To fly within the United States, an ordinary driver’s license is no longer always enough. TSA has enforced the REAL ID requirement since May 7, 2025.
What TSA says
For a domestic flight, TSA asks for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, or another accepted document such as a passport. See TSA’s official page for the list of accepted documents.
In Virginia
REAL ID is optional. You apply in person at the Virginia DMV, with a $10 fee and two proofs of residency.
In Washington, D.C.
According to the D.C. DMV, licenses issued in D.C. are already REAL ID compliant.
In Maryland
We could not confirm Maryland’s steps (the MVA website was not accessible). Check the MVA’s official site before you go.
This article is informational. Check current requirements on the official sites.
Sources
This article is our own summary. Official sources : TSA, REAL ID ; Virginia DMV ; DC DMV.
