What You Need to Board a Domestic Flight

You do not have to have a Real ID to fly domestically within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, and a standard driver's license or state ID card issued before Real ID requirements took effect will work. However, if your driver's license or state ID was issued after May 7, 2025, it must be Real ID-compliant to use it for domestic air travel — or you will need to bring an alternative form of identification instead.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. It requires additional documentation during the process process and results in a card marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator. The important date for Real ID compliance at airport security has been extended multiple times; as of now, TSA will accept non-compliant IDs issued before the cutoff date, but new IDs issued after that date must meet the standard.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard driver's license or state ID issued before the Real ID important date works for domestic flights, even if it is not Real ID-compliant.
  • If your ID was issued after the compliance important date, it must display the Real ID indicator (usually a gold star) to use it at airport security.
  • You can fly domestically without Real ID by bringing an alternative document such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
  • Real ID is required only for domestic flights; international flights require a passport regardless of Real ID status.
  • You do not need Real ID to board a flight — you need one acceptable form of identification, and Real ID is only one option.

What Counts as Acceptable ID at Airport Security

The TSA accepts a long list of documents at the security checkpoint. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is one option, but it is not the only one. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) all work for domestic flights. You can also use a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still board a domestic flight, but you will go through additional screening. TSA calls this process "secondary verification." You will be asked questions about your identity and travel history, and the process takes longer. Bringing any acceptable ID avoids this delay.

Real ID Requirements by State

Real ID rules are set by the federal government, but each state decides when to issue Real ID-compliant IDs and what the card looks like. Some states began issuing Real ID cards years ago; others are still in the process. When you renew your driver's license or state ID, ask the DMV whether the new card will be Real ID-compliant. If you need Real ID for a specific important date, check your state's DMV website to see the current timeline.

The documents required to get a Real ID-compliant ID are stricter than those for a standard ID. You will typically need to bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Some states also require a fingerprint or in-person interview. Plan for a longer appointment than a standard ID renewal.

International Travel and Real ID

Real ID does not matter for international flights. The TSA requires a passport for any flight leaving the United States, whether you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else. A Real ID driver's license will not get you through security for an international flight — you must have a valid passport.

If you do not yet have a passport, you can obtain one through the U.S. State Department. The process takes several weeks for a standard passport and longer if you need it expedited. Plan ahead if you have international travel coming up.

What Happens If You Show Up Without Acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without any form of acceptable identification, you can still board your flight, but TSA will conduct secondary verification. An officer will ask you questions about your identity, your travel plans, and your background. This process can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer, depending on how busy the checkpoint is and how quickly the officer can verify your information.

To speed up secondary verification, bring any documents that help prove who you are: a credit card, a library card, a utility bill, or a recent bank statement. These do not count as official ID for TSA purposes, but they can help during the verification process. If you are a frequent traveler, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck, which uses background information and fingerprints to speed up security screening — though you will still need to show ID at the checkpoint.

How to Get a Real ID If You Need One

To get a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, visit your state's DMV office or website. You will need to bring original or certified copies of documents proving your citizenship, Social Security number, and current address. A birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate counts as proof of citizenship. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return counts as proof of your number. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement counts as proof of address.

Make an appointment at your DMV if your state offers them — walk-ins often face long waits. The fee for a Real ID-compliant ID varies by state but is usually the same as a standard ID renewal, though some states charge a small additional fee. Processing time also varies; some states issue the card on the spot, while others mail it within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly domestically?

No. TSA requires a valid, unexpired form of identification. An expired driver's license, passport, or military ID will not work at the security checkpoint. If your ID is expired, renew it before your flight, or bring a different form of valid ID.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport works for both domestic and international flights. You do not need Real ID if you have a passport. However, a passport is more expensive and takes longer to obtain than a Real ID driver's license, so many people choose Real ID for domestic travel convenience.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

If your state is still in the process of issuing Real ID cards, your old driver's license will continue to work at airport security until the federal important date passes. Check your state's DMV website for the current timeline and whether you can renew early to get a Real ID card now.

Can I fly with a learner's permit or temporary ID?

A temporary ID issued by your state DMV may work, depending on whether it is considered valid identification by TSA. Call TSA at 855-787-2227 or check the TSA website to confirm whether your specific temporary ID is acceptable. If it is not, bring a passport or other acceptable document instead.

Do children need Real ID to fly?

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA security checkpoints for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must show valid ID. Children 18 and older must show their own ID, which follows the same Real ID rules as adults.