What documents work instead of a Real ID

You can board a domestic flight without a Real ID by showing one of several other government-issued photo IDs at the airport security checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a passport, passport card, enhanced driver's license, military ID, or state ID marked as REAL ID-compliant — even if your regular driver's license is not.

A passport is the most straightforward option if you already have one. You do not need to be traveling internationally; a valid U.S. passport works for domestic flights just as it does for international travel. If you have a passport card (the wallet-sized version), that works too, though it is smaller and easier to misplace.

An enhanced driver's license is a state-issued ID that looks similar to a regular driver's license but has a star or other marking and costs extra to obtain. Not all states offer them, and they take several weeks to process, so this is useful mainly if you plan ahead. Military ID, including dependent ID cards, works at any TSA checkpoint. If your state has already issued you a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card — marked with a star in the upper right corner — that also works, even though you may not have realized it was compliant.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport or passport card is the easiest backup document and requires no additional process or wait time if you already have one.
  • An enhanced driver's license works but is only offered in some states and takes several weeks to obtain, so it is not a quick solution.
  • Military ID and state REAL ID-compliant licenses both work at security checkpoints, so check whether your current ID already has the required star marking.
  • TSA accepts these documents at the checkpoint; you do not need to notify the airline in advance or take any special steps when booking.

Using a passport for domestic flights

A passport is the simplest document to use because it is already designed for travel and requires no additional steps at the airport. Hand it to the TSA officer at the checkpoint along with your boarding pass, just as you would a Real ID. The officer will verify your identity and let you through to screening.

If you do not have a passport yet, you can obtain one through your county clerk's office, a passport acceptance facility, or a passport agency. Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service (available through some facilities) takes one to two weeks. You will need to provide a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed passport process form. The cost is roughly $130 for a passport book, though fees vary slightly by location.

A passport card is valid for domestic flights and costs less than a full passport book, but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not air travel to those destinations. For domestic flights only, it works fine. The card is smaller and fits in a wallet, which some travelers prefer, though the smaller size makes it easier to lose.

Getting an enhanced driver's license if your state offers it

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued ID that meets Real ID standards and includes additional security features. It is marked with a star or other symbol and costs extra — typically $20 to $50 more than a regular license renewal. Not all states issue them; currently, about 17 states and territories offer enhanced licenses, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, though this list changes.

To obtain one, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm they offer enhanced licenses, then visit a local DMV office in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address. Processing time is typically four to eight weeks, so this is not a quick option if you have a flight coming up soon.

An enhanced license is most useful if you travel by air regularly and want to avoid carrying a passport. However, if you only fly occasionally or have a trip planned in the next month, a passport is faster to obtain.

Military ID and dependent ID cards

If you are active duty, retired military, or a military dependent with a valid military ID, you can use that ID at any TSA checkpoint for domestic flights. No additional documentation or advance notice is needed — present your military ID and boarding pass at security, and you will be processed like any other traveler.

Military dependent ID cards are issued to spouses and children of active duty and retired service members. If you have one, check the expiration date before your flight; expired military IDs are not accepted. If your card has expired, you will need to renew it through your military ID office or DEERS (Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System) before you can use it for travel.

Checking whether your current state ID is already Real ID-compliant

Many states have already issued Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards without requiring residents to take any action. If your state ID has a star symbol in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant and works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights — you do not need to do anything else.

To check your state's Real ID status, visit the TSA website, which lists which states have been granted extensions and which have completed the transition. Your state's DMV website will also show you whether your current ID is compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID has the star, look at the upper right corner of the card; the star is small but visible on compliant IDs.

If your state has not yet issued you a compliant ID and you do not have a passport or military ID, you have two options: obtain a passport (fastest), or explore for an enhanced license if your state offers one (slower but good for future travel).

What to do at the airport security checkpoint

When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the TSA checkpoint with your boarding pass and your chosen ID document. Hand both to the TSA officer. They will scan your boarding pass and examine your ID to confirm your identity. The process is identical to what happens with a Real ID — there is no special line or additional screening required.

TSA does not need advance notice that you are using an alternative document. You do not need to call the airline, add a note to your reservation, or take any steps when booking your flight. straightforward show up with your ID and boarding pass.

If your ID is expired, TSA will not accept it, even if it is otherwise compliant. Check the expiration date on your document before you leave for the airport. If you discover your ID is expired after you arrive, you may be able to use a secondary form of identification — TSA has a process for this, but it is time-consuming and may cause you to miss your flight, so verification before departure is essential.

Traveling internationally without a Real ID

If you are flying internationally, a Real ID is not required; instead, you must have a valid passport. A passport is the only document TSA accepts for international flights, regardless of whether it is a Real ID state. This actually makes international travel simpler in one way — you do not have to worry about Real ID compliance at all, only that your passport is valid and not expiring within six months of your travel date.

If you do not have a passport and need one for international travel, the timeline is longer than for domestic flights. Routine passport processing takes several weeks; expedited service takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you have an international trip scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport at the airport?

No. TSA requires a valid, unexpired photo ID. An expired passport will not work, even if it was valid when you booked your flight. Check the expiration date before you leave home. If your passport has expired and your flight is coming up, you may be able to renew it through expedited service, though this depends on how soon your flight is and your state's processing times.

Do I need to tell the airline I am not using a Real ID?

No. The airline does not need to know which ID you are using. TSA checks your ID at the security checkpoint, not the airline. straightforward show up with your boarding pass and your chosen document.

What if I lose my passport before my flight?

Contact your nearest passport agency or acceptance facility when ready. If you have a flight within a few days, call ahead to ask about emergency or expedited replacement. You may also be able to use military ID, an enhanced license, or a state REAL ID-compliant license if you have one of those as a backup.

Can I use a state ID that is not Real ID-compliant?

Not for domestic flights after the Real ID important date. However, the important date has been extended multiple times. Check the TSA website to confirm the current important date for your state. If your state is still in an extension period, a non-compliant ID may still work; if not, you will need one of the alternative documents listed above.

Is an enhanced driver's license worth getting if I only fly once a year?

Probably not. The wait time (four to eight weeks) and extra cost make it less practical than straightforward obtaining a passport, which you can use for any type of travel. A passport is more versatile and useful for occasional flyers.