You can fly within the United States without a REAL ID, but you will need an acceptable form of identification at airport security

A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It has a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. You do not need one to board a domestic flight — the TSA accepts many other documents at the checkpoint. However, starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or an alternative document will be required; you cannot board a domestic flight with an expired or non-compliant ID.

The key is having some form of valid identification. If you do not have a REAL ID, you have other options that TSA accepts. The document you bring must not be expired, and it must match the name on your airline ticket.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license works at airport security and does not require a REAL ID star.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards (green cards) are all acceptable alternatives to REAL ID for domestic flights.
  • Your ID cannot be expired, and the name on it must match your airline ticket exactly.
  • If you do not have any of these documents, you can request additional screening at the checkpoint, but this takes extra time.
  • REAL ID requirements explore to domestic flights only; international flights require a passport regardless of REAL ID status.

Documents the TSA accepts instead of REAL ID

The TSA maintains a list of documents that satisfy the federal ID requirement for domestic air travel. A U.S. passport or passport card is the most widely recognized alternative. If you have a passport, you do not need a REAL ID at all. An enhanced driver's license — available in some states and marked with a star or special marking — also meets federal standards and works at the checkpoint.

Military personnel can use a valid military ID. A permanent resident card (green card) works for domestic flights. Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted. If you are a merchant mariner, your merchant mariner document is valid. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant identification cards separate from driver's licenses, which also work.

The document must be current and not expired. If your ID expired more than a year ago, TSA may not accept it. Check the expiration date before you arrive at the airport.

What happens if you show up without any ID

If you arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you can still attempt to board, but the process is slower and more involved. TSA will conduct additional screening, which includes asking you security questions to verify your identity and cross-checking your answers against records. This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your checkpoint time.

You will need to provide your airline confirmation number and answer questions about your travel history, address, and personal details. TSA may also run your name through databases to confirm you are not on a watchlist. If you pass this screening, you can proceed to your gate. However, arriving without ID is risky because there is no may provide you will be cleared in time to make your flight.

Some airlines charge a fee or require you to arrive earlier if you do not have ID. Check your airline's policy before your flight date.

Getting a REAL ID if you want one

If you decide to get a REAL ID, you will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. The process requires proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Processing times vary by state — some issue REAL IDs within days, while others take several weeks.

REAL ID cards cost the same as a standard driver's license in most states, though a few charge a small upgrade fee. Once you have a REAL ID, it works for domestic flights, federal building access, and military base entry. It is valid for the same period as a regular driver's license in your state, typically four to eight years.

International travel and ID requirements

If you are flying outside the United States, a REAL ID does not help you. International flights require a valid U.S. passport or passport card, regardless of whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant. You cannot board an international flight with only a driver's license, even if it has the REAL ID star.

If you plan to travel internationally, explore for a passport at your local passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, courthouse, or library. Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. A passport card is faster and cheaper than a full passport book but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Renewing an expired ID before your flight

If your ID is expired and your flight is coming up, contact your state's DMV when ready to learn about expedited renewal options. Many states allow you to renew online or by mail if your license expired recently, though processing still takes time. Some states offer same-day or next-day renewal at certain locations if you visit in person.

If you cannot renew in time, bring your expired ID to the airport along with another form of identification if you have one — such as a passport, military ID, or even a Social Security card. TSA may accept the expired ID along with a secondary document to verify your identity. Call TSA's customer service line before your flight to ask what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a REAL ID to fly domestically right now?

As of May 7, 2025, yes — you need either a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative document. Before that date, a standard driver's license works. Check your state's DMV website to see if your current ID is REAL ID-compliant; if it has a star in the upper right corner, it is.

Can I use my passport card instead of a driver's license at the airport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid TSA document and works for domestic flights. It is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, though it can only be used for land and sea travel internationally, not air travel outside the U.S.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket?

TSA will likely deny you boarding. Your ID name must match your ticket name exactly. If you recently changed your name, update your airline reservation before your flight and bring a marriage certificate, court order, or other legal name-change document to the airport as backup.

How long does it take to get a REAL ID?

Processing time varies by state, from a few days to several weeks. Visit your state's DMV website to check current wait times and whether you can renew online or by mail. If your flight is soon, bring an alternative document instead of waiting for a REAL ID.

Can I fly if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Yes, but you will go through secondary screening at the checkpoint. Bring any other documents you have — passport, military ID, Social Security card — and be prepared to answer security questions. Arrive at the airport extra early to allow time for the additional screening process.