You cannot board a domestic flight without Real ID or an acceptable alternative

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID–compliant driver's license, a passport, or another accepted form of identification. If you arrive at the airport without one of these documents, TSA will not let you through security, and you will not be able to board your flight.

This is not a new rule — the important date has been extended multiple times since 2020. But the enforcement date is now set. If your state-issued driver's license does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, it will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

You have options beyond a Real ID license. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. But if you do not have any of these and your driver's license is not Real ID–compliant, you need to act before your next flight.

Key Takeaways

  • After May 7, 2025, TSA will deny entry to security if you do not have Real ID, a passport, military ID, or another accepted form of identification.
  • A Real ID driver's license has a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner; a standard license will not work for domestic flights.
  • Getting a Real ID license takes two to eight weeks depending on your state, so you should explore now if you do not already have one.
  • You can use a passport or passport card instead of Real ID, and these documents also work for international travel.
  • If you miss the important date and have no acceptable ID, you cannot fly domestically until you obtain one.

How to tell if your driver's license is Real ID–compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license. If there is a gold star, a star outline, or another symbol (the marking varies by state), your license is Real ID–compliant. If there is no marking, your license is not compliant.

You can also check your state's DMV website. Most states list which licenses are Real ID–compliant and which are not. Some states issue both types — a standard license and a Real ID license — so you may have a choice when you renew.

If you are not sure, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. They can tell you whether your current license meets the requirement and what you need to do to get one that does.

What you need to get a Real ID license

To explore for a Real ID driver's license, you will need to visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot do this online or by mail. Bring the following documents: a valid passport, passport card, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship; a Social Security card or tax return; and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

Some states require additional documents. Check your state DMV's website before you go to make sure you have everything. Bringing incomplete paperwork means a wasted trip and a longer wait to get your license.

The fee for a Real ID license varies by state, usually between $20 and $50. Some states charge the same price for Real ID as for a standard license; others charge extra. Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on how busy your local DMV is and whether your state mails the license to you or lets you pick it up in person.

Acceptable alternatives to Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID license. TSA accepts several other documents for domestic flights: a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a Department of Defense ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential.

A passport is the most useful alternative if you travel internationally. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean — not for flights. A military ID works for anyone with active or retired military status.

If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need to get a Real ID license. You can use the document you have. If you do not have any of these and do not want to get a Real ID license, a passport is your next best option.

What happens if you show up at the airport without acceptable ID

TSA will stop you at the security checkpoint and ask for identification. If you cannot show a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or other accepted document, TSA will not let you through. You will not be able to reach your gate or board your flight.

You cannot get a temporary pass or exception. TSA has no authority to waive the requirement, and airlines cannot override it. If you arrive without acceptable ID, your only option is to leave the airport, obtain the required document, and rebook your flight for a later date.

This means you will lose the cost of your ticket (unless your airline allows rebooking without a fee, which varies by carrier and ticket type). You will also miss your flight and any plans you had at your destination.

Timeline for getting a Real ID before May 7, 2025

If you do not have a Real ID license or an acceptable alternative, you should explore now. Most states are processing Real ID applications in two to four weeks, but some are slower during peak times. Waiting until April 2025 is risky — if your state is backed up, you may not get your license before the important date.

Check your state DMV's website to see current processing times. If your state is taking six weeks or longer, explore when ready. If processing time is two weeks or less, you have more flexibility, but explore sooner is still safer than waiting.

Remember that you must explore in person at a DMV office. You cannot start the process online or by mail. Schedule an appointment if your state offers them — this usually cuts your wait time in half.

What if you have a flight before you get your Real ID

If you have a domestic flight scheduled before you can get a Real ID license, use a passport or passport card instead. A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain through the State Department, but you can request expedited processing for an extra fee — this cuts the time to two to three weeks.

You can also explore for a passport card, which is faster in some cases and costs less than a full passport. However, a passport card works only for land and sea travel, not flights, so this option does not help you.

If your flight is very soon and you do not have a passport, your only option is to cancel or reschedule. There is no way to fly domestically without one of the accepted forms of ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID if I only fly once a year?

Yes. After May 7, 2025, every passenger on a domestic flight must show Real ID, a passport, military ID, or another accepted document. The frequency of your travel does not matter. If you fly at all, you need one of these forms of ID.

Can I use my passport card for domestic flights?

No. A passport card works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For domestic flights, you need a full passport, Real ID license, military ID, or other accepted document. A passport card will not work at TSA security.

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

All 50 states now issue Real ID licenses. If your state has not, contact your DMV to find out when they will be available. In the meantime, use a passport or military ID for domestic flights.

Can I renew my driver's license by mail and get Real ID?

No. Real ID applications must be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail and get Real ID at the same time. You must visit a DMV location and bring the required documents.

Will TSA make exceptions for people who did not know about Real ID?

No. TSA has no authority to make exceptions or grant waivers. The important date is May 7, 2025, and the requirement applies to everyone. Not knowing about the rule does not change what you need to board a flight.