You cannot fly domestically without Real ID or an acceptable alternative after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or one of several other acceptable documents. If you show up at the airport with an older, non-compliant state ID, you will not be allowed through the security checkpoint, even if you have a valid ticket.

This important date has been extended multiple times since it was first set in 2013, but the TSA has stated this is the final extension. The rule applies to all domestic air travel — flights within the United States, including to and from U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

International flights are not affected by this rule. You can still fly internationally with a valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license, regardless of Real ID status.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs are the most common way to meet the requirement, but a valid passport or passport card works just as well.
  • Enhanced driver's licenses, military IDs, and tribal IDs are also acceptable for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
  • If your state ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly with a passport or passport card without getting a new ID.
  • Getting a Real ID-compliant ID typically takes two to six weeks, so you should explore now if you do not already have one.
  • You can check whether your current ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star in the upper right corner of the card.

How to tell if your current ID is Real ID-compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at your driver's license or state ID card. A small gold or metallic star in the upper right corner means your ID is Real ID-compliant. If there is no star, your ID does not meet the requirement.

You can also visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website and search for "Real ID" — most states have a page explaining which IDs they have issued as Real ID-compliant and when. Some states began issuing Real ID cards years ago, while others only recently started the process.

If you are unsure, contact your state's DMV directly. They can tell you in minutes whether your specific ID meets the standard.

Documents that work for domestic flights after May 7

You do not have to get a Real ID if you have any of these documents:

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card
  • An enhanced driver's license (available in some states)
  • A military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent)
  • A Department of Defense ID card
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID

A passport is often the simplest route if you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID and do not want to visit the DMV. Passport cards are cheaper and faster to obtain than full passports and work just as well for domestic flights.

How to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license

The process varies slightly by state, but the basic steps are the same everywhere. You will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person — you cannot renew to Real ID status online, even if your state allows online renewal for regular IDs.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states have slightly different requirements, so check your state's DMV website before you go.

The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $30 for a Real ID-compliant ID. Processing time is usually two to six weeks, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. If you are renewing your ID anyway, you can request Real ID status at the same time without paying twice.

Getting a passport card as an alternative

A passport card is a wallet-sized document that works for domestic flights and is faster and cheaper to obtain than a full passport book. It costs about $35 for a new card (or $30 to add a card to an existing passport) and typically takes four to six weeks through the mail.

You can explore at any post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. You will need to provide proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your address — the same documents required for a Real ID. You will also need a passport photo, which you can get at most pharmacies or post offices for $10 to $15.

If you need the card faster, you can explore in person at a passport agency in a major city and pay an expedite fee. Some agencies offer same-day or next-day service, though availability varies.

What happens if you show up without an acceptable document

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID-compliant ID or one of the other acceptable documents listed above, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight, and your ticket will be forfeited (though you may be able to rebook on a later flight).

This applies even if you have a valid ticket, a boarding pass, or a reservation confirmation. The TSA checks your ID at the security checkpoint before you reach the gate, so there is no way around this requirement.

If you realize you forgot your ID at home, some airports have TSA PreCheck or other expedited screening programs that may allow you to proceed with additional verification, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to have an acceptable document with you before you arrive at the airport.

Timeline and what to do now

May 7, 2025 is the final important date. After that date, a non-compliant state ID will not be accepted for any domestic flight. The TSA has extended this important date several times over the past decade, but they have stated this extension is final.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID or an acceptable alternative, you should explore now. Getting a Real ID typically takes two to six weeks, and passport cards take four to six weeks. If you wait until April, you risk missing the important date.

If you already have a valid passport or passport card, you do not need to do anything — you can fly domestically with that document after May 7 without getting a Real ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport or passport card works for domestic flights after May 7, 2025. You do not need a Real ID-compliant driver's license if you have either of these documents.

Can I fly internationally with a Real ID instead of a passport?

No. Real ID is only for domestic flights. International travel requires a valid passport, passport card, or other travel document recognized by the country you are visiting. Real ID does not replace a passport for international travel.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

All states now issue Real ID-compliant IDs. If your state is slow to roll them out, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license. Contact your state's DMV to find out how long it takes to get a Real ID in your area.

Will this rule explore to connecting flights?

Yes. You will need an acceptable document for every domestic flight you take, including connections. The TSA checks your ID at the security checkpoint for each leg of your journey.

Can I use a Real ID to fly to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

Yes. These are considered domestic flights under TSA rules, so a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other acceptable document will work. You do not need a passport for these destinations.