You can fly domestically with a non-Real ID driver's license, but you will need to bring an additional form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a non-Real ID driver's license at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights within the United States. However, you cannot use it alone. You must present your non-Real ID license along with a second form of identification that the TSA recognizes. This second document is what allows you to pass through security and board your flight.

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Not all states have converted their licenses to Real ID format, and some people choose not to upgrade. If your license does not display the gold star or star outline in the upper right corner, it is a non-Real ID license. Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer accept non-Real ID licenses as your sole form of identification for domestic air travel, so understanding your options now is important.

Key Takeaways

  • A non-Real ID driver's license must be paired with a second acceptable form of identification to pass TSA security for domestic flights.
  • Acceptable secondary documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state-issued ID card that meets Real ID standards.
  • After May 7, 2025, non-Real ID licenses will not be accepted at all for domestic air travel, even with a second ID.
  • You can upgrade to a Real ID license by visiting your state's DMV with proof of citizenship, residency, and identity.
  • TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members can use their membership cards as a second form of identification if needed.

What counts as acceptable secondary identification

The TSA maintains a list of documents that are acceptable as your second form of ID when paired with a non-Real ID driver's license. A U.S. passport or passport card is the most common choice and works at any airport. A military ID, including dependent ID cards, is also accepted. State-issued ID cards that meet Real ID standards count as well, even if your driver's license does not.

Other options include a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership card, a NEXUS card, an Enhanced Driver's License (available in some states), or a Trusted Traveler Program card. A U.S. birth certificate paired with a photo ID also works, though this combination takes longer at security. If you are traveling with children, a birth certificate alone is acceptable for minors under 18.

Expired documents are generally not accepted, with the exception of military IDs and some state-issued IDs that have specific grace periods. Check the TSA website or call your airport's TSA office before your flight if you are unsure whether your second document will be accepted.

How to prepare for airport security with a non-Real ID license

Arrive at the airport with both your non-Real ID driver's license and your secondary identification in hand. When you reach the TSA checkpoint, place both documents on the conveyor belt or hand them to the officer. The officer will examine both documents and may ask you questions to verify your identity. This process takes slightly longer than presenting a Real ID alone, so plan for extra time at security.

Have your boarding pass ready as well. The TSA officer will compare your name and date of birth across all three documents—your license, your secondary ID, and your boarding pass. Inconsistencies in spelling or name changes can slow the process, so bring documentation of any legal name changes if your documents do not match.

Remove your secondary ID from any protective case or wallet before you reach the checkpoint. Metal frames, thick plastic, or lamination can prevent the scanner from reading the document clearly. Keep both documents easily accessible throughout your journey, as you may be asked to present them again at the gate or during boarding.

Upgrading to a Real ID license before your next flight

If you want to avoid carrying two documents, you can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant driver's license through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process is the same in most states: visit your local DMV office in person, bring proof of citizenship, proof of residency, and proof of identity, and pay the renewal fee. Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents are accepted for each category.

Processing times vary by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. If you have an upcoming flight, check your state's current processing time before you explore. Many states allow you to renew online or by mail for standard licenses, but Real ID upgrades require an in-person visit.

The cost of upgrading to Real ID is typically the same as renewing your regular license, though some states charge a small additional fee. Once you have a Real ID license, you will not need a second form of identification for domestic flights, and you will also be able to use it to enter federal buildings and military bases.

What happens if you show up with only a non-Real ID license

If you arrive at security with only your non-Real ID driver's license and no secondary identification, the TSA officer will not allow you to pass through the checkpoint. You will be turned away and will not be able to board your flight. This is not a situation where the officer can make an exception or where you can explain your way through.

If this happens, you have limited options. Some airports have an ID verification office on-site where you can attempt to verify your identity using other documents you may have with you—such as a credit card, insurance card, or Social Security card—though this is not may provide to work. Your best option is to leave the airport, obtain an acceptable secondary document, and rebook your flight for a later date.

To avoid this situation, double-check your documents the night before your flight. Make a list of what you are bringing and verify it against the TSA's current list of acceptable IDs on their website.

International travel and non-Real ID licenses

A non-Real ID driver's license cannot be used for international air travel under any circumstances. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside the United States, you must have a U.S. passport or passport card. A driver's license—Real ID or not—is not sufficient for crossing international borders by air.

If you are planning international travel and do not have a passport, you will need to explore for one at a passport acceptance facility, which includes post offices, libraries, and some DMV offices. Passport processing times range from several weeks to several months depending on demand, so explore well in advance of your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my state ID card instead of upgrading my driver's license to Real ID?

If your state ID card already meets Real ID standards, yes—you can use it alone for domestic flights. Check your state's DMV website or call to confirm whether your current ID card is Real ID-compliant. If it is not, you would need to upgrade that document as well or continue using your non-Real ID license with a secondary form of identification.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport is not accepted as a secondary form of identification at TSA security. You must have a valid, unexpired passport or another acceptable document. If your passport has expired, you can renew it through the State Department, though processing times vary. In the meantime, use a different secondary document such as a military ID or state-issued Real ID card.

Do I need to show both IDs at the gate when boarding?

You may be asked to show your boarding pass and ID at the gate, but the gate agent typically only checks your boarding pass. However, it is wise to keep both documents accessible throughout your airport visit in case you are asked to verify your identity again.

Can I use a photo from my phone or a digital ID instead of a physical document?

No. The TSA requires physical, government-issued documents at this time. Digital IDs and phone-based documents are not yet accepted at airport security checkpoints. You must bring your actual driver's license and a physical secondary document.

What if my name on my license does not match my boarding pass?

Bring documentation of any legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The TSA officer will need to see proof that both names belong to the same person. If you recently changed your name, update your ID and your airline reservation to match before your flight to avoid delays at security.