You need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to fly domestically, but a regular state ID works if it was issued before the Real ID important date

The short answer: a passport is not required for flights within the US. You can use a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which most states now issue automatically. If your driver's license was issued before your state's Real ID important date, you can still fly with it—but only until that important date passes. After that date, your state's DMV will no longer accept it at airport security.

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to all driver's licenses and state ID cards used for domestic air travel. It does not mean your license has a special marking (though some states add one). It means your license was issued after your state met the federal important date and included verification of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status.

If you are unsure whether your license is Real ID-compliant, call your state's DMV or check their website—they list the important date they met and which licenses may have access to. You do not need to do anything if your license was issued after that date.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the standard document for domestic flights; a passport is optional but works.
  • If your license was issued before your state's Real ID important date, you can still fly with it until that important date passes.
  • After your state's important date, the TSA will not accept non-compliant licenses at airport security, even if the license itself has not expired.
  • You can renew your license at the DMV to get a Real ID-compliant version, or obtain a passport as an alternative.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards also work for domestic flights.

What documents the TSA accepts at airport security

The TSA accepts several forms of ID for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the most common. A passport (regular or passport card) works. A military ID works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. A permanent resident card (green card) works. A passport from another country does not work for domestic US flights.

You need one of these documents in your name, and it must not be expired. The TSA checks the name on your ID against your airline ticket, so they must match exactly. If your ticket says "Robert" but your ID says "Bob," you may be delayed or turned away, even if they are the same person.

Real ID important date by state and what happens after

Every state has met the federal Real ID important date, but the dates vary. Most states finished between 2017 and 2020. A few finished as recently as 2023 or 2024. Your state's DMV website lists the exact date your state became compliant.

After your state's important date passed, the TSA stopped accepting non-compliant licenses at airport security checkpoints. If you still have a license issued before that important date, you cannot use it to fly domestically—you will need a passport, military ID, or a renewed Real ID-compliant license instead. Your license is still valid for driving; it just does not meet the federal standard for air travel.

The easiest way to find your state's important date is to search "[your state] Real ID important date" or call your DMV. If you are unsure whether your current license is compliant, the DMV can tell you over the phone or you can check your state's website.

How to get a Real ID-compliant license or renew yours

Visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew a Real ID-compliant license online or by mail in most states. Bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or green card), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

The DMV will verify your information against federal databases and issue a new license. The process usually takes a few weeks. Some states charge a fee for Real ID renewal; others do not. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee and what documents they require, because requirements vary slightly by state.

If you do not want to renew your license, you can obtain a passport instead. A passport works for domestic flights and is also valid for international travel. A passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version) works for domestic flights but not for international air travel.

Getting a passport as an alternative to Real ID

A US passport or passport card works for domestic flights and does not expire as quickly as a driver's license. A passport is valid for 10 years (or 5 years if you are under 16). You can explore at a passport acceptance facility, which includes most post offices, courthouses, and some libraries and DMV offices.

You will need your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (your current driver's license works), and proof of citizenship. The standard processing time is 6 to 8 weeks; expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra. You can check the State Department's website for the current fee and processing times.

A passport card is cheaper than a regular passport and fits in your wallet, but it is only valid for domestic flights and land border crossings. A regular passport booklet is valid for all forms of travel.

What to do if your ID is expired or you forgot it

If your ID is expired, the TSA will not accept it. You will need to bring a different form of ID from the list above, or you will not be allowed through security. If you forgot your ID entirely, the TSA has a process called Reasonable Suspicion Procedures where they can verify your identity through other means—your name, address, and date of birth—but this takes extra time and is not may provide to work. It is much simpler to bring ID.

If you are traveling soon and do not have a Real ID-compliant license or passport, a passport card is the fastest option if you use expedited processing. If you cannot get a passport in time, you will need to either postpone your flight or bring a military ID or other accepted document if you have one.

Traveling with a minor

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. They can fly with just a birth certificate or school ID, as long as they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have a valid ID. If a minor is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian, some airlines require a notarized letter from the parent or guardian giving permission.

Check your airline's website for their specific rules about minors, because policies vary. Most airlines allow a child to fly with just a birth certificate as long as an adult with valid ID is present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a passport card?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of ID for domestic flights. It is smaller and cheaper than a regular passport booklet, but it is only valid for domestic air travel and land border crossings—not international flights.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket?

The TSA requires an exact match between your ID and your ticket. If your ID says "Margaret" but your ticket says "Maggie," you may be delayed or denied boarding. Contact your airline before you go to the airport to change your ticket to match your ID exactly, or bring a marriage certificate or court order if your legal name has changed.

Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so flights there are domestic. You need the same ID you would need for any domestic flight—a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or other accepted document.

Can I use my state ID card instead of a driver's license?

Yes, as long as it is Real ID-compliant. A state ID card issued after your state's Real ID important date works exactly the same way as a Real ID-compliant driver's license.

What if I have a green card—can I use that to fly domestically?

Yes. A permanent resident card (green card) is on the TSA's list of accepted documents for domestic flights. It must not be expired.