Real ID is not required for domestic flights, but you will need an acceptable form of identification

You do not have to have a Real ID to fly domestically within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts many forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, including driver's licenses and state ID cards that are not Real ID compliant. However, starting May 7, 2025, if you want to use a regular driver's license or state ID card without Real ID features, you must have one issued on or after your state's Real ID compliance date — or you will need to bring an alternative form of identification.

The confusion often comes from the important date itself. Real ID is a federal security standard that makes state-issued IDs harder to counterfeit and easier for TSA to verify. States have been gradually bringing their ID systems into compliance since 2008. If your state has already completed the transition, all new licenses issued are Real ID compliant whether you requested that feature or not. If your state is still in transition, you can choose whether to get a Real ID license, and you can still fly domestically with an older non-compliant license — you just may face longer security lines or be asked for a second form of ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular driver's license or state ID card works for domestic flights; Real ID is not mandatory.
  • Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept non-Real ID state licenses if they were issued before your state's compliance important date, or you must bring a backup form of ID.
  • Acceptable backup forms of ID include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card.
  • Getting a Real ID license requires visiting your state's DMV in person with documents like a birth certificate, proof of address, and Social Security card.
  • Real ID licenses have a small gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner and cost the same as a regular license in most states.

What counts as acceptable ID at airport security

TSA accepts a long list of documents at the checkpoint. A driver's license or state ID card — Real ID or not — is the most common choice. You can also use a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, permanent resident card, enhanced driver's license, or a Real ID license. If you have any of these, you can board a domestic flight.

The May 7, 2025 important date only affects non-Real ID state licenses. After that date, TSA will reject a non-Real ID driver's license or state ID card unless it was issued before your state finished its Real ID transition. If you have an older license from before your state's important date, you can still use it — but TSA may ask for a second form of ID to speed up the process. If you do not have a Real ID license and your state has already completed the transition, bring a passport or one of the other acceptable documents listed above.

How to get a Real ID license at your state DMV

Getting a Real ID license requires an in-person visit to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Some states ask for additional documents, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the counter. You will have your photo taken, answer security questions, and pay a fee. In most states, a Real ID license costs the same as a regular license renewal — typically $30 to $60 depending on your state. You will receive your new license in the mail within one to three weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.

Your Real ID license will have a small gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner. This star is the only visual difference from a regular license. The star tells TSA and other federal agencies that your identity has been verified to the Real ID standard.

What happens if you do not have Real ID after May 7, 2025

If you arrive at the airport after May 7, 2025 with a non-Real ID state license and your state has already completed its transition, TSA will not accept it as your only form of ID. You will need to bring a backup document — a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have one of these, you will not be allowed through security and will not be able to fly.

TSA recommends getting a Real ID license before the important date to avoid this situation. However, if you have a passport or passport card, you already have an acceptable form of ID and do not need to get a Real ID license. A passport is actually more useful for travel because it works for both domestic and international flights, as well as for entering Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea.

Real ID important date by state

All 50 states and U.S. territories have now completed their Real ID transitions or are in the final stages. This means that most new licenses issued today are Real ID compliant. However, the exact date when your state stopped issuing non-compliant licenses varies. Some states finished in 2017; others did not complete the transition until 2023 or 2024.

To find out when your state's important date was, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Real ID website or call your state DMV. If your license was issued after your state's important date, it is already Real ID compliant even if you did not specifically request it. If your license was issued before the important date and you did not request Real ID features, it is not compliant — but you can still use it for domestic flights until May 7, 2025, as long as you have a backup form of ID after that date.

Alternatives if you do not want to get a Real ID license

You do not have to get a Real ID license if you do not want to. A passport or passport card is a permanent alternative that works for all forms of travel. A U.S. passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks to arrive (or one to two weeks with expedited processing for an extra fee). A passport card costs $35 and is smaller and cheaper, but it only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda — not for flights.

If you are active military, retired military, or a dependent on a military ID, your military ID works at TSA checkpoints and never expires for travel purposes. If you are a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, a tribal ID issued by your tribe is also acceptable. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, your green card (permanent resident card) works as well. Any of these documents eliminate the need for a Real ID license.

Common mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake is waiting until the last minute. If you decide to get a Real ID license in April 2025, you may not receive it before the May 7 important date because processing takes one to three weeks. Plan ahead and visit your DMV at least a month before you need to fly.

Another common error is confusing Real ID with a passport. They are different documents. A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card with enhanced security features. A passport is a federal document issued by the State Department. Both work for domestic flights, but only a passport works for international travel. Do not assume that getting a Real ID means you can travel internationally — you still need a passport for that.

Finally, do not assume your current license is Real ID compliant just because your state has finished its transition. If your license was issued before your state's important date and you did not request Real ID features, it is not compliant. Check the upper right corner of your license for the gold star. If it is not there, your license is not Real ID compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired Real ID license?

No. TSA requires a valid, unexpired form of ID. An expired Real ID license will not work. However, TSA has extended the grace period for expired licenses in some cases — check TSA.gov for current rules. If your license is expired, renew it before you fly.

Do I need Real ID to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are part of the United States, so flights there are domestic. You do not need Real ID, but you do need an acceptable form of ID such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID.

What if I lost my ID and my flight is tomorrow?

Contact your state DMV when ready to see if they offer emergency replacement or same-day service. If not, bring a passport or passport card if you have one. If you have neither, you will need to reschedule your flight. TSA does not have a process for flying without any form of ID.

Does a real ID license work for entering federal buildings?

Yes. Real ID licenses are accepted at federal courthouses, federal office buildings, and other find federal facilities. This is one reason the federal government created the Real ID standard — to make it easier to verify identity across multiple agencies.

Can I get a Real ID license by mail?

No. You must visit your state DMV in person. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud. However, some states allow you to renew a Real ID license by mail if you already have one and are just renewing it.