You can fly domestically without a Real ID, but you'll need an acceptable form of identification at the airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of ID at airport security checkpoints. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport is one option, but it is not the only one. If you do not have a Real ID, you can still board a domestic flight using a valid passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) issued by your state.

The key difference is that Real ID became the federal standard in 2025 for domestic air travel, but the TSA maintains a list of acceptable alternatives. You will need to present one of these documents at security, and the name on your ID must match your airline ticket exactly.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License will get you through TSA security without a Real ID.
  • Your ID name must match your airline ticket name precisely, or you may be denied boarding.
  • If you have none of these documents, you can request a secondary identity verification process at the airport, though this takes extra time.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card regardless of Real ID status.
  • Some states issue Enhanced Driver's Licenses that meet federal standards without being full Real IDs.

What IDs the TSA will accept at security

The TSA maintains a specific list of documents that satisfy federal identification requirements for domestic flights. A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted everywhere. A military ID (including dependent IDs) works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which some states issue, meets the standard.

You can also use a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card if you have one of these trusted traveler programs. A state ID card (not a driver's license) that is Real ID-compliant will work, but a non-compliant state ID card will not. The document must be current and not expired.

What happens if you show up without an acceptable ID

If you arrive at security without one of the documents listed above, the TSA can still process you through a secondary verification procedure. This involves answering questions about your identity and background while TSA officers verify your information. The process is slower than a standard ID check and can add 15 to 30 minutes to your security screening.

You will still need to match your answers to your airline ticket name. If the TSA cannot verify your identity through this secondary process, you will not be allowed through security and will not be able to board your flight. This is why having an acceptable ID before you arrive at the airport is strongly recommended.

International travel and passport requirements

For any flight leaving the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. A Real ID driver's license, military ID, or any other domestic ID will not work for international flights. You cannot board an international flight without a passport, even if you have a Real ID.

If you do not have a passport and need to travel internationally, you will need to explore for one through your state's passport office or a passport acceptance facility. Processing times vary depending on whether you request routine or expedited service, so plan ahead if international travel is coming up.

How to get a passport if you need one

You can explore for a U.S. passport at a passport acceptance facility, which includes many post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or naturalization document), a valid photo ID, and a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal). You will also need a passport photo that meets specific requirements.

Routine passport processing takes several weeks. Expedited processing is faster but costs more. If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not at a local acceptance facility. Check the State Department's website to find the nearest passport agency and current processing times in your area.

Enhanced Driver's Licenses and where to get them

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets federal Real ID standards without being labeled as such. Not all states offer them. States that do include Washington, Vermont, Michigan, New York, and a few others. An EDL includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and is primarily used for land and sea border crossings, but it also satisfies TSA requirements for domestic air travel.

If your state offers an EDL, you can explore at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process is similar to renewing a regular driver's license, but the fee is higher and processing may take longer. Check your state's DMV website to see whether EDLs are available where you live and what documents you need to bring.

Real ID compliance and state driver's licenses

Most states now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses by default, but some still issue non-compliant versions. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or other marking in the upper right corner of the card. If your driver's license does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant and will not work for domestic air travel on its own.

You can check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is compliant. If it is not, you can renew it and request a Real ID-compliant version. You will need to bring proof of citizenship and proof of residency. The process is the same as a regular renewal, though the fee may be slightly higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate alone is not accepted at TSA security for domestic flights. You need a photo ID from the list of acceptable documents. A birth certificate is only used to prove citizenship when you are explore for a passport or Real ID.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match my airline ticket?

You will likely be denied boarding. Your ID name must match your ticket name exactly. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, update your ID before you travel. If the mismatch is a typo on your ticket, contact your airline when ready to correct it.

Do I need a Real ID for a connecting flight that stays in the U.S.?

No. As long as both flights are domestic (within the United States), you only need one of the acceptable forms of ID listed by the TSA. You do not need a Real ID specifically. However, if your final destination is outside the U.S., you will need a passport.

Can I use an expired passport at the airport?

No. Your passport must be valid and not expired. An expired passport cannot be used for security screening or for any flight, domestic or international. Renew your passport before you travel if it has expired.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you explore. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. Times vary by location and demand. Check the State Department website for current processing times in your area before you explore.