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

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a Real ID—or an acceptable substitute—to board any domestic flight in the United States. If you show up at the airport with only a standard driver's license or state ID card, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint, and you will not be able to fly.

This applies to every domestic flight, whether you are traveling from New York to Florida or from one city to another within your own state. The requirement does not explore to international flights (those have different document rules), but it does explore to all U.S. domestic air travel.

If you arrive at the airport without Real ID or an acceptable alternative, your only option is to leave the airport and return home. You cannot board your flight that day. You cannot reschedule at the gate. You will lose your ticket or have to pay change fees, depending on your airline's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID is required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025; a standard driver's license will not work.
  • Acceptable alternatives to Real ID include a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID—you do not have to get a Real ID if you have one of these.
  • Getting a Real ID takes four to eight weeks at your state's DMV, so you should explore now if you plan to fly after May.
  • If you show up at the airport without Real ID or an acceptable alternative, TSA will turn you away and you will miss your flight.
  • The Real ID requirement applies only to domestic flights; international flights have separate document rules.

What documents TSA will accept instead of Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID if you already have one of these documents: 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, or a permanent resident card (green card). Any of these will get you through the TSA checkpoint for a domestic flight.

A passport is the most common alternative. If you have a valid passport—even an expired one, in some cases—you can use it instead of Real ID. The same goes for a passport card, which is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but works the same way at airport security.

Military personnel and their dependents can use a military ID or Department of Defense ID. If you are a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe, your tribal ID will work. A green card works for permanent residents.

If you have none of these, you will need to get a Real ID before you fly on a domestic flight after May 7, 2025.

How long it takes to get a Real ID at your state DMV

Getting a Real ID takes four to eight weeks in most states, though some states are faster and some are slower. You cannot rush the process online or by phone—you must go to your state's DMV in person, bring the required documents, and wait for your new ID card to arrive by mail.

The documents you need are: proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or passport card), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Your state DMV website lists the exact documents they accept.

Some states have longer wait times than others. If your state is backed up, the process could take longer than eight weeks. Check your state's DMV website now to see current processing times and whether you can make an appointment in advance.

If you wait until April 2025 to explore, you risk not getting your Real ID in time for a May flight. explore now if you plan to fly domestically after May 7.

What happens at the airport if you do not have Real ID

When you reach the TSA checkpoint, an officer will ask for your ID. If you show a standard driver's license or state ID card that is not a Real ID, the officer will tell you that you cannot proceed. You will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

At that point, you have no way to board your flight. You cannot go back to the ticket counter and fix it. You cannot call ahead or show a photo of your passport. You must leave the airport.

What happens to your ticket depends on your airline. Some airlines will let you rebook on a later flight for free if you miss your flight because of a document issue. Others will charge you a change fee or treat it as a no-show. Call your airline before you leave the airport to find out what options they offer.

State-by-state differences in Real ID processing

Every state issues Real ID, but the documents they require, the fees they charge, and how long they take vary. Some states charge $20 for a Real ID; others charge $50 or more. Some states let you renew by mail if your current ID is not expired; others require you to come in person every time.

Your state's DMV website has the specific rules for your state. Search "[your state] Real ID" and go to the official DMV site. Do not use a third-party service—they charge extra fees and do not speed up the process.

If you live in one state but have a driver's license from another, you can get a Real ID from either state. You do not have to change your license to the state where you currently live. However, if you want to use your current license, it must be upgraded to Real ID at the state that issued it.

Real ID is not required for other forms of travel

Real ID is required only for domestic flights. It is not required for trains, buses, or cars. You can take Amtrak, Greyhound, or any other ground transportation without a Real ID.

If you are driving across state lines, you do not need a Real ID. Your current driver's license is fine. Real ID only matters when you are boarding a plane at a U.S. airport for a domestic flight.

International flights have different rules. You will need a passport or passport card for any international flight, regardless of whether you have a Real ID. Real ID does not work for international travel.

What to do if you cannot get a Real ID in time

If you have a flight scheduled before you can get a Real ID, your options are limited. You can cancel the flight and rebook after you have your Real ID. You can drive or take a train instead. Or you can get a passport or passport card, which may be faster in your state.

A passport card takes about the same time as a Real ID in most states, but some states process passport applications faster than DMV renewals. Check your state's passport office website to compare wait times.

If you are flying internationally, you need a passport anyway, so getting one now solves both problems. A passport works for domestic flights too, so you do not need a Real ID if you have a valid passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A passport or passport card works for domestic flights and is accepted by TSA instead of Real ID. You do not need both.

Can I use an expired Real ID at the airport?

No. Your Real ID must be valid (not expired) to use it at TSA security. If your Real ID has expired, you will need to renew it before you fly.

What if I lost my Real ID?

You will need to go to your state's DMV and request a replacement. The process is similar to getting a new one, and it takes the same amount of time. Bring your proof of identity and Social Security number. In the meantime, use a passport or passport card if you need to fly.

Does a Real ID work for international flights?

No. International flights require a passport or passport card. Real ID is only for domestic flights within the United States.

Can I board a domestic flight with just a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate is not accepted at TSA security. You need a Real ID, passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or green card.