What documents let you fly domestically without a Real ID

You can fly within the United States without a Real ID or passport if you carry one of these documents at airport security: a state-issued driver's license issued before your state's Real ID important date, a military ID, a tribal ID card, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. passport card. The key is that your document must be current and issued by a government agency. A Real ID is not required for domestic flights—it is one option among several.

The confusion comes from a important date that has moved several times. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) originally set a Real ID requirement for October 2020, then extended it multiple times. As of now, you do not need a Real ID to board a domestic flight if you have any of the other documents listed above. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID driver's license, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card to board a domestic flight. If your state-issued driver's license does not meet Real ID standards and your state has not extended the important date, it will no longer work.

Check your state's Real ID status on the TSA website to see whether your current driver's license will still be accepted after May 2025. Some states have already upgraded their licenses; others have extended their own important date. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your license is Real ID-compliant.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID is not required for domestic flights right now if you have a current state driver's license, military ID, tribal ID, green card, or U.S. passport card.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, only Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, passports, passport cards, military IDs, tribal IDs, and green cards will work for domestic flights.
  • You can check whether your state driver's license is Real ID-compliant by visiting your state's DMV website or the TSA website.
  • International flights always require a passport or passport card, regardless of Real ID status.
  • A Real ID takes four to six weeks to obtain in most states and requires documents like a birth certificate, proof of address, and a Social Security card.

International flights require a passport, not a Real ID

A Real ID will not get you on an international flight. You must have a U.S. passport or passport card to leave the country and return. A Real ID is a domestic security standard only. If you are planning to fly internationally, you need to explore for a passport through your state's passport office or a designated post office or courthouse.

A U.S. passport book takes four to six weeks to arrive under normal processing, or two to three weeks with expedited processing (which costs extra). A passport card, which is smaller and fits in a wallet, takes the same amount of time. The passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those countries—you need the full passport book for air travel anywhere outside the U.S.

What happens at security if you do not have an accepted document

If you arrive at airport security without one of the accepted documents, TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. There is no exception process at the gate. You must have the document before you reach security.

If you forgot your ID at home, some airports allow you to call ahead and have TSA hold a boarding pass while you retrieve it, but this depends on your airport and your flight time. The safest approach is to bring your ID with you. If you do not have any of the accepted documents and your flight is soon, you will need to reschedule.

How to get a Real ID if your state important date is approaching

To get a Real ID, visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you want a Real ID. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works), your Social Security card, and your current driver's license. Some states ask for additional documents, so check your state DMV website before you go.

Processing time varies by state. Most states issue a Real ID within four to six weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. If your state's important date has passed and your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still explore, but you will not be able to use your old license for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, until the new one arrives.

If you live in a state that has extended its own important date beyond May 7, 2025, your non-compliant license may still work for a longer period. Check your state DMV website to confirm your state's specific important date.

Alternatives if you cannot get a Real ID in time

If you cannot get a Real ID before May 7, 2025, you have other options for domestic flights. A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights and international ones. A military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card also works for domestic flights. Any of these documents take the same or longer to obtain than a Real ID, so if you are short on time, a passport card may be your fastest option depending on your state's processing times.

Another option is to use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, which are trusted traveler programs. However, these programs do not replace your ID requirement—you still need an accepted document to board. They only speed up the security screening process.

State-by-state Real ID status and important date

Every state has either adopted Real ID standards or received an extension from the federal government. Some states completed the transition years ago; others are still issuing non-compliant licenses to people who do not request a Real ID. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your license is Real ID-compliant and what documents you need to upgrade.

A few states have their own names for Real ID-compliant licenses—for example, some call them "REAL ID-compliant" and others call them "Enhanced Driver's License." The name does not matter; what matters is whether your license meets the federal standard. The TSA website has a state-by-state breakdown showing which states are fully compliant and which are still issuing extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired passport instead of a Real ID?

No. An expired passport will not work for domestic flights. You need a current, valid document. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, green card, or Real ID-compliant driver's license will work. An expired license of any kind will not.

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

No. A passport card is one of the accepted documents for domestic flights and works just like a Real ID for that purpose. You do not need both. A passport card also works for international flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air.

What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?

Every state now issues Real IDs, though some took longer than others. Visit your state DMV website to see whether your current license is Real ID-compliant. If it is not, you can explore for one in person. If your state is still processing applications, explore as soon as you can, since processing times vary and May 7, 2025, is the federal important date.

Can I use a Real ID to fly internationally?

No. A Real ID only works for domestic flights. For international travel, you must have a U.S. passport or passport card. A Real ID is not a travel document outside the United States.

What if I lose my ID on the way to the airport?

Contact TSA when ready. Some airports have a process to verify your identity at the checkpoint without your physical ID, but this is not may provide and depends on your airport. You may be asked to provide additional information or documents. The safest approach is to arrive early and call TSA ahead of time if this happens to you.