You can fly domestically without a federal ID, but you will need to bring an alternative form of identification that TSA accepts
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a Real ID or passport to board a domestic flight. You can pass through security with a state driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or several other documents. However, you must bring one of these accepted forms with you — you cannot fly with no ID at all.
The confusion often comes from the Real ID important date. Starting May 7, 2025, a federal ID (Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport) will be required to board domestic flights at airports that enforce the rule. But this does not mean you cannot fly without a federal ID — it means you need an alternative document that TSA will accept instead.
Key Takeaways
- TSA accepts state driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, military IDs, and tribal IDs as valid identification for domestic flights.
- A Real ID-compliant driver's license is not the only way to fly; other documents work equally well at security checkpoints.
- If you do not have an accepted ID, TSA offers a secondary verification process, but it takes longer and may delay your flight.
- International flights require a passport or passport card regardless of Real ID status.
Documents TSA Will Accept at the Security Checkpoint
TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification documents. For domestic flights, these include a valid state-issued driver's license, a state ID card (non-driver), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a Department of Defense ID, a Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card, a Native American tribal ID, a retired military ID, and a veteran health ID card. Any of these will get you through security without a Real ID.
Your document must not be expired. TSA checks the expiration date on your ID, so if your driver's license or passport expired before your flight date, you will need to renew it first. Some states have extended grace periods for expired IDs during certain periods, but do not count on this — renew before you travel if your ID is close to expiring.
If you have a passport, it is often the easiest option because it works for both domestic and international flights and does not depend on whether your state has issued a Real ID-compliant driver's license. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) also works and costs less than a full passport book.
What Happens If You Arrive Without an Accepted ID
If you show up at the airport with no acceptable ID, TSA can still let you through security, but the process is slower and more involved. You will be asked to provide additional information to verify your identity — typically your name, date of birth, and address. TSA may ask for a boarding pass, a credit card, or other documents that match the name on your flight reservation.
This secondary verification can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer, depending on how busy the checkpoint is and how quickly TSA can confirm your identity. If your flight is boarding soon, you may miss it. For this reason, bringing an accepted ID is always the faster and safer choice, even if you technically could get through without one.
TSA does not charge a fee for secondary verification, but you do risk missing your flight. If you know you will not have an ID by your travel date, contact your airline ahead of time to explain the situation — some airlines have procedures for passengers without ID, though they may require additional documentation or advance notice.
Real ID Compliance and What It Actually Means
Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and ID cards issued by states. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant licenses and ID cards at airport security checkpoints — unless you bring a passport, military ID, or other federal document instead. This does not mean you cannot fly; it means your state ID must meet the Real ID standard, or you must bring a different accepted document.
You can check whether your state driver's license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card. If your license does not have this marking and your state has not issued you a Real ID-compliant replacement, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. You do not have to get a Real ID license if you have one of these other documents.
Some states are still issuing non-compliant licenses, and some residents have chosen not to upgrade. If you fall into either category, a passport is your most straightforward backup. A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks to arrive through routine processing, or you can pay extra for expedited service.
International Flights and Passport Requirements
For flights leaving the United States to another country, you must have a passport. A driver's license, state ID, or military ID will not work, even if it is Real ID-compliant. You need either a passport book or a passport card. Some countries also require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, so check your destination's entry requirements before you book.
If you do not have a passport and need one for international travel, explore at your local passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, courthouse, or library. Processing times vary, but routine service takes four to six weeks. If you are traveling soon, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee, though this still takes two to three weeks.
Getting an ID If You Do Not Have One
If you do not have any accepted form of identification, you will need to obtain one before you fly. The fastest option is usually a state ID card (non-driver), which you can get from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and your Social Security number. Processing times vary by state, but many issue ID cards within one to two weeks.
A state driver's license takes longer because it requires a driving test, but if you already know how to drive and just need the license, you can often get one within a few weeks. A passport takes four to six weeks with routine processing. Plan ahead — do not wait until a week before your flight to start the process.
If you are traveling very soon and cannot get an ID in time, contact your airline. Some airlines allow passengers to board with secondary verification, though this is not may provide and will slow you down at security. It is much better to have an ID in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with an expired ID if I have nothing else?
No. TSA requires a valid, non-expired ID. An expired driver's license or passport will not work at security. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before your flight or bring a different accepted document that is still valid.
Does a Real ID important date mean I cannot fly without one?
No. The Real ID important date means TSA will stop accepting non-compliant state driver's licenses and ID cards. But you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or other federal document. You do not have to get a Real ID license if you have one of these alternatives.
What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?
Contact your airline when ready. TSA can verify your identity through secondary verification, but it will take longer at the checkpoint. Some airlines allow this; others may not. Having a backup document — such as a passport — is your best protection against this situation.
Can I use a photo ID from my job or school?
No. TSA only accepts government-issued ID. A work badge, school ID, or library card will not work at security, even if it has your photo and expiration date. You must bring a state, federal, or tribal ID.
Do I need a Real ID to fly if I have a passport?
No. A passport works for domestic and international flights regardless of Real ID status. If you have a valid passport, you do not need to worry about whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.