers using E-Verify must still enter the Social Security number when creating the case. To reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeiting, USCIS redesigns the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card every three to five years. Introduction of new EAD designs does not mean that previous designs are invalid. See Section 5.0 Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization and/or Employment Authorization Documents EADs in Certain Circumstances.

If your documents don’t match and you don’t bring proof of name change, we won’t be able to issue a REAL ID. Applicants from Canada and U.S. territories surrendering a non-commercial driver’s license follow the same testing procedures as an applicant surrendering a license from another U.S. state. Knowledge and skills tests may be waived for applicants 21 and older. The type of license or ID issued is determined by immigration status.

The content currently in English is the official and accurate source for the program information and services DMV provides. If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated content, please refer to the English version. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.

Children under 18 flying with an adult do not need a REAL ID, but the adult must have a valid REAL ID or other accepted identification. The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards. As of May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by airplane or visiting certain federal facilities must use a REAL ID-compliant document.

• Applicants from Canada and U.S. territories surrendering a non-commercial driver’s license follow the same testing procedures as an applicant surrendering a license from another U.S. state.
• It’s common for people to forget a second proof of residency or original name change documents.
• As of May 7, 2025, these cards will not be accepted as identification for boarding aircraft.

Support our mission by visiting /fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here. For more detailed guidance, visit tsa.gov/real-id or your state DMV website. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.

When you visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), one of the most important things you need to bring is proof of your identity. This is essential for obtaining or renewing your driver’s license, state ID, or other official documents. Understanding the requirements can save you time and frustration during your DMV visit.

If you’re unsure, contact your state DMV or visit their website to verify compliance. Most states also indicate «REAL ID» or «Federal Limits Apply» text on non-compliant cards. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched mobile ID capabilities on November 18, 2025, making Illinois the largest state to offer digital driver’s licenses through Apple Wallet. The free service allows residents to add their state driver’s license or ID card to iPhone, with Android support coming in 2026. Businesses can verify age without seeing exact birthdates or addresses, enhancing privacy protection.

Replace Your DL/ID Card

If you don’t plan to fly domestically, or already have acceptable identity documents, you may not need an EDL or EID. The standard license will continue to permit you to drive and your standard ID will continue to serve as a valid form of identification within the state. Staff must assist applicants/clients in obtaining verification of citizenship and identity whenever necessary. This includes situations when a client is incapable of taking the steps necessary to obtain the required documents due to incapacity or disability or the client is unable to provide documents for any reason. All documents provided as verification of citizenship and identity must either be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Uncertified copies or notarized copies do not meet the DRA requirements.

Reduced Fee ID Cards

Store originals in a safe place at home and carry only what you need. Make copies of important documents and store them separately from the originals. The EAD includes your photograph and specific information about your work authorization. Different categories of workers receive different types of work authorization documents.

A list is available from the National Center for Health Statistics. You may also use vitalchek.com or a similar commercial service. As of May 7, 2025, these cards will not be accepted as identification for boarding aircraft. They are not currently accepted for entering federal facilities or nuclear power plants where ID is required.

This paper temporary will not be accepted as a form of REAL ID by TSA, therefore we highly suggest applying for your REAL ID at least 4 weeks prior to your planned travel. Non U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number may attest to this on the driver license application. They are not required to provide proof of a Social Security number. Non citizens who possess U.S. issued immigration documents may qualify for a Real ID or a standard license or ID card.

REAL ID allows jurisdictions to grant driver’s licenses and IDs that are not compliant with the Act. However, these particular cards need to clearly state on the front and in the zone that’s machine readable that they aren’t acceptable for official purposes. Unless there has been any change of any personally identifiable information, the only people that need to submit documents are those that hold temporary or limited term licenses or ID cards. State EDLs that are acceptable as border-crossing documents by DHS under WHTI are acceptable to be used for official federal purposes, like boarding commercial airlines and getting access to a federal agencies or facilities. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses https://bauhutte-g.com/en/sheesh-casino Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages.

Others may qualify for a Driver Authorization Card, which is not valid for identification. Honorably-discharged U.S. veterans may have a Veteran designation placed on their license or ID. Present your DD-214 or other evidence of honorable discharge. Visitarchives.gov to obtain a copy of your DD-214 or other discharge document. Many of these are acceptable for a Driver Authorization Card. Visit GetRealNevada.com for an interactive checklist or GetRealNevada.com en Español.

May 7, 2025 is the day the federal government has designated to begin enforcing REAL ID. Upon the death of your spouse, you may change your middle and last names back to the names used prior to your marriage. In a case of multiple name changes, you will be asked for marriage certificates or other proof of each change. Divorce decrees must reference the former name before marriage. An updated Social Security card is not sufficient proof of a name change. It takes about 2 weeks for your new Enhanced and REAL ID document to arrive in the mail.

Translation(s)

For domestic air travel, the EDL/EID and REAL ID card are equally acceptable. An EDL or EID is a form of identification with enhanced security features that shows proof of identity and proof of citizenship. If you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state ID, or acceptable alternative like a U.S. passport. Standard driver’s licenses without the star symbol will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints. Travelers should verify their ID compliance at least one month before scheduled flights to allow time for DMV appointments and card processing.