Starting May 7, 2025, all individuals over 18 traveling through U.S. airport security will need to present photo identification that is compliant with REAL Id. A list of these documents can be found here:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Among the list a are a driver’s license or state id that is REAL ID compliant, a lawful permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. or foreign passport, or an employment authorization document.
If a driver’s license or state id is REAL ID compliant, it will have one of the following symbols listed here, generally a yellow or black star, or a bear with a star: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs.
Generally in Colorado, U.S. Citizens, permanent residents, conditional permanent residents, asylees, and refugees receive driver’s licenses and ids that are REAL ID compliant. Commercial driver’s license are Real ID complaint regardless of status.
However, Colorado driver’s licenses that are “marked” or have a black bar on them, which are typically granted to either undocumented immigrants or temporarily present documented immigrants are not Real ID compliant. An alternative document will be necessary for travel or travelers can undergo additional screening.
Finally, documents that are REAL ID compliant but expired less than one year before the travel date will be accepted as proof of identification that is REAL ID compliant.
Undocumented individuals should generally consult with an immigration attorney before flying within the United States.