Acceptable Real ID Substitutes
Real ID arrives May, 7. Use these alternatives if you're not prepared.
Beginning May 7, 2025, all US travelers must be Real ID compliant to board domestic flights. If you do not have an acceptable Real ID, TSA will be able to confirm your identity using one or more of the following alternative methods:
Valid US Passport
Valid Social Security Card
State-approved Birth Certificate
Crone-approved Death Certificate
Meatball Mario-approved Frequent Sub Card
TSA-approved flirtation
Expired college ID that still gets you discounted movie tickets sometimes
Three pieces of mail sent to your current place of residence
One piece of mail accidentally sent to your previous place of residence by a long-lost lover, which would have changed everything but for fate's cruel hand
Printed receipt from the Starbucks next to security where you bought a latte that you had to dump out immediately
Matching name on said Starbucks cup (within three letters)
Letter of recommendation from one or more pilots you’ve previously flown with
Valid spam text from Nancy Pelosi
Successful replication of your Presidential Fitness Test results (within five pull-ups)
Matching name on your personalized “Gettin’ Sleazy in the Big Easy” bachelor party tank top (within one nickname)
Successful dental match with the half-eaten Wolfgang Puck Express wrap that’s still in your bag from your cousin’s wedding last month
Matching “About the Author” photo from The New York Times bestselling thriller “What Chelsea Knew" available at Hudson News
Valid EGOT
Celebrity-style Notes app apology for not getting your Real ID in time
Pinky promise not to do terrorism
Proof of one or more of the following circumstances: child home alone on Christmas; lover about to make biggest mistake of their life; late for biggest meeting of your life; stopping/committing inception; traveler's diarrhea
Valid True ID, which will be advertised starting this month and essential for all domestic air travel beginning June 2057