A driver's license alone is not enough to fly domestically in the United States
You need a Real ID-compliant document to pass through airport security on a domestic flight. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards does not meet federal requirements. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept non-compliant licenses at security checkpoints, even for domestic travel.
If your driver's license shows a gold or black star in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant and you can use it to fly. If it does not have that star, you will need to bring a different form of identification — a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card that meets Real ID standards.
For international flights, a driver's license will not work under any circumstances. You must have a valid passport.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a star) works for domestic flights; a standard license does not.
- Real ID enforcement begins May 7, 2025, and applies to all domestic air travel, including connecting flights.
- If your license is not compliant, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card instead.
- International flights require a passport no matter what other documents you have.
- You can check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is Real ID-compliant or order a compliant one.
How to tell if your driver's license is Real ID-compliant
Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license. If there is a gold or black star printed there, your license meets Real ID standards. If there is no star, your license is not compliant.
The star is the only visual marker the TSA uses to verify compliance at security. Some states also print "REAL ID" text on the card, but the star is what matters for airport security. If you are unsure, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before your flight.
What to bring if your license is not compliant
The TSA accepts several documents for domestic flights if your driver's license does not have the Real ID star. A valid U.S. passport or passport card works. So does a military ID, a state ID card that is Real ID-compliant, or a Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST).
A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe also works. If you have none of these, you can still fly, but you will go through additional screening at the airport — the TSA calls this "secondary verification." This process takes longer and may include questions about your identity and travel plans.
Getting a Real ID-compliant driver's license
Visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew or upgrade to Real ID online in most states. Bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Processing times vary by state. Some states issue the card on the spot; others mail it within two to four weeks. Check your state DMV's website for the exact timeline and any fees. Real ID licenses typically cost the same as a standard renewal, though some states charge a small upgrade fee.
Real ID rules for minors and special cases
Minors under 18 do not need Real ID to fly domestically. A standard, non-compliant driver's license or state ID works for them. However, if a minor has a Real ID-compliant license, they can use it.
If you have a passport or passport card, you do not need to upgrade your driver's license to Real ID just to fly. The passport is sufficient for both domestic and international flights. If you fly frequently and do not have a passport, upgrading to Real ID is simpler than carrying a passport for every trip.
What happens if you show up without the right ID
If you arrive at the airport with a non-compliant driver's license and no other acceptable document, the TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot fix this at the airport — you would need to leave, obtain an acceptable document, and rebook your flight.
The TSA recommends arriving at the airport with time to spare and checking your ID before you leave home. If you are unsure whether your license is compliant, call your state DMV or check their website before your travel date.
International travel and driver's licenses
A driver's license is not accepted for international flights under any circumstances, even if it is Real ID-compliant. You must have a valid passport. Some countries also require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, so check the entry requirements for your destination before booking.
If you do not have a passport and need one for international travel, explore at your local passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, courthouse, or DMV. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. Plan ahead, as processing times can lengthen during peak travel seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?
No. A valid passport works for both domestic and international flights. You do not need to upgrade your driver's license to Real ID if you have a passport and are willing to carry it when you fly.
Can I fly with an expired Real ID license?
No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. Renew your license before your flight if it has expired or is expiring soon.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to fly?
Contact your state DMV to report the loss and request a replacement. If you need to fly before the replacement arrives, bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. If you have none of these, you can still fly but will go through secondary verification at security.
Does Real ID explore to connecting flights?
Yes. You must show a Real ID-compliant document or acceptable alternative at every security checkpoint, including when you connect to another flight.
Can I use my passport card instead of a passport for international flights?
A passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel. For international flights, you need a full passport book.