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

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to board domestic flights without a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card. Instead, you can use one of several other documents that TSA accepts at airport security checkpoints. However, the rules are specific about which documents work, and you must have the right one with you when you travel.

Real ID became a federal requirement for entering certain government buildings and military bases in 2025, but it has never been required for domestic air travel. The TSA maintains a separate list of acceptable identification documents for flights, and many of them do not require Real ID compliance. Understanding which documents you can use will help you prepare for your trip and avoid delays at security.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport, passport card, or military ID will get you through TSA security for domestic flights without a Real ID.
  • A state ID or driver's license that is not Real ID-compliant is still acceptable for domestic flights if it is not expired.
  • You will need a Real ID or passport for international flights, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico by air.
  • TSA agents can ask for a second form of identification if your primary ID is damaged, altered, or appears suspicious, so bring backup documents if possible.

Acceptable documents for domestic flights without Real ID

The TSA accepts a wide range of documents at security checkpoints for domestic travel. A valid passport or passport card works for any flight, domestic or international. A military ID issued by the Department of Defense, including dependent ID cards, is also accepted. State-issued ID cards and driver's licenses that are not Real ID-compliant are acceptable as long as they are not expired and are issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

Other documents that TSA accepts include a permanent resident card (green card), a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, an enhanced driver's license, and a NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST card. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling with a child under 18, the child does not need an ID at all for domestic flights—only the adult traveling with them needs to present identification. Expired IDs are generally not accepted, so check the expiration date before you travel.

What happens if you do not have acceptable identification

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of identification, TSA can still allow you to board a domestic flight, but the process takes longer. You will go through additional screening, which includes answering questions to verify your identity and possibly undergoing a more thorough physical search of your belongings and person. This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time, depending on how busy the checkpoint is.

TSA may ask you questions about your travel history, your address, your employment, or other personal details to confirm who you are. They may also ask you to sign a statement acknowledging that you are traveling without ID. If TSA cannot verify your identity through questioning, they will not allow you to board the flight. To avoid this situation entirely, bring at least one acceptable form of ID with you to the airport.

Real ID requirements for international flights

If you are flying internationally, the rules change. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is not sufficient for international air travel. You must have a valid passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. This applies even if you are flying to nearby countries like Canada or Mexico.

A passport is the most straightforward option for international travel. If you do not have a passport, you can obtain one through your state's passport office or the U.S. State Department. The process typically takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you have an international trip coming up. A passport card is smaller and less expensive than a full passport but works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—not for air travel to those destinations.

How to prepare your ID for airport security

Before you head to the airport, make sure your ID is in good condition. The document should not be bent, torn, water-damaged, or altered in any way. TSA agents are trained to spot fake or tampered IDs, and a damaged ID may trigger additional questioning or secondary screening. Keep your ID easily accessible in your carry-on bag or pocket so you can present it quickly at the checkpoint.

If your ID is expired, damaged, or lost, you have options. An expired state ID or driver's license can still be used for domestic flights, but you may face additional screening. If your ID is lost or stolen, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement before your flight. If you are traveling soon and cannot get a replacement in time, bring a passport or other acceptable document instead. Having a backup form of ID is always a good idea, especially if your primary ID is old or worn.

What to bring if you are a minor traveling alone

Minors under 18 do not need to present an ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with them must have acceptable identification. If a minor is traveling alone, TSA does not require them to show an ID, but some airlines have their own policies about unaccompanied minors and may ask for documentation to verify the minor's age or identity.

If you are a minor traveling alone, contact your airline before your trip to understand their specific requirements. Some airlines require a birth certificate or passport to confirm your age, while others do not. Having a copy of your birth certificate or a state ID card with you is a safe choice, even though TSA does not require it. This documentation can help resolve any questions the airline or TSA may have about your identity or age.

Common mistakes to avoid at airport security

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that a Real ID is required for domestic flights. It is not. Many people rush to get a Real ID-compliant license when they do not need one for air travel. Another mistake is bringing an expired ID and expecting it to work. While TSA may accept an expired state ID for domestic flights, it is safer to bring a valid passport or other current document to avoid delays.

Do not wait until the day of your flight to check whether your ID is acceptable. Review the TSA website or call your airline ahead of time if you are unsure. Do not assume that a document you used for a previous trip will still work—rules can change, and your ID may have expired. Finally, do not bring only one form of ID if you can help it. Having a backup document, such as a passport or military ID, gives you peace of mind and speeds up the security process if your primary ID is questioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired driver's license?

Yes, an expired state-issued driver's license or ID card is still acceptable for domestic flights. However, TSA may ask additional questions or conduct secondary screening if your ID is expired. For international flights, your ID must be valid and not expired. If your license expired more than a few years ago, bringing a passport is a safer choice.

Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically in 2025?

No. Real ID is not required for domestic air travel. You can use any acceptable form of ID from the TSA's list, including a non-Real ID state driver's license, passport, military ID, or green card. Real ID is required for entering federal buildings and military bases, but not for boarding domestic flights.

What if I lost my ID right before my flight?

You can still fly domestically without an ID, but you will go through additional screening at the checkpoint. TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity. If you have time before your flight, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for an emergency replacement ID. A passport is another option if you have one available.

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a physical ID?

No. TSA requires a physical, government-issued ID document. A photo on your phone is not acceptable. You must bring an actual ID card, passport, military ID, or other document from the TSA's approved list.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Puerto Rico?

No. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so flights there are considered domestic. You only need an acceptable form of ID, such as a state driver's license, passport, or military ID. You do not need a Real ID for this flight.