You can still travel domestically without a REAL ID, but you'll need an acceptable alternative form of identification

A REAL ID is not required to fly within the United States or enter federal buildings. You can board a domestic flight with a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or military ID instead. The federal requirement only affects which documents TSA will accept at airport security checkpoints — it does not ban travel itself.

The confusion comes from the important date. The Department of Homeland Security set May 7, 2025, as the date when a standard driver's license or state ID card will no longer work for domestic air travel. Before that date, you can still use a regular license. After that date, you must bring one of the accepted alternatives listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard driver's license stops working for domestic flights on May 7, 2025, but you can travel with a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, or military ID instead.
  • International travel has always required a passport or passport card — a REAL ID driver's license was never an option for leaving the country.
  • If you do not have a REAL ID and want to keep using your driver's license for flights, you can upgrade it at your state's DMV before the important date.
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and other trusted traveler programs do not change what documents you need at security — they only speed up the screening process.

What documents work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025

TSA will accept these documents at airport security for domestic flights: a passport book, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, a military ID, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a tribal ID, or a merchant mariner credential.

The passport book and passport card are the most straightforward option if you do not have a REAL ID license. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book but works the same way at TSA checkpoints. You can order either through the State Department's website or at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse in your area.

An enhanced driver's license is a state-issued ID that meets REAL ID standards and also works for land and sea border crossings with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Not all states offer them, so check your state's DMV website to see if you can get one. The process is similar to upgrading to a REAL ID license but may cost more.

How to upgrade to a REAL ID before the important date

You can get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card at your state's DMV. The process varies slightly by state, but you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works for your Social Security number. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for your address.

Most states let you renew or upgrade online, by mail, or in person. Check your state DMV's website to see which method is available and whether you need an appointment. Processing times vary — some states issue the card the same day, while others take several weeks. If you are close to the important date and your state is slow, consider getting a passport card instead, which you can order by mail or in person.

The cost of a REAL ID upgrade is usually the same as a regular license renewal, though some states charge a small fee for the REAL ID feature. Prices range depending on your state and how long the license is valid for.

International travel still requires a passport

A REAL ID driver's license has never worked for international travel. If you are leaving the country by air, you must have a passport book or passport card, regardless of whether you have a REAL ID. A passport card is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel outside the United States.

If you do not have a passport and plan to travel internationally, order one now. The State Department's processing times vary by season — routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra. During busy travel seasons, even expedited passports can take longer than expected.

What happens if you show up without an acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable ID, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. TSA may ask you additional questions to verify your identity, but a standard driver's license will not be enough after May 7, 2025.

If this happens, your options are limited. You can try to leave the airport, get an acceptable ID, and come back — but this only works if you have time before your flight. Some airports have passport acceptance facilities, but they do not issue passports on the spot. Your best option is to contact your airline about rebooking on a later flight and then getting the ID you need.

TSA PreCheck and trusted traveler programs do not change ID requirements

Having TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or another trusted traveler program does not mean you can use a standard driver's license after May 7, 2025. These programs speed up security screening — you keep your shoes on, leave your laptop in your bag, and go through a faster line — but they do not waive the ID requirement. You still need to show an acceptable document at the checkpoint.

If you have TSA PreCheck and a standard driver's license, you will need to upgrade to a REAL ID or get a passport to keep using TSA PreCheck after the important date.

State-by-state REAL ID status

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state ID cards. Some states made the switch years ago, while others did so more recently. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant — look for a star or other marking on the card itself, or call your local DMV office to ask.

If you are not sure whether your license is compliant, the safest approach is to get a passport card. A passport card works for all domestic flights and is valid for 10 years, so it is a one-time investment that covers you no matter where you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still fly domestically with a regular driver's license before May 7, 2025?

Yes. A standard driver's license works for domestic flights until May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need a REAL ID, passport, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or another accepted document.

Do I need a REAL ID to drive across state lines?

No. A REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You can drive across state lines with a standard driver's license.

How long does it take to get a passport card?

Routine processing takes several weeks, and expedited processing takes one to two weeks, though times vary by season and demand. You can order a passport card by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Can I use my passport card for international flights?

A passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel outside the United States. For international flights, you need a passport book.

What if my state does not offer enhanced driver's licenses?

Not all states offer enhanced licenses. If yours does not, you can get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license at your DMV or order a passport card from the State Department instead.