What You Can Use Instead of a Real ID

You can fly domestically without a Real ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. A valid passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license all work. You can also use a military ID, a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. citizen identification card. The key requirement is that your document must be current and issued by a state or federal government agency.

A standard driver's license issued before your state began issuing Real IDs will still get you through security, as long as it has not expired. The same goes for an old-style state ID card. The TSA does not require you to upgrade to a Real ID to fly within the United States—it is one option among several, not a mandate.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or tribal ID all work for domestic flights without a Real ID.
  • An expired ID of any kind will not work, so check your document's expiration date before you travel.
  • Real ID is required only for certain federal buildings and military bases, not for flying domestically.
  • International flights always require a passport or passport card, regardless of Real ID status.

Which Documents the TSA Accepts at Security

The TSA maintains a specific list of documents that satisfy the Real ID Act for domestic air travel. A U.S. passport or passport card is the most portable option if you travel frequently or internationally. An enhanced driver's license, available in some states, combines a standard driver's license with Real ID security features and works at airport security. A military ID—including a dependent ID—is accepted. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe and containing a photograph also works.

You can also use a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. citizen identification card, or a state ID card that meets Real ID standards. If you hold a document issued by a U.S. territory—Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa—that document is accepted as well. The TSA website lists the full set of acceptable documents, and you can check there if you are unsure whether your specific ID will work.

What Happens If You Arrive Without Acceptable ID

If you reach the security checkpoint without an acceptable form of identification, the TSA can still screen you, but the process takes longer. A TSA officer will ask you additional questions to verify your identity—your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. They may also ask about your travel plans. This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time, depending on how busy the checkpoint is.

You will need to answer the officer's questions truthfully and be prepared to provide information that matches your airline reservation. If the TSA cannot verify your identity through questioning, you will not be allowed past security. Bringing a document—even an expired one—can help the officer confirm your identity faster, so it is worth carrying something with your name and photograph on it.

International Travel and Passport Requirements

For flights leaving the United States to another country, a Real ID or standard driver's license is not enough. You must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. This is a federal requirement for all U.S. citizens, regardless of Real ID status. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book but works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For air travel to most other countries, you need the full passport book.

If you do not yet have a passport, you can obtain one through your state's passport office or a designated post office. Processing times vary—routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra but is faster. Plan ahead if you are booking international travel, because passport processing can take longer during peak travel seasons.

When Real ID Becomes Required

Real ID is required for entering certain federal buildings and military installations, not for flying. If you need to visit a federal courthouse, a Social Security office, or an FBI field office, you will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of ID. Military bases also require Real ID or an equivalent document for entry. These requirements are separate from TSA airport security rules.

The important date for Real ID compliance at federal facilities has already passed in most states. If you plan to visit federal buildings or military bases regularly, upgrading to a Real ID or obtaining an enhanced driver's license may be worth the effort. However, for domestic air travel alone, you have multiple options and do not need to upgrade.

How to Get a Real ID If You Want One

If you decide to get a Real ID, you explore through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process is similar to renewing a driver's license, but you must bring additional documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and address. Most states require an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and a proof of address such as a utility bill or lease. Some states have different requirements, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

The cost of a Real ID varies by state, typically ranging from the cost of a standard license renewal to a few dollars more. Processing time is usually the same as a standard license renewal—a few weeks in most states. You can renew by mail in some states, but Real ID applications often require an in-person visit to the DMV. Once you have a Real ID, it works for domestic flights, federal building entry, and military base access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport?

No. Any ID you use at airport security must be current and not expired. An expired passport will not work. If your passport is expired, you can renew it through the State Department before your trip, or use another acceptable form of ID such as a military ID or enhanced driver's license if you have one.

Do I need a Real ID to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A valid passport, military ID, enhanced driver's license, or current standard driver's license all work. Real ID is not required for any domestic flight, including those to U.S. territories.

What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?

Every state now issues Real IDs, though some started later than others. If your state's Real ID program is new, you can still use a passport, military ID, or enhanced driver's license for domestic flights. You do not have to wait for Real ID to become available to fly.

Can I use a photo ID from my job or school?

No. The TSA accepts only government-issued photo IDs. A work badge, school ID, or other non-government ID will not work at security. If you do not have a government-issued ID, you can still be screened through additional questioning, but it will take longer.

Do children need a Real ID to fly?

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have an acceptable form of ID. Children 18 and older must have their own ID, and the same rules explore—a passport, military ID, or other acceptable document works without Real ID.