You can fly domestically without a Real ID or passport, but you need an approved form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows domestic air travel with documents other than a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport. You can use a standard state driver's license, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or several other forms of government-issued identification. The key requirement is that your ID must be current and match your name on your airline ticket.

International flights are different. For travel outside the United States, you must have a passport. A Real ID driver's license alone will not work for international air travel, even if it is compliant. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you need a passport, passport card, or in some cases a NEXUS card or Enhanced Driver's License.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights accept standard state driver's licenses, military IDs, tribal IDs, and other TSA-approved documents without requiring Real ID compliance.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.
  • Your ID must be current and match the name on your airline ticket exactly.
  • Real ID compliance only matters for domestic flights if you want to use your driver's license; you can still fly with other approved documents.
  • If your state ID is expired, TSA will not accept it for any flight, domestic or international.

What documents the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work for domestic air travel. A current state driver's license is the most common choice, and it does not need to be Real ID-compliant. You can also use a state ID card (the non-driver version), a U.S. military ID, a military dependent ID, a retired military ID, or a Department of Defense ID. Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted as well.

Other approved documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a commercial driver's license, an Enhanced Driver's License, a NEXUS card, a SENTRI card, or a TWIC card. If you hold a permanent resident card (Green Card) or a refugee travel document, those work too. The document must be current—expired IDs will be rejected at the checkpoint, even if they are otherwise valid.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other document to prove your identity. Bring only the one ID that matches your airline ticket name. If your name on the ticket differs from your ID—for example, if you recently married and changed your name—contact your airline before you arrive at the airport.

Why Real ID matters less than you might think

Real ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license to enter a federal building or a military base. However, the TSA has never required Real ID for domestic air travel. You can walk up to the security checkpoint with a standard, non-compliant state driver's license and fly domestically without any problem.

The confusion comes from the fact that Real ID important date have been extended multiple times, and many people assume the important date applies to flying. It does not. The TSA accepts non-compliant IDs for flights. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID driver's license and you do not plan to visit federal buildings, you do not need to rush to get one for air travel purposes.

International travel: You must have a passport

If you are flying outside the United States, a driver's license—Real ID or not—will not work. You need a U.S. passport, a passport card, or in limited cases an Enhanced Driver's License or NEXUS card. Most people use a passport book, which is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying to any other country, you must have the full passport book. Processing times for a new passport vary depending on whether you use routine or expedited service, so plan ahead if you do not already have one.

What happens if your ID is expired

An expired ID will not work for any flight, domestic or international. The TSA will reject it at the checkpoint. If your driver's license or state ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you can fly. Renewal is usually faster than getting a new ID from scratch—you can often do it online or by mail through your state's DMV, though some states require an in-person visit.

If you are traveling soon and your ID is expired, contact your state's DMV to find out how long renewal takes. Some states offer expedited renewal for a higher fee. If you cannot renew in time, you may be able to use a different TSA-approved document instead—for example, a military ID, a passport, or a tribal ID if you have one.

Traveling with a name mismatch

Your airline ticket must match the name on your ID exactly. If you recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, update your name with the airline before you arrive at the airport. You will need to show documentation of the name change—typically a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—at the security checkpoint.

If your ticket says "John Smith" but your ID says "John Michael Smith," that mismatch can cause problems. Contact your airline to correct the ticket before you travel. If you cannot correct it in advance, bring the documentation that explains the difference and be prepared to spend extra time at security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A passport is a TSA-approved document for domestic flights. You do not need a driver's license if you have a valid passport. Just bring the passport and make sure your airline ticket matches the name in it.

What if I lost my ID and my flight is in two days?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to ask about expedited replacement. Some states can issue a replacement ID in one or two business days for an extra fee. If that is not possible, check whether you have another TSA-approved document—a military ID, passport, or tribal ID. If you have none, you may not be able to fly on your scheduled date.

Do I need a Real ID to fly to Canada or Mexico?

No. For flights to Canada or Mexico, you need a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License, or NEXUS card. A Real ID driver's license alone is not enough for international air travel. If you are driving to Canada or Mexico by land, an Enhanced Driver's License or NEXUS card works, but flying requires a passport.

Can I use my Green Card to fly domestically?

Yes. A permanent resident card (Green Card) is on the TSA's list of approved documents for domestic flights. Bring it along with your airline ticket, and you can go through security like any other traveler.

What if my state ID is about to expire but still current?

A current ID works, even if it expires next month. The TSA checks whether the ID is valid on the day you fly, not whether it will be valid in the future. Once it expires, it will no longer work.