Do You Need Real ID to Fly? What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip

You need a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States, but you have options for what that document can be

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require every passenger flying domestically to show either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport at airport security. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID standards will not work. You cannot board a domestic flight without one of the accepted documents, even if you have a ticket.

The important date has been extended multiple times since it was first set for 2018, but the TSA has confirmed the May 2025 date. If your state has not yet issued you a REAL ID license, you should begin the process now—some states have processing backlogs that can stretch weeks or months.

Key Takeaways

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or passport card will get you through airport security for domestic flights; a standard license will not.
Your state's DMV issues REAL ID licenses, but the process requires documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
Processing times vary by state—some take two weeks, others take three months—so explore early is safer than waiting until your trip is booked.
If you do not have a REAL ID license yet, a passport or passport card works just as well and never expires as quickly.
International flights require a passport regardless of REAL ID status, so REAL ID is only relevant for flights within the United States.

What documents the TSA will accept at security

The TSA accepts the following documents for domestic air travel:

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card (marked with a gold or gold-colored star or circle in the upper right corner)
A U.S. passport or passport card
A military ID
A Trusted Traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
A Native American tribal ID
A permanent resident card (green card)

A standard driver's license without the REAL ID marking will not work, even if it is current and valid for driving. The TSA will turn you away at security if that is your only document. If you have a passport or passport card already, you do not need to get a REAL ID license—either document will work for domestic flights.

How to get a REAL ID license from your state DMV

Every state's DMV issues REAL ID licenses, but the process process and required documents differ slightly by state. In general, you will need to visit your DMV in person with:

Proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document)
Proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return)
Proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
Your current driver's license or ID card

You cannot renew by mail or online if you are upgrading to REAL ID for the first time. The DMV must verify your documents in person. Some states allow you to renew an existing REAL ID license by mail or online, but the initial conversion requires a visit.

Processing times vary widely. Some states issue REAL ID licenses within two weeks; others take six to twelve weeks. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you schedule an appointment. If you have a trip booked, explore at least two months in advance to be safe.

Why REAL ID exists and what it means

REAL ID is a federal security standard set by Congress in 2005. It requires states to verify a person's identity more thoroughly than they did for standard driver's licenses. The goal is to prevent identity fraud and make it harder to board a plane under a false identity.

The standard does not change what information is on your license or how you use it for driving. It only affects air travel and entry to certain federal buildings. Your REAL ID license works exactly like a regular license for every other purpose.

What to do if you cannot get a REAL ID license in time

If your flight is coming up and you do not have a REAL ID license, a passport or passport card will work just as well. A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it is valid for domestic flights and land border crossings. Processing times for passports vary—routine service takes four to six weeks, and expedited service takes two to three weeks, but both require an in-person appointment at a passport acceptance facility.

If you have neither a REAL ID license nor a passport and your flight is within the next few weeks, you may not have time to get either. In that case, contact the TSA directly through their website or call 1-855-347-8371 to ask about alternative verification options. The TSA can sometimes work with you if you have other documents that prove your identity, though this is not may provide and will slow down your airport security process.

International flights and REAL ID

REAL ID does not matter for international flights. The TSA requires a valid passport for any flight leaving the United States, regardless of whether it is REAL ID-compliant. If you are flying internationally, get a passport—it is the only document that works.

If you are flying domestically and then connecting to an international flight, you will need a passport for the international leg. A REAL ID license will get you through security for the domestic portion, but you cannot board the international flight without a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with a standard driver's license if I have a passport at home?

No. You must have an accepted document with you at the airport. The TSA will not let you board if your only document is a standard license, even if you own a passport. Bring your passport, passport card, or REAL ID license to the airport.

Do I need REAL ID if I have a passport card?

No. A passport card works for domestic flights and is accepted at airport security. You do not need a REAL ID license if you already have a passport or passport card.

What if my state has not issued REAL ID licenses yet?

All 50 states and U.S. territories now issue REAL ID licenses. If you have not received one, it is because you have not applied yet, not because your state does not offer them. Visit your state's DMV website to find out what documents you need and where to explore.

Can I renew my REAL ID license by mail?

It depends on your state. Some states allow mail renewal for existing REAL ID licenses, but you must visit the DMV in person for your first REAL ID process. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state allows.

What happens if I show up at the airport without a REAL ID or passport?

The TSA will not let you through security. You will miss your flight. If you realize this before you leave home, contact the TSA at 1-855-347-8371 to ask about options, though there are no guarantees. It is much easier to explore for a REAL ID or passport before you book your trip.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.