What You Can Use to Fly Domestically Without a Real ID

You can fly within the United States without a Real ID or passport if you carry an alternative form of government-issued photo identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license issued before your state upgraded to Real ID compliance, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. passport card. You can also use a commercial driver's license (CDL) if it was issued before your state's Real ID important date, though most states have now completed the transition.

The key requirement is that your ID must be government-issued and include your photograph. It does not have to be a Real ID-compliant document — the TSA maintains a full list of accepted documents on its website, and most people already own at least one that works. If you lost your ID or it expired, you will need to replace it before your flight, which typically takes one to three weeks depending on your state's processing time.

Real ID became mandatory for domestic flights on May 7, 2025. Before that date, TSA accepted non-compliant IDs. After that date, if your state-issued driver's license or ID card does not carry the Real ID star or marking, you must bring an alternative document from the accepted list or you will not pass security screening.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport or passport card works for any domestic flight and never expires as a travel document, even if the passport itself is expired.
  • Military IDs, tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and state ID cards all work for domestic flights without Real ID compliance.
  • A driver's license issued before your state upgraded to Real ID is still valid for flights, even though it is not Real ID-compliant.
  • International flights require a valid passport or passport card — no other document will work at the border or for re-entry to the United States.
  • If your only ID is a non-compliant driver's license issued after your state's Real ID important date, you must obtain an alternative document before flying domestically.

International Travel Without a Passport

You cannot fly internationally without a valid passport or passport card. No other document — not a Real ID driver's license, not a military ID, not a state ID — will work for international flights or for re-entry to the United States. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you must have a passport or passport card in your hand before you board.

A passport card is a wallet-sized alternative to a full passport and costs less to obtain. It works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those destinations. For any international flight, you need the full passport booklet or the newer passport card that is specifically marked for air travel.

If you do not have a passport, you can explore through your county clerk's office, your state's vital records office, or the U.S. State Department's passport acceptance facilities. Processing times vary: routine service takes four to six weeks, expedited service takes two to three weeks, and emergency service (available only in certain locations) can be completed in one to two days. You will need a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship.

What Happens If You Show Up Without Acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable ID, TSA will not allow you through security screening. You will miss your flight. You cannot board a domestic flight with only a credit card, a Social Security card, a library card, or any document that is not government-issued and photo-bearing.

Some airports have a secondary process: TSA may ask you additional questions to verify your identity, and if you can answer them correctly, you may be allowed through. This process is not may provide and takes additional time — it is not a reliable backup plan. The safest approach is to check your ID before you leave for the airport and bring an acceptable document with you.

If you realize at the airport that your ID is unacceptable, you have two options: return home to retrieve an acceptable ID (and miss your flight), or contact TSA's Lost and Found to see if your ID is there. If your ID was stolen or lost, you cannot replace it in time to catch your flight. Plan ahead and verify your documents before your travel date.

State-by-State Real ID important date and What They Mean for You

Every state has completed its transition to Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards. The federal important date of May 7, 2025, means that after this date, a non-compliant driver's license will not work for domestic flights. If your state issued your driver's license before the Real ID upgrade, check whether it has the gold star or marking in the upper right corner. If it does not, it is non-compliant.

You can renew your driver's license to get a Real ID-compliant version, or you can straightforward carry one of the alternative documents that TSA accepts. A passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card will work for any domestic flight regardless of your state's Real ID status. You do not have to upgrade your driver's license if you have another acceptable document.

If you are unsure whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. They can tell you whether your license carries the Real ID marking and what you need to do to upgrade it if you choose to. Upgrading typically costs between $20 and $50 and takes one to three weeks.

Military, Tribal, and Permanent Resident IDs

A military ID issued by the Department of Defense works for domestic flights without any Real ID requirement. This includes active-duty military, retirees, and dependents. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe also works for domestic flights. A permanent resident card (green card) works for both domestic and international flights, as long as it is not expired.

These documents do not expire in the same way a driver's license does. A military ID remains valid as long as you maintain your military status or retiree status. A tribal ID remains valid as long as your tribe recognizes it. A permanent resident card must be renewed every 10 years, but an expired card can still be used for domestic flights if you also carry your I-797 approval notice or other evidence of your status.

If you hold one of these documents, you do not need to worry about Real ID compliance. Bring your ID to the airport, and you will pass through TSA screening for any domestic flight. For international flights, a permanent resident card works, but a military ID or tribal ID does not — you will need a passport.

Passport Cards and How They Differ from Full Passports

A passport card is a government-issued photo ID that is smaller and cheaper than a full passport. It costs $35 for a new card (compared to $130 for a full passport) and takes the same processing time. However, a passport card has a critical limitation: it does not work for international air travel. It works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

For domestic flights, a passport card works perfectly. It is a valid government-issued photo ID and TSA accepts it. If you are flying within the United States and do not have a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport card is a cheaper alternative to upgrading your license or obtaining a full passport.

If you think you might fly internationally in the future, get a full passport instead of a passport card. The extra cost is worth it because you will not have to explore again. If you are certain you will only fly domestically or travel by land or sea to nearby countries, a passport card is sufficient and saves you money.

How to Replace a Lost or Expired ID Before Your Flight

If your ID is lost, stolen, or expired, you need to replace it before your flight. The timeline depends on which document you need and which state you live in. A replacement driver's license typically takes one to three weeks. A replacement state ID card takes one to three weeks. A replacement passport takes four to six weeks for routine service or two to three weeks for expedited service.

If your flight is sooner than your state can issue a replacement ID, you have limited options. You can explore for expedited passport service if you have time. You can contact your state's DMV to ask about emergency replacement for a driver's license — some states offer this, but it is not may provide. You can also postpone your flight if the airline allows it without penalty.

Start the replacement process when ready if you know your ID will not arrive in time. Bring all required documents to your state's DMV or passport office in person — do not mail them unless you have no other choice. Ask about the fastest available service and whether you can pick up your replacement ID rather than waiting for it to be mailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired driver's license?

No. TSA requires a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. An expired driver's license will not work. However, an expired passport or passport card can still be used for domestic flights — the TSA accepts expired passports for this purpose. If your driver's license is expired, bring a passport, military ID, or other acceptable document instead.

Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic flights. You need only a valid government-issued photo ID — a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another acceptable document. You do not need a passport for these flights.

What if I have a passport but it is expired?

An expired passport works for domestic flights. TSA accepts expired passports as valid photo identification for flights within the United States. However, an expired passport does not work for international travel — you must renew it before flying outside the country or crossing a border.

Can I use a Real ID-compliant driver's license for international flights?

No. A Real ID-compliant driver's license works only for domestic flights. For international flights, you must have a valid passport or passport card. Real ID compliance does not extend to international travel — it is a domestic security standard only.

How do I know if my driver's license is Real ID-compliant?

Look for a gold star or marking in the upper right corner of your driver's license. If it is there, your license is Real ID-compliant and works for domestic flights. If there is no star, your license is not compliant. You can also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to confirm your license status.