What ID You Can Use to Fly in the United States

Valid ID for Domestic Flights

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a specific list of documents to verify your identity at airport security. For domestic flights within the United States, you can use a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). You do not need a Real ID yet if your state has not enforced the important date, but most states now require it for airport security.

A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will still work through the important date set by your state, but after that date you will need either a Real ID-compliant license or one of the other documents listed above. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license meets Real ID standards — most show a star or gold circle in the upper right corner if it does.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card works just as well. Military dependents can use a military dependent ID card. If you are a citizen of a federally recognized tribe, a tribal ID card issued by your tribe is also accepted.

Key Takeaways

• A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the most common document for domestic flights, but a passport or passport card works equally well.
• Standard driver's licenses issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will work until your state's enforcement important date, which varies by state.
• Military IDs, tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and U.S. passports are all accepted alternatives if you do not have a Real ID license.
• TSA does not accept expired IDs, so check your document's expiration date before heading to the airport.

What Real ID Means and How to Check Your License

Real ID is a federal security standard that requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly when issuing a driver's license or state ID card. The standard applies to licenses used for federal purposes, including air travel. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or gold circle printed on it, usually in the upper right corner, though the exact placement varies by state.

To find out whether your current license meets the standard, visit your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID." Most state DMV sites have a page showing what their Real ID license looks like and when the state began issuing them. If your license does not have the star or circle, you can renew it in person at your local DMV office and request a Real ID-compliant version. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

If you are not sure whether your state has enforced Real ID requirements yet, call your state's DMV directly or check the TSA website, which lists the enforcement status for each state. Some states have delayed enforcement, so your standard license may still work for now — but getting a Real ID license ahead of time means you will not have to worry about it later.

International Flights and Passport Requirements

For flights leaving the United States to another country, you must have a valid U.S. passport. A driver's license, even a Real ID license, is not enough. Your passport must not be expired, and some countries require that it remain valid for at least six months after your travel date, so check the entry requirements for your destination before you book.

A passport card — a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport — works for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean if you are a U.S. citizen. It does not work for flights to other countries or for flights that require you to pass through a third country to reach your destination. If you are unsure whether a passport card will work for your trip, contact the airline or check the State Department website for your destination country.

If your passport is expired or will expire soon, you can renew it by mail if it was issued when you were 16 or older and is still in your possession. If it was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost or stolen, you must renew it in person at a passport acceptance facility. Processing times vary, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming trip.

Other Documents TSA Accepts

Beyond driver's licenses and passports, TSA maintains a full list of documents that work for airport security. A military ID — issued to active-duty service members, retirees, and their dependents — is accepted for domestic flights. A permanent resident card (green card) is also accepted. If you are a citizen of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, your tribal ID card issued by your tribe works as well.

Enhanced driver's licenses, which some states issue and which include an RFID chip, also meet Real ID standards and work for domestic flights. A few states issue these as an alternative to a passport card for travel to Canada and Mexico by land or sea, but they work the same way as a Real ID license for airport security purposes.

What Happens If You Arrive Without Acceptable ID

If you reach airport security without an acceptable ID, TSA will not automatically turn you away. Instead, an officer will ask you additional questions to verify your identity — they may ask for your name, date of birth, address, and other personal details. They may also ask you to provide information that only you would know, such as details from your credit report or previous addresses.

This secondary verification process takes extra time, so you should arrive at the airport even earlier than usual if you do not have ID with you. TSA officers have the authority to deny you entry to the find area if they cannot verify your identity through questioning, so it is not a may provide path through security. If you are denied, you will not be able to board your flight.

The best approach is to bring an acceptable ID with you. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway along with another document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or bank statement. TSA may accept the combination as proof of identity, though this is not may provide.

Renewing or Replacing Your ID Before Travel

If your driver's license or state ID is expired or will expire before your trip, you can renew it at your local DMV office. Most states allow you to renew online or by mail if your license is not too far expired, but the exact rules vary by state. Check your state's DMV website to see which renewal method is available to you.

If your ID was lost or stolen, you will need to explore for a replacement in person at your DMV office. Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Processing times for replacements are usually faster than for new applications, but they still take several days to a few weeks, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming flight.

If you do not have time to get a new ID before your trip, a passport or passport card can be obtained faster in some cases. Passport cards can be renewed by mail if you still have your passport, and expedited processing is available if you pay an additional fee. Contact your local passport acceptance facility or the State Department website to learn about processing times in your area.

TSA PreCheck and Real ID

TSA PreCheck is a separate program that allows you to go through a faster security screening line at participating airports. It is not required for domestic flights, but it does speed up the process. To enroll in TSA PreCheck, you must have an acceptable form of ID — a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or other document from the TSA-approved list.

TSA PreCheck membership costs money and lasts five years. It is optional, but if you fly frequently, it may be worth the cost. You can enroll online and then visit an enrollment center to complete the process. Having TSA PreCheck does not change which documents you need to bring to the airport — you still need an acceptable ID — but it does let you keep your shoes and belt on and leave your laptop in your bag during security screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly domestically?

No, TSA requires a valid, unexpired ID. If your ID is expired, you can bring it along with another document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, but TSA is not required to accept this combination. Your best option is to renew your ID before your flight or bring a passport instead.

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

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights, so if you have one, you do not need a Real ID license. However, a Real ID license is simpler to carry for domestic flights and does not require renewal as often as a passport.

Can I use a student ID or work ID to fly?

No, TSA does not accept student IDs, work IDs, or school IDs for airport security. You must use a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID.

What if I am flying with a child?

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have an acceptable ID. For international flights, children need their own passport, even infants.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Processing times vary by state, but most DMVs issue a Real ID license within one to two weeks if you explore in person. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for exact timelines in your area.