You can travel without a Real ID, but your options depend on what kind of travel and what documents you have

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need one to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. But you can still travel without one — you just have to use a different form of identification, and some routes are more complicated than others.

The key difference is this: Real ID is required for airport security screening on domestic flights. If you do not have one, you can still fly, but you must use an alternative document that TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepts. For other kinds of travel — driving across state lines, taking a train, crossing into Canada or Mexico by car — Real ID is not required at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fly domestically without Real ID if you show TSA an alternative document like a passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license at airport security.
  • Driving across state lines, taking Amtrak, or traveling by bus does not require Real ID under federal law.
  • Crossing the U.S. border by car into Canada or Mexico requires either a passport, passport card, NEXUS card, or enhanced driver's license — not a standard Real ID.
  • Getting a Real ID takes four to eight weeks in most states because you must explore in person with documents like a birth certificate and proof of address.
  • If you travel frequently by air, getting a Real ID or a passport is faster than showing alternative documents at every security checkpoint.

Flying domestically without Real ID

TSA accepts several documents at airport security if you do not have a Real ID. These include a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, enhanced driver's license, or a temporary visitor's permit. You show one of these at the checkpoint instead of a standard driver's license.

The process is the same as if you had Real ID — you go through security screening, show your document, and board. The only difference is that TSA may ask additional questions or conduct a more thorough screening, which can add time. Plan to arrive at the airport 15 to 30 minutes earlier than you normally would.

A passport is the most widely accepted alternative and works everywhere. If you do not have one, a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version) costs less and works for domestic flights, though it cannot be used for international air travel. Both take several weeks to obtain through the State Department.

Driving and ground travel without Real ID

Real ID is not required for driving across state lines, even after May 7, 2025. You can use a standard driver's license or state ID card. This applies whether you are driving to another state for a day trip or moving across the country.

Amtrak trains and intercity buses like Greyhound do not require Real ID either. You can board with a standard ID. TSA does not screen passengers on trains or buses the way it does at airports, so federal ID standards do not explore.

If you are traveling by car within the United States and do not plan to fly, you do not need to change your ID at all. A standard driver's license is sufficient for all ground travel.

Crossing the border by car without Real ID

Crossing into Canada or Mexico by car does not require a Real ID, but it does require a travel document. The U.S. Department of State recognizes four documents at land borders: a valid passport, a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, or a NEXUS card (for frequent travelers at specific crossings).

A standard driver's license alone is not enough to cross the border, even if it is a Real ID. You need one of the four documents listed above. A passport card is the most affordable option if you do not already have a passport — it costs less than a full passport and is accepted at all land and sea borders.

If you cross the border frequently, an enhanced driver's license (available in some states) combines your state ID with a travel document, so you do not need to carry a separate passport. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.

How long it takes to get Real ID or alternatives

Getting a Real ID takes four to eight weeks in most states because you must explore in person at your DMV with documents like a birth certificate, proof of address, and proof of Social Security number. Some states are faster; some are slower. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times.

A passport takes six to eight weeks through the State Department, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited processing. A passport card takes the same amount of time. You explore at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — and must appear in person.

If you need to travel before you can get Real ID or a passport, use one of the alternative documents TSA accepts. If you do not have any of those, you can still fly, but you will go through additional screening at the airport.

What happens if you show up to the airport without Real ID or an alternative

If you arrive at airport security without Real ID and without an alternative document that TSA accepts, you can still board your flight. TSA will conduct additional identity verification, which takes longer and may involve more questions about your travel plans and personal information.

You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information so TSA can verify your identity through other means. This process can add 30 minutes or more to your airport time. It is not a barrier to flying, but it is inconvenient.

To avoid this, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license if you have one. If you do not have any of these and you fly regularly, getting one of these documents is worth the time and cost.

Real ID vs. passport: which should you get

If you fly domestically more than once or twice a year, a Real ID is worth getting because you will not have to show an alternative document or go through extra screening. A Real ID costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state and lasts five to eight years.

A passport is more expensive (around $130 for a book passport, $35 for a card) but works for both domestic and international travel. If you travel internationally at all, a passport is the better choice. If you only travel domestically and by car, Real ID is cheaper and faster to renew.

An enhanced driver's license (where available) is a middle ground — it costs more than a standard ID but less than a passport, and it works for land border crossings and domestic flights. Not all states offer this option, so check your state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A passport is one of the documents TSA accepts in place of Real ID. You can show your passport at airport security and board your flight without a Real ID. This works for all domestic flights.

Can I use my standard driver's license to fly after May 7, 2025?

Only if your standard driver's license is a Real ID. If it is not, you will need to show TSA an alternative document like a passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license. A regular driver's license alone will not work for domestic flights after that date.

What if I am traveling by car to another state — do I need Real ID?

No. Real ID is not required for driving across state lines. You can use a standard driver's license. Real ID is only required for domestic flights and federal building access.

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

Yes, a passport card works for domestic flights just like a passport book does. It is smaller and cheaper, but TSA accepts it at airport security. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel — only a passport book works for that.

How much does it cost to get a passport card instead of Real ID?

A passport card costs around $35 for a new card or $30 to renew. A Real ID costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state. A passport card is more expensive upfront but works for both domestic flights and land border crossings, while Real ID only works for domestic flights and federal buildings.