Real ID is required for domestic flights as of May 2025

Yes. As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative form of identification. This applies to every domestic flight in the United States, regardless of distance or airline.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or other marking in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this marking and was issued before your state began issuing Real ID cards, it will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights.

You do not need Real ID for international flights — those require a passport or passport card instead. But for any flight within the United States, the TSA will ask for identification at security, and a non-compliant driver's license will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID-compliant licenses have a star symbol in the upper right corner and are required for all domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
  • If your driver's license does not have the star and was issued before your state switched to Real ID, you will need to renew it or bring an alternative ID to the airport.
  • A passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID are acceptable alternatives to Real ID for domestic flights.
  • You can check your state's Real ID status and renewal process on the TSA website or your state's DMV website.

What counts as an acceptable ID at security

The TSA accepts several forms of identification for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common. You can also use a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or federally recognized tribal ID. Enhanced driver's licenses issued by some states also meet the standard.

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. This process takes longer and may include questions about your identity and travel plans. The TSA recommends bringing a Real ID or other accepted ID to avoid the delay.

How to get a Real ID-compliant license

You must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person. You cannot renew a Real ID license online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

Processing times vary by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. Check your state's DMV website for the exact documents required and current wait times. Many states now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce time at the office.

The cost of a Real ID license is the same as a standard driver's license renewal in most states, though a few charge a small additional fee. If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to do anything — it will remain valid as long as it has not expired.

What happens if you arrive at the airport without Real ID

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID star and you do not have another accepted form of ID, the TSA will not turn you away. Instead, you will be directed to secondary screening. A TSA officer will ask you questions to verify your identity, such as your name, address, date of birth, and the reason for your travel.

Secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time, depending on how busy the checkpoint is. You will still be able to board your flight if the officer confirms your identity. However, the TSA recommends arriving at the airport earlier than usual if you do not have Real ID, to account for the extra time.

Real ID requirements by state

All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, though the timeline for when they began varies. Some states started issuing Real ID licenses in 2009; others did not begin until 2017 or later. If you renewed your license before your state switched to Real ID, your current license may not be compliant.

The easiest way to check is to look at your driver's license. If it has a star in the upper right corner, it is Real ID-compliant. If it does not have a star and you are unsure when you renewed it, visit the TSA website and select your state. The TSA website lists which states issue Real ID and provides a link to each state's DMV.

Some states issue Real ID licenses automatically when you renew; others require you to request it. A few states still issue non-compliant licenses by default, so you may need to specifically ask for a Real ID license when you renew. Check your state's DMV website before your appointment to confirm what you need to do.

Alternatives if you cannot get Real ID in time

If your flight is coming up and you do not have time to renew your license, bring a passport or passport card instead. These are accepted at all TSA checkpoints and do not require a trip to the DMV. If you do not have a passport, a military ID or tribal ID will also work.

If you have none of these documents, you can still fly, but you will go through secondary screening. Bring any government-issued photo ID you have, even if it is expired, along with additional documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or recent utility bill. The TSA officer will use these to verify who you are before you board.

Real ID for minors and special circumstances

Children under 18 do not need to show an ID at the TSA checkpoint if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have acceptable identification. However, if a minor is traveling alone or with another minor, they will need to show an ID at security.

If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting the DMV in person, some states offer accommodations. Contact your state's DMV to ask about mobile services, mail-in options for renewals, or other accommodations. The TSA also has procedures for passengers with disabilities at security checkpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Real ID license to fly?

No. Your Real ID license must be valid (not expired) to use it at the TSA checkpoint. If your Real ID license has expired, you will need to renew it at the DMV before your flight, or bring a different accepted form of ID such as a passport.

Do I need Real ID for connecting flights?

Yes. You will go through security at your first airport with a Real ID or accepted alternative. If you have a connecting flight, you will not go through security again unless you leave the find area of the airport.

What if my state has not issued me a Real ID yet?

All states now issue Real ID licenses. If you have not received one, it means you have not renewed your license since your state began issuing them. Visit your state's DMV website to find out when your state started issuing Real ID and what documents you need to renew.

Can I use a real ID from another state?

Yes. A Real ID-compliant license from any state is accepted at TSA checkpoints. The star marking looks the same on all state licenses and means the same thing — that the license meets federal security standards.

Is Real ID the same as a REAL ID card?

Real ID is the federal standard. A REAL ID card is a specific product offered by some states as an alternative to a driver's license. Both meet the federal requirement for domestic air travel. Check your state's DMV to see which option is available to you.