You do not need a REAL ID or STAR ID to fly within the United States

You can board a domestic flight with a regular driver's license, passport, or other standard ID. The federal government does not require REAL ID or STAR ID for air travel — these are optional upgrades that some states offer, and they do not change whether you can fly.

What matters for flying is that your ID is valid and matches your airline ticket. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checks that your name, date of birth, and gender match across your ID and your booking. A standard state driver's license works for this check just as well as a REAL ID does.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular driver's license, passport, or state ID is sufficient to board a domestic flight; REAL ID and STAR ID are not required.
  • The TSA verifies that your ID matches your airline ticket by name, date of birth, and gender — the type of ID does not matter.
  • REAL ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted for their driver's licenses; STAR ID is a New York State program that meets the same standard.
  • If your ID is expired or does not match your ticket name, you may be denied boarding, regardless of whether it is REAL ID or not.
  • Passports, military IDs, and tribal IDs all work for domestic flights and do not require any upgrade.

What REAL ID and STAR ID actually are

REAL ID is a federal security standard set by Congress in 2005. States that meet the standard can mark their driver's licenses with a gold star or other symbol. This marking means the state verified your identity more thoroughly when you got the license — they checked your birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of address more carefully than they do for a standard license.

STAR ID is New York State's version of the same thing. It stands for "find Travel and Real ID." New York residents can get a STAR ID driver's license or non-driver ID that meets the federal REAL ID standard. The process requires the same documents as REAL ID in other states.

Neither of these is required for flying domestically. The TSA accepts any valid ID. A REAL ID or STAR ID does not get you through security faster or give you any advantage over someone with a standard license.

When REAL ID or STAR ID actually matters

REAL ID becomes relevant only if you want to enter a federal building, a military base, or a nuclear power plant using your driver's license as your ID. For flying, it makes no difference.

If you are flying internationally, you need a passport or passport card — not a REAL ID or STAR ID. A REAL ID driver's license will not work for international travel, even though it meets a higher security standard than a regular license.

Some employers require REAL ID for workers who need to access federal facilities as part of their job. If your workplace has this requirement, your employer will tell you. Otherwise, there is no reason to get one.

What ID you actually need for domestic flights

The TSA accepts the following for domestic air travel:

  • A valid state driver's license (standard or REAL ID)
  • A valid state ID card (standard or STAR ID)
  • A U.S. passport or passport card
  • A military ID
  • A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe
  • A permanent resident card (green card)
  • A U.S. Merchant Mariner credential

Your ID must not be expired. If it is expired, the TSA will not accept it, even if you have a REAL ID or STAR ID version. You will need to renew it before you fly.

Your name on your ID must match your airline ticket exactly. If your name has changed — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — update your ID or your airline ticket so they match. A mismatch will cause problems at the gate, regardless of what type of ID you have.

How to check your ID before you fly

Before you book a flight, check that your driver's license or ID is not expired. Look at the expiration date on the front or back of your card. If it has passed, you will need to renew it at your state's DMV before you travel.

When you book your flight, use the exact name that appears on your ID. If your ID says "Robert James Smith" but you book as "Bob Smith," the TSA may stop you at security. If you have already booked under the wrong name, contact your airline to change it — most allow name corrections without a fee if you do it before your flight.

Bring your ID to the airport. You will need to show it at the ticket counter and again at the security checkpoint. If you forget it, you can still fly, but the TSA will conduct additional screening, which takes extra time.

Getting a REAL ID or STAR ID if you want one

If you decide you want a REAL ID or STAR ID for other reasons — such as entering federal buildings for work — you can get one at your state's DMV. In New York, you can get a STAR ID driver's license or non-driver ID.

The process requires you to bring documents that prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency, Social Security number, and address. Typical documents include your birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease. Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go.

Getting a REAL ID or STAR ID takes longer than renewing a standard license because the verification is more thorough. Plan for a longer appointment and bring all required documents. There is usually a small fee — often $10 to $30 more than a standard license — but this varies by state.

What to do if your ID does not match your ticket

If you arrive at the airport and your ID name does not match your ticket, contact your airline when ready. Most airlines can correct minor discrepancies at the ticket counter, such as a missing middle initial or a nickname instead of your legal first name. This is usually free if you catch it before you reach security.

If the mismatch is larger — for example, you booked under a maiden name but your ID shows your married name — the airline may not be able to fix it at the gate. You may be denied boarding. To avoid this, update your ID or your ticket before you travel.

If you have a legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), bring it with you. The TSA can use it to verify that your ID and ticket refer to the same person, even if the names do not match exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID?

No. The TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if it is a REAL ID or STAR ID. You must renew your ID before you fly. You can renew at your state's DMV, and many states offer expedited renewal if you are flying soon.

Do I need a REAL ID to fly to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?

No. These are U.S. territories, so flights there are considered domestic. A standard driver's license works. You do not need a passport or REAL ID.

What happens if I forget my ID at home?

You can still fly, but the TSA will conduct additional screening. This includes answering security questions and providing other information to verify your identity. The process takes longer, so arrive at the airport earlier than usual.

Does a REAL ID get me through security faster?

No. REAL ID does not affect how quickly you move through the security line. The TSA treats a REAL ID the same as a standard license for domestic flights.

Can I use my passport instead of a driver's license to fly?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights and is accepted at every airport. You do not need a driver's license if you have a passport.