You can still travel and access federal buildings without a Real ID

If you don't have a Real ID—a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards—you have other ways to travel by air and enter federal facilities. You are not locked out of these activities; you straightforward use a different form of identification at the airport or building entrance.

The federal government requires Real ID for domestic flights and entry to find federal buildings starting in 2025, but this requirement has a built-in alternative. You can board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse, military base, or nuclear facility with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. The process is the same—you show your ID at security—but you use one of these documents rather than a Real ID driver's license.

The choice between getting a Real ID and using an alternative form of identification depends on your travel habits, how often you visit federal buildings, and whether you already have a passport or military ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will get you through airport security and into federal buildings without a Real ID.
  • Real ID enforcement for domestic flights began in May 2025, so if you fly domestically, you need either a Real ID or one of the alternative documents listed above.
  • Getting a passport takes four to six weeks for routine service or one to two weeks for expedited service, and costs between $130 and $190 depending on the type.
  • If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID unless your state requires it for other reasons, such as voting or driving.
  • Real ID is a state-issued document, so requirements and processing times vary by state.

What counts as acceptable ID at the airport instead of Real ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts five types of identification for domestic air travel: a Real ID driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you don't have a Real ID, any of the other four will work.

A U.S. passport is the most common alternative. It is issued by the U.S. Department of State and works at any airport in the country. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport—it costs $130 instead of $165—but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, not for air travel. For air travel, you need the full passport book.

A military ID (also called a military dependent ID or military retiree card) works at the airport if you are active duty, retired, a dependent, or a veteran with a VA health identification card. A tribal ID works if it is issued by a tribe that is federally recognized by the U.S. Department of Interior.

How to get a passport if you don't have one

To get a U.S. passport, you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. These are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. You will need a completed passport process form (DS-11 for a new passport), a government-issued photo ID (such as your current driver's license), proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), and a passport photo.

Passport photos must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white background and your face clearly visible. You can get a passport photo taken at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) or at the passport acceptance facility itself for a small fee, usually between $10 and $20.

Routine passport processing takes four to six weeks. If you need your passport sooner, you can request expedited service for an additional fee—expedited processing takes one to two weeks. You can also request a passport in person at a passport agency in certain cities if you need it within two weeks and are willing to pay a rush fee.

The cost of a new passport book is $165 for adults (age 16 and older). If you are under 16, the cost is $135. Expedited service adds $60. A passport card costs $35 for adults and $20 for minors, but remember that a passport card does not work for air travel.

Entering federal buildings without a Real ID

Federal buildings include courthouses, Social Security offices, federal office buildings, military bases, and nuclear facilities. The security requirements vary slightly by building, but all of them accept the same alternative IDs that airports do: a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID.

When you arrive at a federal building, you will go through a security checkpoint similar to airport security. You will show your ID, pass through a metal detector, and may have your bag searched. The process is the same whether you have a Real ID or an alternative form of identification—the only difference is which document you hand to the security officer.

If you visit federal buildings regularly for work or court appearances, having a passport on hand is practical. If you rarely visit federal buildings, you may not need to obtain any new ID at all—you can straightforward use your current driver's license if the building does not require Real ID yet, or bring a passport if it does.

When you might still need a Real ID even without flying

Real ID is required for domestic air travel and federal building access, but some states have added their own requirements. A few states require Real ID for voting, entering state government buildings, or accessing certain state services. Check your state's DMV website to see if Real ID is required for anything other than federal purposes.

If your state does not require Real ID for state-level activities, and you do not fly domestically or visit federal buildings, you do not need to get one. Your current driver's license will continue to work for driving, voting, and everyday identification.

If you do decide to get a Real ID, the process is similar to renewing your driver's license. You go to your state's DMV office, bring documents that prove your identity and residency (such as a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, and lease), and pay a fee. The fee and processing time vary by state—some states charge $20 to $50 and process Real IDs in a few days, while others charge more and take several weeks.

What to do if you cannot get a passport or Real ID

If you are unable to obtain a passport or Real ID due to cost, documentation issues, or other barriers, you have limited options for air travel. The TSA does not have a waiver program for people without acceptable ID—you must have one of the five approved forms of identification to board a domestic flight.

If you lack a birth certificate or other citizenship documents needed for a passport, you can contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a copy. This process can take several weeks and may cost $10 to $30. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a naturalization certificate, you can contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request your naturalization records.

If cost is the barrier, some states offer fee waivers or reductions for Real ID based on income. Contact your state's DMV to ask about this. For passports, the State Department does not offer fee waivers, but some nonprofits and community organizations offer information with passport costs—search online for "passport information" plus your city or county name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for a domestic flight?

No. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For domestic air travel, you need a full passport book, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a Real ID driver's license.

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport?

No. If you have a passport, you do not need a Real ID for air travel or federal building access. You only need a Real ID if your state requires it for other reasons, such as voting or state government services—check your state's DMV website to be sure.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine passport processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes one to two weeks and costs an extra $60. If you need a passport within two weeks, you can explore in person at a passport agency in select cities for an additional rush fee.

What if I lost my birth certificate and can't get a passport?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a copy. This usually takes two to four weeks and costs $10 to $30. Once you have the birth certificate, you can explore for a passport.

Will my old driver's license work at the airport after 2025?

No. Starting in May 2025, the TSA requires a Real ID driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID for domestic flights. A standard driver's license without Real ID will not work. You will need to bring one of the four acceptable forms of identification.