Real ID is now required for domestic flights, with limited exceptions

Yes, you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. This requirement has been in effect since May 7, 2025. If your ID does not meet Real ID standards, you will need to bring an alternative form of identification — a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID — to get through airport security.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must follow when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. The cards have a gold star in the upper right corner. If you are unsure whether your ID is Real ID-compliant, check your state's DMV website or look for that star on your card.

This rule applies only to domestic flights — flights within the United States. International flights have always required a passport or passport card, regardless of Real ID status.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID (marked with a gold star) is now required to board domestic flights.
  • If your ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
  • Real ID applies only to domestic flights; international flights require a passport.
  • Getting a Real ID typically takes two to six weeks through your state's DMV, depending on whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • You can check whether your current ID is Real ID-compliant by looking for a gold star in the upper right corner of the card.

What counts as acceptable ID at airport security

If your driver's license or state ID is not Real ID-compliant, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts these documents instead: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a permanent resident card (green card). You need only one of these to pass through security.

A passport card is not the same as a passport book. The card is smaller, costs less, and works for domestic flights and land border crossings, but not for international air travel. If you plan to fly internationally, you need the full passport book.

A military ID works for active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents. A tribal ID must be issued by a tribe that the federal government recognizes. If you hold one of these and are unsure whether it will be accepted, contact the TSA before your flight.

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

To get a Real ID, visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew a Real ID by mail in most states. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Some states allow you to renew online if your current license is not expiring soon, but the first Real ID must be obtained in person. Processing times vary by state: some issue the card the same day, while others take two to six weeks. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you go.

The cost of a Real ID varies by state, typically between $20 and $50. Some states charge the same price as a standard driver's license; others charge extra for the Real ID upgrade. Your state's DMV website will list the exact fee.

What happens if you show up at the airport without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID or one of the alternative documents listed above, the TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot proceed to the gate, and the airline cannot override this requirement.

If this happens, you have a few options: you can go home and return with acceptable ID if you have time before your flight, you can ask the TSA if a nearby office can issue you a temporary ID (this is rare and not may provide), or you can cancel your flight and rebook for a later date when you have the right ID. Most airlines charge a rebooking fee if you cancel within 24 hours of departure.

To avoid this, check your ID before you leave for the airport. Look for the gold star on your driver's license or state ID. If it is not there, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.

Real ID requirements for minors and children

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID to fly domestically. They can board with a birth certificate, school ID, or passport. However, they must travel with an adult, and that adult must have acceptable ID.

If your child has a state ID or driver's license (for example, a learner's permit or junior license), it should be Real ID-compliant if it was issued after your state began issuing Real IDs. Check with your state's DMV to confirm.

Real ID and state-issued ID cards that are not driver's licenses

Many states issue non-driver ID cards — cards for people who do not drive but need a form of state identification. These cards can be Real ID-compliant if they have the gold star. The process to get one is similar to getting a Real ID driver's license: you visit the DMV in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.

If you do not drive and do not have a passport, getting a Real ID state ID card is one way to meet the requirement for domestic flights. Some states issue these cards at the same cost as a driver's license; others charge less. Check your state's DMV website for details.

Real ID for people with expired or lost IDs

If your driver's license or state ID has expired, you can still use it to fly domestically if it is Real ID-compliant — the gold star is still valid even after the card expires. However, the TSA may ask additional questions if your ID is significantly expired.

If your ID is lost or stolen, you will need to get a replacement. Visit your state's DMV and request a Real ID replacement. Bring the same documents you would need for a new ID: proof of Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Processing times for replacements are usually faster than for new IDs, sometimes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport instead of a Real ID?

No. An expired passport is not accepted at airport security. Your passport must be valid. However, a Real ID driver's license does not need to be valid — the gold star remains acceptable even after the card expires, though the TSA may ask follow-up questions if it is very old.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport card?

No. A passport card is an acceptable alternative to Real ID for domestic flights. You do not need both. If you already have a valid passport card, you can use it to fly domestically without getting a Real ID.

What if my state has not issued me a Real ID yet?

All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant IDs. If your current license is not Real ID-compliant, visit your state's DMV to upgrade or renew it. You can also use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID to fly in the meantime.

Can I use a Real ID for international flights?

No. A Real ID driver's license or state ID is not accepted for international flights. You must have a valid passport book. A passport card works for land and sea border crossings but not for international air travel.

How do I know if my ID is Real ID-compliant?

Look for a gold star in the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID card. If the star is there, your ID is Real ID-compliant. If you cannot find it or are unsure, visit your state's DMV website — they have photos showing what a Real ID looks like in your state.