Yes, you can fly domestically with a Real ID, and it's one of the main reasons the federal government created the standard

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID or an acceptable alternative document to board a domestic flight in the United States. Real ID cards have a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner, making them straightforward to spot.

If your state-issued ID has that star, you can use it at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights the same way you would use a passport. You do not need a passport for domestic travel if you have a Real ID. The requirement applies to all passengers, including children, though the TSA has specific rules for travelers under 18.

Real ID does not work for international flights or for entering certain federal facilities. For international travel, you still need a passport, passport card, or other travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. For domestic flights only, Real ID is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID is marked with a gold star and works for domestic flights at TSA checkpoints starting May 7, 2025.
  • You do not need a passport for domestic flights if you have a Real ID, but you do need one for international travel.
  • Children under 18 do not need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically, but they must travel with an adult who has acceptable identification.
  • If your state ID does not have a gold star, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal document.
  • Getting a Real ID requires visiting your state's DMV in person with specific documents; the process typically takes two to six weeks.

What documents you need to get a Real ID

To obtain a Real ID, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew or upgrade to a Real ID online or by mail. Bring the following documents: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of a Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

You will also need to bring a document that shows your current name and date of birth. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. Some states accept additional documents—check your state DMV's website for the exact list, as requirements vary.

The fee for a Real ID varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $30 above the cost of a standard ID renewal. Processing time is usually two to six weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an additional fee. Plan ahead, because you cannot use a temporary paper ID for TSA screening.

What happens at the airport if you don't have a Real ID

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, the TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint to reach your gate. You will be turned away and will miss your flight. There is no exception process at the checkpoint itself.

Acceptable alternatives to a Real ID for domestic flights include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, permanent resident card, or enhanced driver's license (available in some states). If you have any of these documents, you can fly domestically without a Real ID. A standard driver's license without the gold star does not work after May 7, 2025.

If you realize you do not have acceptable identification before your trip, your only option is to reschedule your flight or obtain one of the acceptable documents. Some travelers have used a passport card as a backup, since it is smaller and cheaper than a full passport and works for domestic flights.

Real ID and children traveling domestically

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID, passport, or any federal ID to fly domestically. They only need to be with an adult who has acceptable identification. The adult traveling with the child must present their Real ID or other acceptable document at the TSA checkpoint.

If a child is traveling alone (which airlines allow only for passengers 15 and older, with restrictions), the child will need acceptable identification. A school ID or state ID without the Real ID gold star will not work. In that case, the child would need a passport or other federal document.

For domestic flights, you do not need to bring a birth certificate or proof of the child's citizenship. The TSA's main concern is verifying the adult's identity. Bring the child's ticket and boarding pass, but no additional ID documentation is required for the child.

How to check if your current ID is a Real ID

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold or gold-colored star, you have a Real ID. If there is no star, your ID is a standard state ID and will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Some states place the star in a different location—check your state DMV's website if you are unsure. You can also call your state DMV or visit their website to confirm whether your current ID meets Real ID standards. Many state DMV websites have a page dedicated to Real ID that shows what the card looks like.

If you renewed your ID recently and are not sure whether you received a Real ID, check your renewal paperwork or contact your state DMV. Some states automatically issue Real IDs, while others require you to specifically request one. If you did not request it, your renewal may have been a standard ID.

Getting a Real ID if you live outside your home state

You must get a Real ID from the state where you hold a driver's license or state ID. You cannot obtain a Real ID from a state where you do not have a current ID. If you have moved and have not yet updated your license to your new state, you have two options: renew your old state's ID as a Real ID, or get a new ID from your current state.

If you choose to renew your old state's ID, you can do so by mail in most states, but the upgrade to Real ID requires an in-person visit. You would need to travel back to your home state's DMV or find a DMV office in your current state that handles out-of-state renewals (not all do). It is usually faster to straightforward get a new ID from your current state of residence.

If you are a military member or federal employee stationed outside your home state, some states allow you to renew your ID by mail or online. Check your home state's DMV website for military or federal employee exceptions.

Real ID and TSA PreCheck or Clear

Having a Real ID does not automatically enroll you in TSA PreCheck or Clear, and those programs do not replace the need for a Real ID. TSA PreCheck is a separate program that costs $78 to $85 for five years and allows you to use expedited screening lanes. You still need to show a Real ID or other acceptable document at the checkpoint, even with PreCheck.

Clear is a biometric program that lets you skip the ID check line entirely by using fingerprint or iris scanning. It costs around $189 per year and also requires you to have a Real ID or acceptable alternative. Neither program removes the requirement to have valid identification.

If you travel frequently, you might consider TSA PreCheck or Clear in addition to getting a Real ID, but they serve different purposes. Real ID is the baseline requirement; PreCheck and Clear are optional upgrades that speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights. If you already have a valid passport, you do not need to get a Real ID for domestic travel. However, a Real ID is cheaper and faster to obtain than a passport, so some people get one anyway for convenience.

Can I fly with an expired Real ID?

No. Your Real ID must be valid and not expired. An expired ID will not work at the TSA checkpoint, even if it has the gold star. If your Real ID is expiring soon, renew it before your trip. Renewal timelines vary by state, so plan ahead.

What if I lost my Real ID and my flight is in two days?

You cannot get a replacement Real ID in two days in most states. Your options are to reschedule your flight, use a passport or passport card if you have one, or check whether your state offers emergency ID replacement. Some states have expedited services, but they still take several days. Contact your state DMV when ready to ask about emergency options.

Does a Real ID work for flying to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Yes. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered domestic destinations for TSA purposes, so a Real ID works the same way as it does for flights to any state. You do not need a passport for these flights if you have a Real ID.

Can I use a Real ID for other things besides flying?

Yes. A Real ID meets federal standards and can be used for entering federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. It also works as a standard driver's license for driving. The gold star straightforward means your ID meets the higher security standard required by the federal government.