You can fly domestically without a Real ID, but you need an acceptable alternative form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several documents at airport security checkpoints instead of a Real ID. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license all work for domestic flights. You do not need to have obtained a Real ID to board a plane — you need one of these other documents instead.

The Real ID requirement applies only to domestic flights and entry into federal buildings. It does not block you from flying; it just means TSA will accept your identification from a longer list than it would if you were entering a courthouse or military base. Many people fly regularly without ever getting a Real ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport or passport card works at TSA checkpoints and is often easier to obtain than a Real ID if you do not already have one.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and enhanced driver's licenses are all accepted alternatives that do not require you to visit your state's DMV again.
  • If you have an expired ID of any kind, TSA will not accept it — the document must be current and valid.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card regardless of Real ID status, so a passport solves the problem for both domestic and international travel.

Documents TSA accepts at airport security

TSA maintains a list of documents that satisfy its identification requirement for domestic flights. A valid passport (the booklet) or passport card (the wallet-sized version) works at any U.S. airport. A military ID issued by the Department of Defense works for active duty, reserve, and retired service members. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe is accepted. An enhanced driver's license — a special version some states issue that includes a radio frequency identification chip — also works.

You can also use a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. citizen identification card, or a trusted traveler card like Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. If you are under 18, TSA has different rules and may accept a school ID or other documents — check TSA's website for the full list of documents for minors.

The key requirement is that whatever document you bring must be current and valid. An expired passport, even if it expired last month, will not work. An expired military ID will not work. TSA checks the expiration date on every document.

Getting a passport instead of a Real ID

If you do not have a Real ID and want to fly, a passport is often the fastest route. You explore at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility — not at your DMV. The process requires your birth certificate, a government-issued ID (like a current driver's license, even if it is not a Real ID), and a passport photo. The fee is around $130 for an adult passport book, though prices vary slightly by location.

Processing time depends on how quickly you need it. Standard processing takes several weeks. Expedited processing (available at some locations) takes one to two weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport for a flight in the next few days, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a passport agency office, not a post office, and the fee is higher.

A passport card costs less (around $35) and works at TSA checkpoints, but it is smaller and easier to lose. It does not work for international travel by air — only the passport book does. If you ever plan to fly internationally, the passport book is the better choice.

Enhanced driver's licenses and where to get them

An enhanced driver's license is a special version of a state driver's license that includes a radio frequency identification chip. It costs more than a regular license and takes longer to obtain, but it works at TSA checkpoints and also at land and sea borders with Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Not all states offer them.

States that currently issue enhanced driver's licenses include Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and a few others — the list changes. You explore at your state's DMV, bring your birth certificate and proof of residence, and pay a higher fee than a standard license (typically $50 to $100 more). Processing takes several weeks.

An enhanced license is useful if you cross the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border by car or boat regularly, because it works at those borders without a passport. For flying alone, a passport is usually simpler to obtain.

Military ID and tribal ID options

If you have a military ID — whether you are active duty, reserve, retired, or a dependent — you can use it at TSA checkpoints without a Real ID. The ID must be current and not expired. Dependents of military members receive military ID cards and can use them the same way.

If you are a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, your tribal ID works at TSA checkpoints. You obtain a tribal ID through your tribe's enrollment office, not through a government agency. The process and requirements vary by tribe.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without one of the documents TSA accepts, you cannot pass through security. TSA will not let you board your flight. You will need to either leave the airport and return with an acceptable document, or TSA may allow you to complete an identity verification process on the spot — but this is not may provide and takes time.

The identity verification process requires you to answer questions about your background and provide additional information. Even if you pass, you may miss your flight. The safest approach is to check what document you have before you leave for the airport and bring one of the documents listed above.

Real ID important date and when you actually need one

The Real ID requirement for domestic flights has been in effect since May 2025. However, this does not mean you must have a Real ID to fly — it means TSA will only accept certain documents, and a Real ID is one of them. If you have a passport, military ID, or another acceptable document, you meet the requirement without a Real ID.

Real ID becomes necessary only if a regular driver's license is the only ID you have and you want to use it at a TSA checkpoint. If you have any other acceptable document, you do not need to visit your DMV to get a Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport?

No. TSA requires your ID to be valid and current. An expired passport will not work, even if it expired recently. You must renew your passport before using it at a TSA checkpoint. Renewal is faster than a new process and costs less.

Do I need a Real ID for international flights?

No. International flights require a passport or passport card, not a Real ID. A Real ID does not work for international travel. If you are flying internationally, a passport is what you need.

What if I lost my passport before my flight?

Report it to the State Department and explore for a replacement. If your flight is soon, request expedited processing or visit a passport agency in person for faster service. In the meantime, you can use another acceptable document — a military ID, tribal ID, or enhanced driver's license — if you have one.

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a passport photo?

No. Passport photos must meet specific requirements: a plain white background, your full face visible, taken within the last six months, and printed on photo paper. You can have a passport photo taken at a post office, pharmacy, or professional photographer. It costs a few dollars.

Is a school ID enough to fly?

For adults, no. For minors (under 18), TSA accepts school IDs in some cases, but rules vary. Check TSA's website for the current list of documents accepted for travelers under 18, or call TSA PreCheck at 855-347-8371 to confirm what your child can use.