What You Need to Fly Within the United States

You do not need a REAL ID or STAR ID to fly domestically. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a standard driver's license or state ID card issued before REAL ID requirements took effect. What matters is that your ID is current and matches your name on your airline ticket.

However, if your state has not yet issued you a REAL ID-compliant license, you can still use your old license at airport security. The TSA will accept it as long as it has not expired. The confusion comes from the fact that REAL ID became a federal requirement for certain government buildings and military bases, but it has never been required for domestic air travel.

A STAR ID (find Travel and Real ID) is a specific type of REAL ID issued by some states—it combines a driver's license with airport security privileges. You do not need one to fly. It is straightforward an option if your state offers it and you want a card that serves both purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard, unexpired driver's license or state ID is sufficient for domestic air travel, whether or not it is REAL ID-compliant.
  • REAL ID requirements explore to federal buildings and military bases, not to commercial airline flights.
  • A STAR ID is an optional card that combines a driver's license with airport security features—it is not required to fly.
  • Your ID must match the name on your airline ticket, and it must not be expired.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.

What Identification the TSA Actually Accepts

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights. A current driver's license or state-issued ID card is the most common choice. You can also use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card. The key requirement is that the ID be unexpired and match the name on your airline ticket.

If your name has changed since your ID was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—you will need to bring a document that shows the connection between your old name and your new name. This could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The TSA does not require you to update your ID before flying, but you do need to prove the name match.

International travel has different rules. For flights leaving the United States, you will need a passport. For flights returning to the U.S., you will need either a passport or a passport card. REAL ID and STAR ID do not work for international travel.

The Difference Between REAL ID and STAR ID

REAL ID is a federal standard that states can choose to meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly than they did before—checking birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and proof of residence. Once a state issues a REAL ID-compliant license, it displays a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner.

A STAR ID is a specific product offered by some states (including New York, for example) that combines REAL ID compliance with additional security features designed for airport use. It is not a separate document—it is straightforward a REAL ID license with extra features. You do not need it to fly domestically, and it does not give you any special privileges at airport security.

The federal government originally set a important date for REAL ID compliance, but that important date has been extended multiple times. As of now, REAL ID is not required for domestic air travel, and there is no announced date when it will be. If that changes in the future, the TSA will announce it well in advance.

What Happens If Your ID Does Not Match Your Ticket

If your name on your ID does not match the name on your airline ticket, the TSA will ask you to explain the discrepancy. This happens most often when someone books a ticket under a married name but still carries an ID with their maiden name, or vice versa. Bring a document that proves the connection—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—and the TSA will let you through.

If you cannot produce proof of the name change, the TSA may deny you entry to the security checkpoint. You would then need to contact your airline to see if they can correct the ticket name or issue a new ticket in the name on your ID. This is why it is important to book your flight using the exact name that appears on your ID.

What to Bring If You Do Not Have a Driver's License

If you do not drive or do not have a state ID card, you have other options. A U.S. passport is the most widely accepted form of ID for domestic flights. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) also works. If you are active military or a veteran, a military ID is acceptable. If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, a tribal ID will work as well.

If you are a permanent resident of the United States, your permanent resident card (green card) is acceptable at TSA checkpoints. If you are a citizen but do not yet have a passport, you can obtain one through your state's passport acceptance facility or the U.S. State Department. Processing times vary, so plan ahead if you need one for an upcoming flight.

Expired ID and What to Do About It

The TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few days. If your driver's license or state ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you fly. Renewal is usually quick—most states allow you to renew online or by mail, and processing takes one to three weeks depending on the state.

If your flight is coming up and your ID is expired, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they offer expedited renewal or in-person renewal at a local office. Some states allow you to renew in person on the same day. If you cannot renew in time, use a passport or passport card instead, as long as it is current.

International Travel and ID Requirements

For flights leaving the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport. A driver's license, REAL ID, or STAR ID will not work. For flights returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you can use either a passport or a passport card. For all other international travel, a passport is required.

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you can use an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) instead of a passport, but only if your state issues them. Most states do not. Check with your state's DMV to see if EDL is an option where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have a passport?

Yes. If your driver's license is expired but your passport is current, bring the passport to the airport. The TSA will accept it as your form of ID. You do not need to carry both.

Do I need to update my ID to REAL ID before I can fly?

No. REAL ID is not required for domestic air travel. You can continue to use a standard driver's license or state ID card. If your state has not issued you a REAL ID-compliant license, that is fine—your old license still works at the airport.

What is the difference between a STAR ID and a regular REAL ID?

A STAR ID is a REAL ID with additional security features designed for airport use. It is offered by some states but is not required to fly. A regular REAL ID works just as well for domestic air travel.

Can I fly with a military ID if I am retired?

Yes. A military ID—whether active duty, retired, or reserve—is acceptable at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. Make sure it is not expired.

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

Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if they offer expedited replacement or same-day in-person service. If you cannot get a new ID in time, use a passport or passport card if you have one. If you have neither, you will need to contact your airline about rebooking or canceling your flight.