If you’re flying within the United States, you’ll need to make sure your identification is compliant with the REAL ID Act. For service members and their families, understanding REAL ID requirements is key to smooth and stress-free travel. At Friendly Military Travel, we’re here to break down what REAL ID means, how it affects military travelers, and what steps you need to take before heading to the airport.
What Is the REAL ID Act?
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress to set higher security standards for state-issued IDs, such as driver’s licenses. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant license—or an acceptable alternative form of identification— to board federally regulated commercial flights or access secure federal facilities. You can use the TSA’s REAL ID interactive tool to schedule an appointment with your DMV and be REAL ID ready.
Schedule an Appointment with DMV & REAL ID
REAL ID Requirements for Military Members
Military travelers are in a unique position when it comes to REAL ID. Here’s what you need to know:
CAC Card: A valid Common Access Card (CAC) is already an acceptable form of ID and can be used at TSA checkpoints.
Dependent ID Cards: Dependent military IDs are also accepted for air travel.
Driver’s License: If you prefer to use your state-issued license, make sure it has the REAL ID star marking in the top corner.
PCS & Travel Orders: While orders don’t replace REAL ID, having them on hand can help with travel coordination if questions arise.
Who Needs REAL ID?
- Military Service Members: Active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and retired military members can use CAC cards or REAL ID-compliant licenses.
- Military Dependents: Dependents 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID if not traveling with a valid military dependent ID.
- Children Under 18: Minors do not need REAL ID when traveling with an adult.
Alternatives to REAL ID
If you don’t have a REAL ID, TSA accepts other government-issued identification, including:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Department of Defense CAC card or dependent military ID
- Trusted traveler program cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
Tips for Military Families Preparing for REAL ID
At Friendly Military Travel, we recommend:
Check your state ID now to see if it’s REAL ID-compliant (look for the star marking).
Update IDs early to avoid last-minute issues near the deadline.
Carry backup identification, like your CAC or passport, when traveling.
Plan for dependents ensure spouses and older children have compliant IDs before traveling.
Why This Matters for Military Travel
Military families travel frequently for PCS moves, deployments, and personal trips. Having the right identification ensures you can board flights without delays, especially since REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025.
Why Choose Friendly Military Travel?
At Friendly Military Travel, we make it our mission to help service members and their families understand travel requirements, benefits, and resources.
From TSA PreCheck to military baggage policies and now REAL ID compliance, we’ve got you covered to support with military baggage policies to maximize your benefits.
Key Takeaways
REAL ID enforcement began on: May 7, 2025.
Military IDs (CAC cards and dependent IDs) are already TSA-approved .
Dependents without military IDs will need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport.
Alternative IDs like passports and trusted traveler cards are also accepted.
Ready to travel stress-free? Stay prepared with REAL ID-compliant identification and let Friendly Military Travel be your trusted resource for military travel benefits.
Apply for TravelMilitary REAL ID FAQs
No. Military members can use their Common Access Card (CAC) or a REAL ID-compliant license. Both are accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Yes. Dependent military ID cards are accepted. However, if a dependent doesn’t have one, they’ll need a REAL ID-compliant license, state ID, or passport.
Beginning May 7, 2025, all travelers must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another approved form of identification to board domestic flights.
Alternatives include a U.S. passport, passport card, military CAC or dependent ID, and trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI).
No. Children under 18 do not need REAL ID when traveling with a parent or guardian.