You can travel within the United States without a Real ID, but the rules depend on how you travel

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. However, you have other ways to travel by air and many ways to travel that do not require a Real ID at all.

If you do not have a Real ID, you can still fly domestically by showing a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. You can also travel by car, train, or bus within the United States without any federal ID — state requirements vary, but most do not demand a Real ID for these routes. International travel has its own rules and does not depend on Real ID status.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, you need a Real ID or an alternative federal ID to board a domestic flight; a passport or military ID will work.
  • Driving, taking a train, or riding a bus within the United States does not require a Real ID under federal law.
  • International travel requires a passport or passport card, not a Real ID.
  • Getting a Real ID requires visiting your state's DMV in person with specific documents; processing times vary by state.
  • If you are under 18, your state may have different ID requirements for travel.

Domestic air travel without a Real ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept several forms of ID at airport security checkpoints starting May 7, 2025. A passport or passport card satisfies the requirement. A military ID (including dependent IDs issued by the Department of Defense) also works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe counts as well.

If you have none of these documents, you can still board a domestic flight, but TSA will conduct additional screening. This means a longer wait at security and more detailed questions about your identity and travel plans. The process is slower but not a barrier to flying.

A standard driver's license or non-Real ID state ID will not work at the checkpoint after May 7, 2025. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID and you plan to fly, obtaining a passport is the fastest alternative in most cases — passport cards can be issued in as little as two weeks if you pay for expedited processing.

Ground and rail travel within the United States

Amtrak, Greyhound, and regional bus services do not require a Real ID for domestic travel. You can board these services with a standard state ID, a passport, or in some cases with no ID at all if you are traveling within your home state. Requirements vary by carrier and route, so check with your specific bus or train line before you travel.

Driving a car requires a valid driver's license in every state, but it does not have to be a Real ID. A standard state driver's license issued before your state's Real ID important date works for driving. You only need a Real ID if you are boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building such as a courthouse or federal office.

If you are renting a car, the rental company will ask for a valid driver's license — again, a standard license is sufficient. Real ID status does not affect your ability to rent or drive.

International travel and passport requirements

International travel has nothing to do with Real ID. To leave the United States and return, you need a passport or passport card. These are issued by the U.S. State Department, not your state's DMV, and they are separate documents from your driver's license.

A passport takes four to six weeks to arrive under standard processing, or two to three weeks with expedited processing (which costs extra). You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — and bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship.

If you are traveling by land to Canada or Mexico, a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport) works and costs less than a full passport. Passport cards are also faster to obtain in some cases.

What documents you need to get a Real ID

If you decide to get a Real ID, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail or online. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a current passport or passport card, or a certificate of naturalization if you were not born in the United States.

You will also need proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your current driver's license or state ID. Some states ask for your Social Security number; bring a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return as proof.

Processing times vary widely by state. Some states issue a Real ID on the spot; others mail it within two to four weeks. Check your state's DMV website to see current wait times and whether you need to make an appointment.

Real ID important date and state-by-state differences

The federal important date is May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard driver's license will not work for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. However, your state may have already issued you a Real ID without you realizing it — many states began issuing them years ago and mark them with a gold star or similar symbol.

Check your current driver's license. If it has a star, eagle, or other marking in the upper right corner, it is already a Real ID. If it does not, your state is still issuing standard licenses, and you can choose whether to upgrade to a Real ID or use a passport for air travel instead.

Some states have extended the important date for their residents or have different rules for people over 65. Look up your specific state's rules on its DMV website to know your exact important date and what documents your state accepts.

Traveling with minors and Real ID

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID to board a domestic flight if they are traveling with an adult who has a valid ID. The adult's ID must be presented at security; the child does not need their own. However, if a child is traveling alone or with another minor, they will need their own ID — either a passport, a Real ID, or a military ID.

State rules for issuing IDs to minors vary. Some states issue standard IDs to anyone under 18; others issue Real IDs to minors at no extra cost. Check your state's DMV to see what ID options are available for your child and what documents you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I try to fly without a Real ID or passport after May 7, 2025?

TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint with only a standard driver's license. You can still fly, but you will go through additional screening, which takes longer and involves more detailed identity verification. You will miss your flight if you do not allow extra time.

Is a passport card the same as a passport for flying?

For domestic flights, yes — a passport card works just like a full passport at the TSA checkpoint. For international travel, a passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those countries. You need a full passport to fly internationally.

Can I get a Real ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, passport card, or certificate of naturalization instead. Contact your state's DMV to confirm which documents they accept as proof of citizenship.

Do I need a Real ID to drive across state lines?

No. A standard state driver's license is valid for driving in every state. Real ID is only required for boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

How long does it take to get a passport if I need to fly soon?

Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. If you need to fly within two weeks, ask about rush processing at your local passport acceptance facility — some offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, though availability varies.