Traveling Without a Real ID: What You Can and Cannot Do

You can travel within the United States without a Real ID, but your options depend on how you travel

A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification that meets Department of Homeland Security requirements. You do not need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — but you will need an alternative form of identification that meets specific rules. The type of ID you can use changes based on whether you are flying, driving across a border, or entering a military base.

The confusion usually comes from the May 2025 important date. That date marks when the TSA will stop accepting state IDs that do not meet Real ID standards at airport security checkpoints. It does not mean travel stops; it means your ID must fall into one of several categories that the TSA will still take.

Key Takeaways

For domestic flights after May 2025, you will need either a Real ID, a passport, a military ID, or a state ID marked as compliant — not just any state driver's license.
A passport book or passport card works at airport security and counts as federal identification for all travel purposes.
Driving to Canada or Mexico requires either a Real ID driver's license, a passport, or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS or SENTRI.
Federal buildings and military bases have their own ID rules separate from airport security, and Real ID is not always required there either.
If your state ID is not Real ID compliant, you can still travel — you just need to bring a different form of ID that the TSA accepts.

Domestic air travel without a Real ID

The TSA accepts five categories of ID at airport security for domestic flights. A passport book (the standard blue booklet) and a passport card (the wallet-sized version) both work. So do a military ID, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, and an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which is a state ID that meets a higher standard than Real ID and is issued in only a few states.

If your state driver's license does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, it will not work at TSA checkpoints after May 2025. You will need to bring a passport instead. The passport does not need to be current — an expired passport still works for domestic flights, though you cannot use it for international travel.

Bringing a passport adds time at security because TSA agents will examine it more carefully than a driver's license. Plan for an extra 5 to 10 minutes. If you travel frequently and do not have a Real ID, getting a passport card is often faster than upgrading your driver's license, since passport cards are issued in about two weeks through expedited processing.

Land border crossings and vehicle travel

Driving to Canada or Mexico requires different identification than flying. A Real ID driver's license works, but so does a passport book, a passport card, or a Trusted Traveler card such as NEXUS (for Canada), SENTRI (for Mexico), or FAST (for commercial drivers). You do not need a Real ID to cross a land border — you need one of these specific documents.

An Enhanced Driver's License also works at land borders and is accepted in place of a passport. If you have none of these, you will be turned back at the border. A regular non-Real ID driver's license is not enough, even if you have other documents in the car.

If you plan to drive across a border regularly, a Trusted Traveler card can save time at the crossing. NEXUS costs $120 for five years and includes a dedicated lane at the US-Canada border. SENTRI costs $122 for four years and is for the US-Mexico border. Both require an in-person interview at a border office.

Federal buildings and military installations

Real ID is not required to enter most federal buildings. You will need a government-issued photo ID — which can be a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID, regardless of Real ID status. Some federal buildings have additional security screening, but the ID requirement itself does not depend on the Real ID standard.

Military bases have their own rules. Dependents and retirees need a military ID card. Civilians visiting someone on base need a government-issued photo ID and will be added to a visitor list. A non-Real ID driver's license is acceptable for this purpose.

Getting a passport if your state ID is not Real ID compliant

A passport is the simplest alternative if you travel by air and your state has not upgraded your driver's license to Real ID. You can get a passport book or card at any post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. The passport book takes about 6 to 8 weeks with standard processing, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing (which costs an extra $60).

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book — $35 instead of $130 — and is processed at the same speed. It works for domestic flights and land border crossings but not for international air travel. If you only fly domestically, a passport card is usually the most practical choice.

You will need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. If you already have a passport, you can renew it by mail without visiting an office, which takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Upgrading to a Real ID driver's license

If you prefer to use your driver's license instead of carrying a passport, you can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant version at your state's DMV. The process varies by state, but most require you to visit in person with a birth certificate, proof of address, and your current driver's license. Some states charge a fee of $10 to $30 for the upgrade.

Processing time ranges from same-day to several weeks, depending on your state and whether you need a new photo taken. Check your state DMV's website to see what documents they require and whether you can make an appointment online. Many states now allow you to renew online if you already have a Real ID, which is faster than upgrading for the first time.

If you are renewing your driver's license anyway, ask the DMV agent whether you can upgrade to Real ID at the same time. Many states do this automatically if you bring the right documents, and it does not cost extra.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at airport security without a Real ID or one of the other accepted forms of ID, TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. TSA cannot issue you ID or verify your identity on the spot.

If you have a passport at home, you can leave the airport, get it, and come back. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you will need to reschedule your flight. This is why checking your ID before you leave for the airport matters — a few minutes at home can save a missed flight and rebooking fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for a domestic flight?

Yes. An expired passport is still accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. The TSA only checks that the passport is a valid government-issued photo ID; it does not check the expiration date for domestic travel. You cannot use an expired passport for international flights or to enter another country.

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

No. A passport works for all travel purposes — domestic flights, international flights, and land border crossings. You do not need a Real ID if you have a current or expired passport. Many people who travel regularly choose to carry a passport instead of upgrading their driver's license.

What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?

All states now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, though some took longer than others. Check your state DMV website to see whether your current license is compliant. If it is not, you can upgrade at your next visit, or you can use a passport for travel in the meantime.

Can I use a school ID or work ID at the airport?

No. The TSA only accepts government-issued photo ID. School IDs, work IDs, and other non-government documents are not accepted at security checkpoints, even if they have your photo and expiration date.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for travel?

A passport card works for domestic flights and land border crossings but not for international air travel. A passport book works for all travel. If you only travel domestically or to Canada or Mexico by car, a passport card is sufficient and costs less.

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.