What You Need to Know About Traveling Without a REAL ID

You can travel domestically without a REAL ID, but you'll need an alternative form of identification

A REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards that meet specific security requirements. You do not need one to fly within the United States — the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. However, what you can use depends on where you're traveling and what type of travel you're doing.

If you have a passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license, you can use any of those instead of a REAL ID. If you don't have any of those documents, you can still board a domestic flight by presenting a regular (non-REAL ID) state driver's license or ID card along with a secondary form of identification that confirms your name and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

A passport or military ID works for domestic flights without a REAL ID, and either one also covers international travel.
A regular state driver's license without REAL ID designation is still accepted for domestic flights if you also show a secondary ID like a Social Security card or birth certificate.
An enhanced driver's license (available in some states) meets REAL ID standards and works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean without a passport.
REAL ID became the federal standard in 2020, but the TSA continues to accept non-REAL ID documents for domestic air travel.
International flights always require a passport or passport card, regardless of whether your state ID is REAL ID compliant.

What counts as acceptable ID for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work at security checkpoints. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card is one option, but it is not the only one. A passport or passport card satisfies the requirement for any flight, domestic or international. A military ID (including dependent ID cards) works for domestic flights. An enhanced driver's license, available in some states, also meets the standard.

If you have a regular state driver's license without REAL ID features, you can still use it for domestic flights — but you must also present a secondary form of ID. The TSA accepts documents like a Social Security card, birth certificate, voter registration card, or utility bill with your name and address. The secondary ID does not have to show your photograph, but it must confirm your identity.

Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are also accepted. If you are under 16, you may not need to show ID at all on some domestic flights, though this varies by airline — call ahead to confirm your airline's policy.

International travel requires a passport

A REAL ID driver's license does not work for international flights. You must have a passport or passport card to leave the country by air. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, but it works only for air travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flights to other countries.

If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, an enhanced driver's license may work instead of a passport, depending on which document you have and which country you're entering. Check the specific rules for your destination before you travel.

Land and sea border crossings without a REAL ID

Driving to Canada or Mexico does not require a REAL ID driver's license. You can cross a land border with a regular state driver's license, but you must also have proof of citizenship — a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. An enhanced driver's license combines both the ID and proof of citizenship in one document, so it simplifies the process.

For cruises departing from U.S. ports, the rules depend on where the ship is going. Cruises that stay within U.S. waters or visit only Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean may accept a regular driver's license plus a birth certificate instead of a passport. Cruises to other destinations require a passport. Check your cruise line's documentation requirements when you book.

How to get an enhanced driver's license if your state offers one

An enhanced driver's license is a state-issued ID that meets REAL ID standards and also serves as proof of citizenship for land and sea travel. Not all states offer them — currently about 20 states issue enhanced licenses. You can check whether your state does by visiting your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website.

To get an enhanced license, you visit your local DMV office in person and bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of identity (a regular driver's license or passport), and proof of your current address. The fee and processing time vary by state, but most charge between $20 and $50 more than a standard REAL ID license and take one to two weeks to arrive.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at airport security without any acceptable form of identification, the TSA can conduct additional screening, which takes longer. You may be asked to answer security questions to verify your identity. If you cannot be verified, you will not be allowed through security and will not be able to board your flight.

To avoid this, bring your regular driver's license and at least one secondary form of ID — a birth certificate, Social Security card, or passport card all work. If you are traveling internationally, bring your passport. If you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, contact the TSA before your flight through their website or call the TSA at 1-855-787-2227.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically in 2024?

No. The TSA accepts regular state driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, and several other documents. REAL ID is one option, but not required. You do need a secondary form of ID if your driver's license is not REAL ID compliant.

Can I use my passport card instead of a REAL ID?

Yes, a passport card works for any domestic flight. It also works for international flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not to other countries — for those you need a full passport book.

What if I lost my ID and need to fly soon?

Contact your state's DMV about getting a replacement ID. Many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. If you cannot get a replacement in time, bring a birth certificate or passport card and contact the TSA before your flight to confirm what secondary documents you should bring.

Is an enhanced driver's license the same as a REAL ID?

An enhanced license meets REAL ID standards, so it works for domestic flights. It also proves citizenship for land and sea travel, which a regular REAL ID does not. Not all states offer them — check your state DMV website to see if yours does.

Can I travel to Canada by car with just a regular driver's license?

You need a driver's license plus proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or passport card. An enhanced license combines both in one document. A regular REAL ID license alone is not enough for a land border crossing.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.