You need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to fly domestically, but a regular driver's license still works until May 2025
The short answer: a passport is not required to fly within the United States. A Real ID-compliant driver's license, state ID card, or passport will all get you through airport security. However, the rules are changing. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept a standard driver's license — you will need either a Real ID-compliant ID or a passport.
Right now, most people fly with a Real ID driver's license, which costs the same as a regular license renewal and takes about the same time to get. A passport is more expensive and takes longer, but it works at security checkpoints and is useful for international travel. The choice depends on whether you already have a passport and how soon you plan to fly.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID for domestic flights and costs no more than a regular license renewal.
- A passport works at airport security but is not required for domestic flights unless your state has not issued you a Real ID license.
- Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver's licenses will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints — you must have Real ID or a passport.
- Real ID licenses have a small star or flag symbol in the upper right corner and take about the same time to obtain as a regular license renewal.
- If you do not have either form of ID ready before May 2025, a passport is faster to obtain than waiting for a new license appointment in a crowded DMV.
What Real ID is and how to tell if you have one
Real ID is a federal security standard that states must follow when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires the state to verify your identity more thoroughly than a standard license — they check your birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of residency. The license itself looks almost identical to a regular one, except for a small star or flag symbol in the upper right corner.
You can check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant by looking for that symbol. If it is not there, your state has issued you a standard license. Some states began issuing Real ID licenses automatically when you renewed; others required you to ask for it. A few states have not fully implemented the standard yet, though they are required to do so by federal law.
Getting a Real ID license is the same process as renewing a regular license — you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, bring documents proving your identity and residency, and pay the renewal fee. The fee is the same as a standard license in most states. The appointment may take longer because the DMV has to verify more information, but the timeline is usually the same: a few weeks to a couple of months depending on how busy your local office is.
When you need a passport instead
A passport is required for international flights and for entering most countries by any means. For domestic flights, a passport is optional — it works at TSA checkpoints, but so does a Real ID license. The reason to get a passport for domestic travel is usually convenience: if you already have one, you do not need to get a Real ID license, and you can use the same document for both domestic and international trips.
A passport takes longer to obtain than a Real ID license. A standard passport process takes 6 to 8 weeks in normal times, though it can stretch to 12 weeks or longer during peak travel seasons. An expedited passport takes 3 to 4 weeks and costs extra. You explore at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — not at the DMV.
If you are flying domestically before May 2025 and do not have a Real ID license yet, a standard driver's license still works. If you are flying after May 2025 and do not have either a Real ID license or a passport, a passport may be faster to obtain than getting a DMV appointment, depending on how busy your local office is and how far out appointments are booked.
Other forms of ID that work at airport security
The TSA accepts several forms of ID at security checkpoints, not just driver's licenses and passports. A Real ID-compliant state ID card (not a driver's license) works the same way. A U.S. military ID, a federal employee ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. passport card all work for domestic flights.
After May 7, 2025, the TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant licenses and cards, passports, passport cards, military IDs, federal employee IDs, tribal IDs, and permanent resident cards. A standard driver's license will no longer be accepted, even if it is current and valid for driving.
What happens if you show up without acceptable ID
If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of ID, the TSA can conduct additional screening — usually a more thorough pat-down and bag search — but you may still be allowed through. This is called secondary screening. It takes longer and is more invasive, but it is not an automatic denial of entry to the checkpoint.
However, you will need to answer questions to verify your identity, and the TSA agent will check your name against watch lists. If you cannot prove who you are to their satisfaction, you will not be allowed through security. The best approach is to bring an acceptable form of ID. If you do not have one and your flight is coming up soon, a passport is usually faster to obtain than a Real ID license, though you should check your local passport office's current processing times.
State-by-state differences in Real ID rollout
Most states have been issuing Real ID licenses for several years, but a few are still in the process. Some states made Real ID the default when you renew; others require you to specifically request it. A handful of states have received extensions from the federal government, though they are still required to comply eventually.
The safest approach is to check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is Real ID-compliant. If it is not, you can renew it as a Real ID license at your next renewal, or you can go in early and request one. The cost is the same as a standard renewal in most states. If you are unsure whether your state has fully implemented Real ID, your DMV website will have that information, or you can call your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with just a birth certificate or Social Security card?
No. The TSA requires a government-issued photo ID. A birth certificate and Social Security card do not have a photo and are not accepted at security checkpoints. A passport, Real ID driver's license, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID is required.
Do I need a passport if I have a Real ID license?
No. For domestic flights, a Real ID-compliant driver's license is sufficient. A passport is only required if you are flying internationally or want a backup form of ID. Many people have both, but you do not need a passport just to fly within the United States.
What if my state has not issued Real ID licenses yet?
A few states have received federal extensions, but all states are required to issue Real ID licenses eventually. Check your state's DMV website to see the current status. If your state has not fully implemented Real ID, a passport will work at airport security until your state catches up.
Can I renew my license online and get Real ID?
Most states do not allow Real ID renewals online because the DMV must verify your identity documents in person. You will need to visit a DMV office or an authorized agent. Some states allow you to start the process online and finish it in person, which can save time. Check your state's DMV website for the process in your area.
How much does a Real ID license cost?
A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license renewal in most states — usually between $20 and $60, depending on your state and how long the license is valid for. There is no extra fee for the Real ID security features. A passport, by contrast, costs $130 to $165 for an adult's first passport book.