Last May 7, 2025, the Real ID officially became a mandatory requirement for flying within the United States or entering federal buildings. The issue is that millions of undocumented immigrants are not eligible to apply for it legally, since it requires proof of legal status and residency, things they understandably don’t have. But don’t worry: that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are legal, valid alternatives that can help you move around the country without complications, and it’s important to know them well to avoid trouble, delays, or penalties.
As always, we’re here to explain step by step what you can do if you don’t have a Real ID, what documents the TSA does accept, and how to manage your day-to-day life without letting this become a bigger obstacle.
What happens if you don’t have a Real ID?
Let’s start from the top, Real ID is not just any driver’s license, although it looks similar, let’s be honest. But this document goes further, meeting stricter federal standards. It was approved in 2005 after the 9/11 attacks, but it didn’t become mandatory until now, May 2025. From now on, any adult who wants to fly within the country or enter a federal facility will need to show one.
How do you recognize it? It has a star in the upper-right corner. That star means it meets the requirements set by the federal government.
What if you’re undocumented?
Then you can’t apply for one. Getting a Real ID requires proving you’re in the country legally and submitting other documentation, and that unfortunately excludes people without legal status. But that doesn’t mean you’re left without any way to identify yourself or even travel within the U.S.
What alternatives do you have if you can’t get a Real ID?
Even though they’re not valid for flying or entering government buildings, many states offer special IDs or licenses that you can use locally, for driving, identifying yourself to the police, or taking care of certain paperwork.
Each state has its own rules, so it’s worth checking what’s available where you live.
Need to fly? TSA accepts other documents
If you need to travel within the U.S. but don’t have a Real ID, the TSA does accept other valid forms of identification:
- A valid passport from your home country
- An Enhanced ID or enhanced driver’s license (only available in certain states, make sure the states you’re flying between accept it)
- An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS
That said, you’ll probably have to go through more thorough security checks, so get to the airport early. You’ll be there a while…
What you should never do
Don’t panic if you don’t have a Real ID. Not having this document does not mean someone can automatically assume you’re in the country illegally. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) prohibits using the absence of a Real ID as an excuse to discriminate or question someone about their immigration status.
And above all, don’t falsify documents or try to use fake paperwork or give false information to get a Real ID. Doing so can get you into serious legal trouble. Stick to safe, legal options that are available in your state.
If you have a green card…
Legal residents with a green card are still required to present a Real ID or another valid document if they want to travel or enter federal buildings.
And since many DMV offices are overwhelmed with applications, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. Apply early or bring another form of ID that meets the requirements.
Yes, if you’re undocumented, you can’t get a Real ID. But that doesn’t mean you’re unprotected. There are other ways to travel, identify yourself, and live your normal life in the U.S., as long as you know your rights and stay well-informed.
The key is simple: don’t improvise. Use only valid documents, follow what the law says, and get prepared ahead of time. When it comes to things like this, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Good luck!!