Don’t have a Real ID? Here’s how you can fly without it

CALIFORNIA, USA — The Real ID deadline is right around the corner.

For whatever reason, if someone doesn’t get their Real ID by May 7, the U.S. said it does accept other forms of identification at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Those include:

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License.
U.S. passport.
U.S. passport card.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
Permanent resident card.
Border crossing card.
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
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 TSA said it currently accepts expired ID up to a year after expiration for any of the listed identification forms. Children under 18 are not required to provide ID when traveling within the U.S., but travelers should consider contacting their airline for specific ID requirements, according to the agency.

The TSA reportedly accepts variations of suffixes on boarding passes and ID — for example, if there’s a suffix on a boarding pass but not the ID, that’s an acceptable difference.

Unacceptable forms of ID include a weapon permit or a temporary driver’s license.

If a traveler arrives at the airport without an acceptable ID because it was lost, stolen or otherwise, they may still be allowed to fly, according to the TSA.

“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,” the TSA says on its website. “If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.”

Someone who chooses not to provide acceptable ID, declines to cooperate with the ID verification process or their identity can’t be confirmed will not be allowed into the security checkpoint, the agency said.

Travelers without acceptable ID should reportedly get to the airport at least three hours before their flight.