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

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several documents at airport security checkpoints besides a REAL ID driver's license. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License will get you through security for domestic flights. You do not need REAL ID to fly within the United States — you need one of these acceptable forms of ID instead.

The confusion often comes from the important date that was set years ago. The TSA originally announced that REAL ID would be required starting in 2020, then extended that date multiple times. As of now, REAL ID is not required for domestic air travel. You can use your current standard driver's license if your state still issues them, though some states have already phased them out entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard driver's license, passport, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License all work for domestic flights without REAL ID.
  • REAL ID is not currently required for flying within the United States, despite earlier announcements about a important date.
  • If you plan to fly internationally, you will need a passport regardless of REAL ID status.
  • Some states no longer issue standard driver's licenses and have moved entirely to REAL ID, so check your state's policy if you are unsure what you hold.

What documents the TSA accepts at security

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work for domestic air travel. A valid passport or passport card satisfies the requirement. A military ID card, including dependent ID cards, works. An Enhanced Driver's License (available in some states) works. A Trusted Traveler card such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST also works. A state ID card that meets REAL ID standards works. And a standard driver's license issued before your state switched to REAL ID-only issuance works.

The key word is "valid" — your document must not be expired. An expired passport or military ID will not get you through security, even if it would have worked when it was current. If you are flying soon and your ID is expiring within the next few months, you may want to renew it before your trip to avoid problems at the checkpoint.

Why some states have already switched to REAL ID

Not all states issue standard driver's licenses anymore. Some states have decided to issue only REAL ID-compliant licenses, which means every new license or renewal comes with the REAL ID security features. If you live in one of these states and your license is new or recently renewed, it is already REAL ID-compliant — you just may not realize it. Your license will have a star or other marking in the upper right corner if it meets REAL ID standards.

This does not change what you need for domestic flights. Whether your license is REAL ID or standard, it still works at TSA checkpoints. The difference matters more for federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants, which do require REAL ID. For flying domestically, you are fine either way.

What to bring if your ID is expired or lost

If your driver's license or ID card is expired, you cannot use it at the TSA checkpoint. Instead, bring a passport or passport card if you have one. If you do not have a passport and your ID is expired, you have a problem — the TSA will not let you through security with an expired document, and you cannot board your flight.

If your ID is lost or stolen, a passport is again your best option. Some travelers have reported that the TSA will accept other documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card or utility bill, but this is not may provide and can cause delays. If you are flying soon and your ID is missing, getting a passport card (which is faster than a full passport book) may be your quickest path forward, though even that takes time. Plan ahead if you can.

International flights and REAL ID

For flights leaving the United States, REAL ID does not matter — what matters is your passport. You must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card to fly internationally. REAL ID is a domestic security measure and has no bearing on international travel. Even if you have a REAL ID driver's license, you cannot board an international flight without a passport.

If you are planning an international trip and do not have a passport, you will need to get one before you fly. A passport book takes several weeks to arrive, and a passport card takes less time but is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flights to other countries. Check the State Department website for current processing times in your area.

Checking what type of ID you currently have

Look at your driver's license or state ID card. In the upper right corner, there should be either a gold or black star (the design varies by state), or there should be nothing. If there is a star, your ID is REAL ID-compliant. If there is no star, your ID is a standard license. Both work for domestic flights.

You can also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to ask what type of license you hold. They can tell you whether your current license is REAL ID or standard, and whether your state still issues standard licenses or has switched to REAL ID-only. This is useful information if you are planning a trip and want to know whether you need to renew your ID before you fly.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without any of the documents the TSA accepts, you will not be allowed through the security checkpoint. You will miss your flight. The TSA does not have a workaround for this — there is no exception process that lets you board without ID.

Some airports have TSA PreCheck or other expedited screening programs, but these also require acceptable ID. Having PreCheck does not change the ID requirement. If you realize at the airport that you do not have your ID, your only option is to leave, get an acceptable document, and rebook your flight for another day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need REAL ID to fly domestically in 2024?

No. REAL ID is not required for domestic flights. You can use a standard driver's license, passport, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License instead. The TSA has not enforced a REAL ID requirement for air travel, despite earlier announcements about important date.

Can I fly with an expired passport instead of my driver's license?

No. The TSA requires that your ID be valid and not expired. An expired passport will not work, just as an expired driver's license will not. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it or use a different acceptable document that is still current.

What if my state only issues REAL ID licenses now?

That is fine for flying. Your REAL ID license works at TSA checkpoints just like a standard license does. The difference between REAL ID and standard only matters for federal buildings and military bases. For domestic air travel, both types of license work equally well.

Can I use a photo ID from my job or school instead of a driver's license?

No. The TSA has a specific list of acceptable documents, and most workplace or school IDs are not on it. Your best alternatives are a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of these, you will need to get one before you can fly.

How long does it take to get a passport if I need one for my trip?

Processing times vary by location and whether you pay for expedited service. Standard processing usually takes several weeks. Expedited processing is faster but costs more. Check the State Department website or call your local passport office for current wait times in your area before you book your flight.