Real ID is not required to fly domestically, but you will need an acceptable form of identification

You can board a domestic flight with a regular driver's license, passport, or several other forms of ID that do not meet Real ID standards. The federal government has not made Real ID mandatory for air travel. What matters is that your ID is current, matches your name on your ticket, and comes from an acceptable list.

The confusion comes from Real ID important date that have been extended multiple times. The Department of Homeland Security originally set a important date for Real ID compliance at airports, but that important date has been pushed back repeatedly and is currently set for May 7, 2025. Even after that date, you will still be able to fly with a passport or other non-Real ID documents — you just will not be able to use a standard driver's license that does not meet Real ID standards.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular driver's license works for domestic flights right now, and will continue to work until May 7, 2025, when TSA will stop accepting non-Real ID driver's licenses.
  • A passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will work for domestic flights indefinitely, regardless of Real ID status.
  • Real ID is a security standard that adds specific security features to a driver's license or state ID card, not a separate document you obtain.
  • After May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or another acceptable form of ID to fly domestically.
  • Getting a Real ID-compliant driver's license takes time — most states require an in-person visit and can take weeks to process.

What counts as acceptable ID for domestic flights right now

TSA accepts the following documents for domestic air travel without any Real ID requirement: a current U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, a U.S. Merchant Mariner card, an enhanced driver's license, or a regular driver's license issued by any state. You need only one of these, and it must not be expired.

The most common choice is a regular driver's license because most people already have one. If your license is expired, you cannot use it at the airport — TSA will turn you away. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a second document that shows both your old name and your new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

What Real ID actually is and why the important date matters

Real ID is not a new document. It is a security standard that certain driver's licenses and state ID cards meet. A Real ID-compliant license looks almost identical to a regular license, but it has a small star or other marking in the upper right corner, and the state that issued it followed stricter verification rules when you applied.

The important date of May 7, 2025, means that after that date, TSA will no longer accept a standard driver's license for domestic air travel — only a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or one of the other documents listed above. This does not mean you cannot fly; it means you will need to bring a different form of ID if your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant.

The important date has been extended multiple times since it was first announced in 2005. Congress has pushed it back because many people have not yet obtained a Real ID-compliant license, and states have had difficulty processing the volume of requests.

How to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to find out what documents you need to bring. Most states require proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). You must explore in person — you cannot do this by mail or online.

Bring originals or certified copies of these documents. A photocopy will not work. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate. Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to eight weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

The cost of a Real ID-compliant license is the same as a regular license in most states, though a few states charge a small additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost and whether you can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait times.

What to do if you cannot get Real ID before May 7, 2025

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license by May 7, 2025, bring your passport instead. A passport works for domestic flights indefinitely and requires no Real ID compliance. If you do not have a passport, you can obtain one through your county clerk's office or a passport acceptance facility. Standard processing takes about six to eight weeks, though expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need it sooner.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport and works for domestic flights, though it cannot be used for international travel by air. If you already have a passport, you do not need to do anything — it will continue to work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards also work indefinitely for domestic flights. If you hold one of these, you do not need to obtain Real ID or a passport.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing for the important date

Do not wait until May 2025 to explore for a Real ID-compliant license. Processing times are already long, and they will likely get longer as the important date approaches. explore now if you want to have your new license before the important date.

Do not assume your current license is Real ID-compliant just because it is new. Check for the small star in the upper right corner. If it is not there, your license does not meet the standard. Some states issue Real ID-compliant licenses automatically, while others issue regular licenses by default and require you to request the Real ID version.

Do not bring a photocopy of your documents to the DMV. Bring originals or certified copies. Do not assume your birth certificate is acceptable — some states require a certified copy from the vital records office, not the one you received at birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a passport card instead of getting Real ID?

Yes. A passport card works for domestic flights and requires no Real ID compliance. It is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, though it cannot be used for international air travel. If you already have a passport, you do not need to obtain Real ID.

What happens if I show up at the airport after May 7, 2025, with a non-Real ID driver's license?

TSA will not allow you to pass through security. You will need to bring a different form of ID, such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of these with you, you will not be able to board your flight.

Do I need Real ID to fly internationally?

No. For international flights, you need a passport or passport card, regardless of Real ID status. Real ID applies only to domestic air travel.

How do I know if my driver's license is already Real ID-compliant?

Look for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of your license. If it is there, your license is Real ID-compliant. If you are unsure, contact your state's DMV or check their website — most states have a page explaining what their Real ID-compliant licenses look like.

Can I renew my driver's license online and get Real ID at the same time?

Most states do not allow online renewal for Real ID. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring original documents. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether in-person renewal is required in your state.