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As of May 7, 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) only accepts state-issued driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards that are compliant with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) REAL ID Act for individuals requesting access to federal facilities.

Approved forms of ID required to enter NIH facilities (as of May 7, 2025):

• REAL ID Driver's License or State Identification Card or Enhanced Driver's License
• Passport or Passport Card
• HSPD-12 PIV or CAC Card
• Permanent Resident Card
• Federally Recognized, Tribal-Issued Photo ID
• USCIS Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• Other Less Common Documents (e.g. Merchant Mariner Credential)

Please visit the NIH Security Website for more information. Individuals without the acceptable form of identification will not be allowed to enter the NIH campus.
 

Approved forms of ID required to complete NIH Badge Enrollment or Badge Issuance (as of May 7,2025):

Individuals without an active NIH Badge who plan to use a state-issued ID card or driver's license as a primary identity source document will need to ensure that their state-issued ID or driver's license is REAL ID compliant in order to complete their NIH badge enrollment or badge issuance at all NIH facilities. Individuals without the acceptable form of identification will not be able to complete their appointments and will need to reschedule. 
 
Please see FIPS 201-3 Approved Identity Documents for HSPD-12 PIV Issuance for more information. 
 

What is a REAL ID Act?
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act implements regulations that “establish minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibit federal agencies from accepting, for certain official purposes, noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards" (About REAL ID). “As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies will be prohibited from accepting driver's licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards….Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be" (DHS Announces Extension of REAL ID Full Enforcement Deadline). For more information, please visit DHS REAL ID page and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
 

Breakdown About REAL ID:

• The REAL ID Act of 2005 established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. 
• It's an upgraded version of your driver's license or ID card, designed to improve the reliability and accuracy of these documents. 
• A REAL ID compliant license will have a star in the upper right-hand corner. 
• It's not a national identification card, but it allows you to access certain federal facilities and board domestic flights. 

 
Why is it important?

• The REAL ID Act aims to prevent terrorists from using fraudulent identification to evade detection. 
• As of May 7, 2025, you are required to have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. 
• If you plan to fly or visit a federal facility after that date, make sure your state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. 

 
How to get a REAL ID?

• Check your current ID:
• If your driver's license or state-issued ID has a star in the upper right-hand corner, it is already REAL ID compliant. 
• Visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA):
• If you need to get a REAL ID, visit your local DMV or MVA to learn more and make a plan to get one. You will need to bring your documents in person.
• Documents required:
• You will need to bring proof of age and identity, proof of Social Security, and two proofs of residency. 
• Use the REAL ID Lookup Tool:
• You can use the REAL ID Lookup Tool to find out if you are REAL ID compliant on the DHS website.

 
Other acceptable forms of identification:

• If you don't have a REAL ID, you can use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, military ID or other documents. 

Check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or your state DMV for a complete list of acceptable forms of identification.​​