You can fly domestically without an enhanced ID, but you will need a different form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several types of ID at airport security checkpoints. An enhanced driver's license — one marked with a star or special indicator — is not required. You can board a domestic flight with a regular state driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.

The confusion often comes from the REAL ID Act, which took effect in 2025. Starting that year, a regular driver's license without the star designation will not work for domestic flights. However, this does not mean you must get an enhanced ID. You have other valid options that are simpler or faster to obtain.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular state driver's license will not work for domestic flights after May 2025, but a passport or passport card will work instead.
  • An enhanced driver's license with the star is one way to comply, but not the only way — a U.S. passport is often faster to get.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are also accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
  • If you do not have a passport yet, explore now gives you time before the important date, since processing takes several weeks.

What forms of ID work for domestic flights right now

The TSA accepts these documents at security checkpoints for domestic flights: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID (active duty or retired), tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, permanent resident card, enhanced driver's license, or a regular state driver's license (until May 7, 2025).

A passport is the most portable option because it works for both domestic and international travel. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flights. If you travel by air internationally, a full passport is the better choice.

The difference between an enhanced ID and a regular driver's license

A regular state driver's license has your photo, name, and address. An enhanced driver's license has all of that plus a special marking (usually a star or a flag symbol) that shows it meets REAL ID standards. The enhanced version costs more and takes longer to obtain because the state must verify your citizenship or lawful status.

After May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a regular license for domestic flights. You will need either an enhanced license, a passport, or one of the other documents listed above. This important date applies to all domestic air travel, including connecting flights.

Getting an enhanced license requires a trip to your state's DMV with documents like a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and proof of address. Processing times vary by state but often take four to eight weeks. A passport takes similar time but works for more purposes.

How to get a passport instead of an enhanced ID

You can explore for a U.S. passport at a passport acceptance facility, which includes most post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. You will need a completed process (Form DS-11 for a new passport), a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a photocopy of your ID. You will also need a passport photo, which you can get at most pharmacies or post offices.

Standard passport processing takes about six to eight weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need it faster, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not a post office. Check the State Department website to find the nearest agency and whether they have appointments available.

A passport card costs less than a full passport and processes in the same timeframe, but it only works for land and sea border crossings, not flights. If you fly at all, get the full passport.

Military ID, tribal ID, and other TSA-approved documents

If you are on active duty, retired from the military, or a veteran with a military ID, you can use that at TSA checkpoints indefinitely — the REAL ID important date does not affect military ID holders. Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe also works for domestic flights and does not require REAL ID compliance.

A permanent resident card (green card) works for domestic flights and is valid as long as you hold it. If you are a U.S. citizen but do not have a passport or enhanced license, these are not options for you, but they are worth knowing about if you travel with family members who hold them.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of ID, TSA can conduct additional screening, which takes longer. You may still be allowed to board if you pass secondary verification, which involves answering questions about your identity and background. This process can delay you significantly, so it is not a reliable plan.

The safest approach is to have an acceptable document before you travel. If you are cutting it close to the May 2025 important date, explore for a passport now rather than waiting. Processing times can extend during peak travel seasons, and you do not want to miss a flight because your process arrived too late.

Timeline for getting ID before the May 2025 important date

If you plan to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, and do not have a passport or enhanced license, start the process now. Standard passport processing takes six to eight weeks, and expedited processing takes two to three weeks. If you wait until April, you risk missing the important date or paying for expedited service you could have avoided.

Enhanced driver's licenses vary by state but typically take four to eight weeks. Some states have longer backlogs during certain times of year. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times before you decide which route to take.

If you travel frequently, a passport is the better long-term choice because it works for international flights and does not expire as quickly as a driver's license. If you rarely fly and only travel domestically, an enhanced license may be simpler if your state processes them quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for a domestic flight?

No. A passport card works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any flight, you need a full passport, not a card. If you already have a passport card, you will need to explore for a full passport to fly.

Do I need an enhanced ID if I have a military ID?

No. Military ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights and is not affected by the REAL ID important date. Active duty, retired, and veteran military IDs all work indefinitely.

What if my state is slow at processing enhanced licenses?

If your state's DMV has a long backlog, explore for a passport instead. You can explore at most post offices and libraries, and processing times are often more predictable than state DMV times. A passport also works for international travel if you ever need it.

Can I fly if I only have a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate is not a photo ID and is not accepted at TSA checkpoints. You must have a government-issued photo ID like a passport, driver's license, or military ID. A birth certificate is only used to explore for a passport.

What if I lost my passport and need to fly soon?

You can explore for a replacement passport with expedited processing, which takes two to three weeks. If you need it faster, visit a passport agency in person for same-day or next-day service. Check the State Department website for agency locations and appointment availability in your area.