Flying Without Real ID: What You Can Use Instead

Yes, you can still 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 even if they are not Real ID-compliant. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will get you through security and onto a domestic flight. You do not need Real ID to fly within the United States — you need one of these alternatives instead.

Real ID became a requirement for federal buildings and military bases in 2020, but domestic air travel has a separate rule. TSA will accept any document that proves your identity and citizenship or lawful status. The catch is that your state driver's license or ID card must be Real ID-compliant if that is what you choose to use. If your state license does not have the gold star or other Real ID marking, you will need to bring something else.

Key Takeaways

A valid U.S. passport or passport card works at any TSA checkpoint and requires no Real ID marking.
Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are accepted alternatives that bypass the Real ID requirement entirely.
If you use your state driver's license, it must display the Real ID marking — usually a gold star in the upper right corner.
International flights require a passport regardless of Real ID status, so a passport solves both domestic and international travel.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members still need one of these acceptable documents; the programs do not replace the ID requirement.

Documents TSA will accept at security checkpoints

TSA maintains a list of documents that satisfy the identity requirement for domestic flights. A U.S. passport book or passport card is the most straightforward option and works at every airport. A military ID issued by the Department of Defense, including dependent IDs, is accepted. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe also works. A permanent resident card (green card) and an employment authorization document (EAD) are both acceptable.

A state driver's license or ID card works only if it carries the Real ID marking. That marking varies by state — most use a gold star, but some use a circle, a flag, or another symbol. Check your state's DMV website to see what the marking looks like in your state. If you are unsure whether your license has it, look at the upper right corner of the card first, then check the DMV site to confirm.

A few other documents work in specific situations. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is acceptable. A U.S. citizen identification card issued by USCIS is accepted. A retired military ID or veteran health ID is accepted. A merchant mariner credential is accepted. These cover fewer people, but they are valid if you have one.

What happens if you show up without an acceptable ID

If you arrive at security without one of these documents, TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. TSA cannot issue you a temporary pass or waive the requirement, and airport staff cannot override it either.

Your options at that point are limited. If you have time before your flight, you can leave the airport and return with an acceptable document. Some airports are near DMV offices, but getting a Real ID replacement on the same day is not realistic — most states require an appointment and take several days to issue the card. A passport can be obtained faster at some locations, but same-day service is rare and expensive. If you have a passport at home, you could ask someone to bring it to the airport, but that works only if you have time and someone nearby who can do it.

The practical answer is to check what you have before you leave for the airport. If your state license does not have the Real ID marking and you do not have a passport or military ID, you will miss your flight. Plan ahead.

Real ID requirements by state and territory

Every state and U.S. territory now issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, but the timeline for when your current card was issued matters. If you renewed your license before your state began issuing Real ID cards, your license will not have the marking. If you renewed after that date, it should have the marking — unless you specifically declined it.

Some states made Real ID the default when you renew. Others require you to ask for it and pay a small fee. A few states still allow you to get a non-Real ID license if you choose, which is useful if you do not have a passport and do not want to carry one. Check your state DMV website to see what applies where you live and when your license was issued.

If you live in a state that has not yet issued you a Real ID license, or if you declined it when you renewed, your state license will not work at TSA checkpoints. You will need a passport, military ID, or one of the other acceptable documents listed above. This is true even if your state says it is "compliant" — the marking on your individual card is what matters.

Getting a passport as an alternative to Real ID

A U.S. passport book or card is accepted at every TSA checkpoint and works for both domestic and international travel. If you fly more than once a year or travel internationally, a passport often makes more sense than getting a Real ID license, because you will need the passport anyway for international flights.

A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks through the mail, or two to three weeks if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. A passport card costs $35 and takes the same amount of time. The card is smaller and cheaper but works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — it does not work for air travel to those places. For flying, you need the book.

You can explore at your local courthouse, library, or post office if they offer passport services. Check the State Department's website to find acceptance facilities near you. Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. If you already have a passport, you can renew it by mail for $110 if it is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry do not replace the ID requirement

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are programs that speed up security screening, but they do not eliminate the need for an acceptable ID. You still have to show one of the documents listed above — you just move through a faster lane and keep your shoes and belt on. If you do not have an acceptable ID, TSA PreCheck does not help you.

Both programs require you to have a valid ID to enroll. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and also requires an appointment. If you travel frequently and already have a passport or Real ID license, these programs can save time, but they are not a substitute for having acceptable identification.

International travel and Real ID

Real ID does not matter for international flights because you must have a passport to leave the country. TSA will check your passport at the domestic security checkpoint, and the airline will check it again at the gate. A passport is the only document that satisfies both TSA and international travel requirements.

If you are flying internationally and do not yet have a passport, get one before you book your flight. The processing time is the same whether you are flying domestically or internationally, so plan for four to six weeks. Do not assume you can use a Real ID license or military ID for an international flight — you cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport?

No. Your passport must be valid on the day you fly. TSA will not accept an expired passport at the checkpoint. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it before your trip. Renewal by mail takes four to six weeks if your passport is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.

What if my state driver's license has Real ID but it is expired?

An expired Real ID license will not work at TSA checkpoints. Your ID must be valid. You will need to renew it at your state DMV before you fly, or bring a different acceptable document like a passport or military ID.

Do I need Real ID if I have a military ID?

No. A military ID is accepted at TSA checkpoints without any Real ID marking. The same applies to tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and passports. Real ID is only required if you are using a state driver's license or ID card.

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

Not yet. TSA requires a physical document that you can hand to an officer. Some states are developing digital ID apps, but they are not yet accepted at airport security checkpoints. Bring the actual card or passport.

What if I lost my passport and my flight is in two weeks?

You can explore for an expedited passport replacement, which takes two to three weeks if you explore in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility. You will pay an extra $60 for expedited service. Alternatively, if your state driver's license has the Real ID marking, you can use that instead and skip the passport for now.

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.