Flying Without a REAL ID: What Documents Work at Airport Security

Yes, you can board a domestic flight without a REAL ID, but you need an acceptable form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows several documents at airport security checkpoints besides a REAL ID. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license all work for domestic flights. You do not need a REAL ID specifically — you need one acceptable form of federal or state ID.

The confusion comes from the important date. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will no longer accept a standard driver's license or state ID card for domestic air travel unless it is a REAL ID-compliant version. But that does not mean you are locked into REAL ID. It means your current driver's license stops working at that date — unless you switch to one of the other documents that always have worked.

If you have a passport or military ID right now, you can fly domestically without any changes. If you do not have one of those documents and your state driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to get one before May 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways

A valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights instead of a REAL ID.
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard (non-REAL ID) driver's license will not be accepted for domestic air travel, but other documents will continue to work.
International flights require a passport or passport card regardless of REAL ID status.
You can check your state's REAL ID status on the TSA website, which lists which states are compliant and which are still issuing standard licenses.

Documents that work at TSA checkpoints right now

The TSA accepts these documents for domestic air travel at any time, REAL ID important date or not:

U.S. passport or passport card
Military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent)
Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
Enhanced driver's license (marked with a star or flag, issued by some states)
Permanent resident card (green card)
Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa
REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID

If you have any of these documents and they are not expired, you can board a domestic flight tomorrow. You do not have to wait for your state to issue a REAL ID version of your driver's license, and you do not have to get one before May 7, 2025.

A passport is the easiest path if you do not have one yet. It costs $130 to $165 for an adult passport book (depending on whether you need expedited processing), takes 6 to 8 weeks in routine processing, and works for both domestic and international flights. A passport card costs $35 to $60 and takes the same time, but it only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flights.

What happens after May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, the TSA will stop accepting standard driver's licenses and state ID cards that do not meet REAL ID standards. This affects only those documents. All the other options listed above continue to work.

If your state has already issued REAL ID-compliant licenses (marked with a gold star or other indicator), your current license may already be compliant. Check your license or your state's DMV website to see if it has the REAL ID marking. Some states began issuing them years ago; others are still in the process.

If your state is still issuing standard (non-REAL ID) licenses and you want to keep using your driver's license at airport security, you will need to request a REAL ID version from your state DMV before May 7, 2025. This usually requires an in-person visit, proof of citizenship or lawful status, and proof of your current address. Processing times vary by state but typically run 2 to 6 weeks.

International flights and passport requirements

For any flight leaving the United States, you need a passport or passport card. REAL ID does not explore to international travel — it only affects domestic flights. A REAL ID driver's license will not get you through security for an international flight.

If you are planning international travel, a passport is your only option at the airport. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks; expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. If you need a passport urgently, some passport acceptance agencies offer same-day or next-day service, though availability varies by location.

How to check if your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant

Look at your driver's license. If it has a gold star, gold circle, or other state-specific marking in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant. Some states use different symbols — check your state's DMV website to see what the marking looks like.

If your license does not have the marking and you are unsure whether your state has begun issuing REAL ID licenses, visit the TSA website. It lists every state and whether it is currently issuing REAL ID-compliant licenses. If your state is listed as "compliant," your new license will have the marking. If it is listed as "non-compliant," your state is still issuing standard licenses, and you will need to request a REAL ID version specifically.

Getting a REAL ID driver's license before the important date

Visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew a REAL ID license by mail or online — it requires an in-person appointment. Bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

Some states let you request a REAL ID version when you renew your license; others require you to ask for it specifically. Call your state DMV or check its website before you go to avoid a wasted trip. Processing times vary widely — some states issue the license on the spot, while others mail it within 2 to 6 weeks.

If you are running short on time before May 7, 2025, getting a passport may be faster than waiting for your state DMV to process a REAL ID license. A passport card costs less and takes the same time as a REAL ID license, and it works for both domestic and international flights.

What to bring to the airport if you do not have a REAL ID

Bring whichever document you have chosen: your passport, military ID, tribal ID, or other acceptable form of identification. Have it ready when you reach the TSA checkpoint. The agent will scan or examine it the same way they would a REAL ID driver's license.

Arrive at the airport with the same amount of time you normally would — having a non-REAL ID document does not slow down security screening. The TSA checkpoint process is the same regardless of which acceptable document you present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a passport card?

A passport card works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. However, it does not work for international flights by air — only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you might take an international flight later, a full passport book is more useful.

What if I lost my passport and my driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant?

You can still fly domestically if you have a military ID, tribal ID, or another acceptable document. If you do not have any of those, you will need to get either a passport or a REAL ID driver's license. A passport takes 6 to 8 weeks in routine processing; a REAL ID license takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on your state.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly after May 7, 2025?

No. You need one acceptable form of federal or state ID. A REAL ID driver's license is one option, but a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license all work. You only need a REAL ID if you want to keep using your driver's license specifically.

Can I use an expired passport at the airport?

No. Your ID must be valid (not expired) to pass through TSA security. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it before you fly. Renewal by mail takes 6 to 8 weeks; in-person renewal at a passport agency can be faster.

Will my state driver's license automatically become REAL ID-compliant?

Not necessarily. Some states automatically issue REAL ID licenses when you renew; others require you to request one specifically. Check your state's DMV website or call to find out. If your state requires you to ask for it and you want to use your driver's license after May 7, 2025, you will need to request a REAL ID version before that date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.