You need a Real ID or an acceptable alternative to fly domestically

The short answer: yes, you need an ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. A standard driver's license issued before May 7, 2025 will not work on its own. You must carry either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or one of several other documents the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts at the checkpoint.

The Real ID requirement has been in effect since May 2023. If your driver's license does not have a gold or black star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still fly with a non-compliant license if you bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. The TSA does not care which document you use — only that you bring one from their approved list.

International flights have always required a passport. Domestic flights did not, until the federal government began enforcing Real ID. The change affects only flights within the United States; it does not affect driving a car or entering a federal building, though those rules exist separately.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard driver's license without a Real ID star will not work for domestic flights as of May 7, 2025, but a passport, military ID, or passport card will.
  • Real ID is a security standard, not a new document — you get it by renewing your driver's license at your state's DMV and bringing documents that prove your identity and address.
  • Getting a Real ID takes two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • You do not need Real ID for international flights if you have a passport, and a passport is the only ID that works for both domestic and international travel.

What documents the TSA accepts at the checkpoint

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most common. You can also use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID (active duty or retired), a REAL ID-compliant state ID card, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Each of these is acceptable on its own.

If you do not have any of these, you can still board a domestic flight, but you will go through additional screening at the checkpoint. The TSA calls this "secondary verification." You will be asked more questions about your identity and travel plans, and the process takes longer. This is not a ban — it is an extra step. Bring whatever ID you have, even if it is not on the approved list.

International flights are different. You must have a passport or passport card. No other document works. If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by air, you need a passport. A Real ID driver's license alone will not get you through international departure.

How to get a Real ID driver's license

You get a Real ID by renewing your driver's license at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot upgrade an existing license — you must renew it. When you renew, you will need to bring documents that prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address.

For identity, bring a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. For your Social Security number, bring a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For your address, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The exact documents vary by state, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

Most states let you renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. In-person renewal usually takes 15 minutes to an hour. By mail, it takes two to eight weeks depending on your state's processing time. Some states charge extra for Real ID — usually $10 to $30 — on top of the regular renewal fee. Check your state's website for the exact cost.

Timeline: when you need Real ID and what to do now

Real ID enforcement began on May 7, 2023, for passengers age 18 and older. If you have a non-compliant driver's license and you fly domestically, you will be turned away at the checkpoint starting May 7, 2025. That important date applies only to domestic flights. International flights have always required a passport.

If your driver's license has a gold or black star, you already have Real ID and you do not need to do anything. If it does not have a star, you have two options: renew your license to get Real ID, or bring a passport or other approved document when you fly. A passport works for both domestic and international flights, so it is the single document that covers all travel.

If you plan to fly domestically in the next few months, check whether your license has the star. If it does not and you do not have a passport, start the renewal process now. Renewal takes two to eight weeks, and you do not want to be caught without an acceptable ID the day before your flight.

Passport as an alternative to Real ID

A U.S. passport works for any flight — domestic or international. If you travel internationally at all, a passport is the simpler choice than getting Real ID. You do not have to renew your driver's license, and you have one document that works everywhere.

A passport takes four to six weeks to get if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (post office, courthouse, or library). Expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs extra. A passport card, which is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, also works for flights and takes the same amount of time.

The cost is higher than Real ID renewal — a passport book costs around $130 for an adult, and a passport card costs around $35 — but you get a document that works for international travel without needing a separate Real ID license. If you travel internationally even once every five to ten years, a passport pays for itself in convenience.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without Real ID or an acceptable alternative, you will not be automatically turned away. Instead, TSA officers will ask you additional questions to verify your identity. They may ask where you were born, what your address is, details about your travel plans, or other personal information. This secondary verification process takes longer than a normal checkpoint — sometimes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will still be allowed to board your flight if you can answer the questions to the officer's satisfaction. The TSA's goal is to verify that you are who you say you are, not to prevent you from flying. However, arriving without ID means arriving early. If you are cutting it close to your departure time, missing your flight is a real risk.

Minors under 18 do not need ID to fly domestically. They can board with just a boarding pass. This rule has not changed and does not depend on Real ID.

Real ID for people without a standard address

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can still get Real ID. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity and Social Security number, as usual. For your address, bring a document that shows where you receive mail — this might be a shelter address, a PO box, a friend's address where you receive mail, or a social services agency address. Some states accept a letter from a shelter or social services agency confirming your residence.

Call your state DMV before you go to ask what address documents they accept. Rules vary by state, and staff can tell you exactly what to bring. If you do not have a birth certificate, ask whether your state accepts other identity documents like a passport or tribal ID instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID?

An expired Real ID-compliant license still works for domestic flights. The TSA accepts expired IDs as long as they are Real ID-compliant. However, if your license is expired, you should renew it anyway for other purposes like driving. An expired non-compliant license does not work — you would need a passport or other approved document.

Do I need Real ID if I only fly internationally?

No. International flights require a passport, not Real ID. If you only fly internationally, you do not need to get Real ID. A passport is the only document you need, and it works for both domestic and international travel.

What if I lost my passport or Real ID before my flight?

Contact your state DMV or the State Department when ready. For a lost Real ID, you may be able to get an emergency replacement or temporary document. For a lost passport, the State Department has an expedited replacement process. Call ahead — do not wait until the day before your flight. You may also be able to fly with secondary verification if you cannot replace your ID in time.

Does a REAL ID work for cruises or train travel?

Real ID works for domestic flights only. Cruises and train travel have their own rules. Most cruises accept a passport or passport card. Amtrak accepts a wide range of IDs including a standard driver's license. Check with your cruise line or train operator for their specific requirements.

Can I get Real ID online or by mail without going to the DMV?

Most states require you to renew in person at least once, though some states now allow online renewal for certain situations. Check your state DMV's website to see whether you can renew by mail or online. If your state requires in-person renewal, you must visit a DMV office.