Yes, you can fly domestically with an enhanced ID

An enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID card meets the federal requirement for domestic air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints in place of a passport or standard ID. You do not need anything else for flights within the United States.

An enhanced ID is not the same as a standard driver's license. It contains additional security features and biometric data, and it is issued only by state motor vehicle departments that have met federal Real ID standards. Not every state offers one, and not every ID card from a state that does offer one is enhanced—you have to request it specifically.

The key difference for air travel is that an enhanced ID works for domestic flights without a passport, while a standard driver's license does not. If you are flying internationally or need to cross a land border by car, an enhanced ID may also work in place of a passport for some destinations, but that depends on the country and the border agreement.

Key Takeaways

  • An enhanced ID meets TSA requirements for domestic air travel and can be used instead of a passport at airport security.
  • Not all states issue enhanced IDs, and you must request one specifically—a standard driver's license from the same state will not work for air travel.
  • Enhanced IDs are issued by your state's motor vehicle department and require proof of citizenship or lawful status, a Social Security number, and proof of residency.
  • For international flights, an enhanced ID may work for some destinations and borders, but a passport is the safest choice and is required for most countries.
  • Processing time for an enhanced ID varies by state but typically takes two to eight weeks after you submit your process in person.

Which states offer enhanced IDs and how to request one

Twenty-three states currently issue enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced ID cards. They include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. A few additional states have announced plans to offer them but have not yet begun issuing them.

If your state offers an enhanced ID, you request one at your local motor vehicle department office—the same place you renew a standard license. You cannot order one online or by mail. You must explore in person, bring the required documents, and pay a fee. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50 above the cost of a standard license renewal.

Processing time also varies. Most states take two to eight weeks to issue an enhanced ID after you submit your process. Some states are faster; others take longer during peak renewal periods. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the current wait time before you go in.

Documents you need to bring to explore

To explore for an enhanced ID, you will need to prove three things: your identity, your citizenship or lawful immigration status, and your current address. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted.

For identity, bring a current passport, a certified birth certificate, or a naturalization certificate. For citizenship or lawful status, bring a U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card (green card). For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. Some states accept a government benefit statement or tax return instead.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a tax return or W-2 that shows it. Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's motor vehicle website before you go to the office—some states accept different documents or have additional requirements.

How an enhanced ID differs from a standard license

A standard driver's license or ID card does not meet federal air travel requirements. The TSA will not accept it at a security checkpoint for a domestic flight. You would need a passport, a military ID, a passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license instead.

An enhanced ID is different. It is REAL ID-compliant and goes further—it includes additional security features such as a machine-readable zone, a barcode, and sometimes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. The state verifies your citizenship or lawful status before issuing it, which is why it works for air travel without a passport.

A REAL ID-compliant standard driver's license also works for domestic air travel, but not all states have completed the transition to REAL ID compliance. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant. If it is, you do not need to upgrade to an enhanced ID for domestic flights.

Using an enhanced ID for international travel and border crossings

An enhanced ID may work for some international travel, but it is not a substitute for a passport in most cases. The rules depend on the country you are visiting and the border agreement in place.

For land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, an enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID card may be accepted in place of a passport. However, you should verify the current rules with the destination country before you travel, because requirements change and vary by entry point.

For air travel to any country outside the United States, you need a passport. An enhanced ID will not work at an international airport departure gate. If you are planning international travel, obtain a passport before your trip rather than relying on an enhanced ID.

What to do if your state does not offer an enhanced ID

If your state does not issue enhanced IDs, you have two options for air travel: obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card from your state, or obtain a passport or passport card from the federal government.

A REAL ID-compliant standard driver's license works for domestic air travel and is easier to obtain than an enhanced ID—you do not need to prove citizenship, only identity and residency. Most states have already issued REAL ID-compliant licenses to people who renewed their licenses after 2017. Check whether your current license has a gold star or other REAL ID marking in the upper right corner. If it does, you are ready to fly.

If your license is not REAL ID-compliant, renew it at your state motor vehicle office and request a REAL ID-compliant version. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and the fee is the same or slightly higher. Processing time is typically two to four weeks.

A passport or passport card is issued by the U.S. State Department and works for both domestic and international air travel. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book but works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—not for air travel. A full passport book works for all air travel. Processing time for a new passport is currently four to six weeks for routine service, though expedited service is available for an additional fee.

TSA screening with an enhanced ID

When you arrive at the airport, present your enhanced ID at the TSA security checkpoint along with your boarding pass. The TSA officer will scan or examine it the same way they would a passport or standard REAL ID license. You do not need to do anything different or provide additional documents.

An enhanced ID is accepted at all U.S. airports and all TSA checkpoints. You do not need to notify the airline in advance or carry a backup form of ID, though it is always wise to have a second form of identification with you in case your primary ID is lost or damaged.

If you are traveling with children, they need their own form of ID. Children under 18 do not need an ID for domestic air travel if they are traveling with an adult, but some airlines ask for a birth certificate or passport to confirm the relationship. Check your airline's policy before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an enhanced ID if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. An enhanced ID is issued only to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders). If you are a visa holder or have another immigration status, you must use a passport for air travel. A standard driver's license will not work.

What if I lost my enhanced ID before my flight?

Contact your state motor vehicle department when ready to report it lost and request a replacement. Replacement processing time varies by state but is often faster than an initial process—sometimes one to two weeks. If you cannot get a replacement in time, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or other TSA-accepted form of ID instead.

Do I need an enhanced ID if my state has REAL ID-compliant licenses?

No. A REAL ID-compliant standard driver's license works for domestic air travel. An enhanced ID is optional and offers additional features, but it is not required. Check whether your current license has a REAL ID marking (usually a gold star) in the upper right corner.

Can I renew my enhanced ID by mail?

No. Enhanced IDs must be applied for and renewed in person at your state motor vehicle office. You cannot renew one online or by mail, even if your state allows mail renewal for standard licenses.

How long is an enhanced ID valid for air travel?

An enhanced ID is valid for air travel as long as it has not expired. Expiration dates vary by state but are typically five to eight years from the date of issue. Check the expiration date on your card before your flight. If it has expired, you will need a different form of ID.