Real ID and Standard Driver's Licenses Work for Domestic Flights
You can fly domestically with a standard driver's license or a Real ID-compliant driver's license. Both are accepted at TSA checkpoints. The difference is that Real ID licenses have a star or marking in the upper right corner and meet federal security standards. If your driver's license does not have this marking, it still works for domestic flights — the Real ID requirement applies only to federal buildings and military bases, not to air travel within the United States.
A standard state-issued driver's license remains valid for domestic flights. You do not need to upgrade to Real ID to board a plane. The TSA accepts either one at the checkpoint.
Key Takeaways
- A regular driver's license works for domestic flights; you do not need Real ID to fly within the United States.
- A passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license also work at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
- For international flights, you must have a valid passport; a driver's license alone is not sufficient.
- The TSA accepts military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards for domestic flights.
- You must bring a physical ID document to the airport — digital IDs are not yet accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Passport and Passport Card for Any Flight
A U.S. passport or passport card works for both domestic and international flights. A passport card is smaller than a full passport and fits in a wallet, but it is valid for air travel. Both documents are issued by the U.S. State Department and are accepted at every TSA checkpoint.
If you are flying internationally, a passport is your primary form of ID. A driver's license alone will not get you through security or onto an international flight. Many people carry a passport for international travel and a driver's license for domestic flights.
Enhanced Driver's License and Military ID
An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is issued by certain states and meets federal security standards similar to Real ID. It has a star or marking and works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. Not all states offer enhanced licenses, so check with your state's DMV to see if you can obtain one.
Military ID — including active duty, reserve, National Guard, and retired military cards — is accepted at TSA checkpoints. Dependent ID cards issued to family members of military personnel are also valid. Veterans without current military ID will need a standard driver's license or passport.
Tribal ID, Permanent Resident Card, and Other Documents
The TSA accepts tribal identification issued by federally recognized Native American tribes. You must present the tribal ID along with an additional document such as a birth certificate or Social Security card. A permanent resident card (green card) is also accepted for domestic flights and works as your primary ID at the checkpoint.
Other documents accepted for domestic flights include a U.S. merchant mariner credential, a commercial driver's license, and a state ID card (not a driver's license). Each of these is issued by a state or federal agency and meets TSA standards.
What Happens If You Forget Your ID
If you arrive at the airport without any ID, TSA officers can still allow you to board a domestic flight, but the process takes longer. You will be asked additional security questions and may undergo extra screening. This is not may provide — the TSA officer has discretion. Arriving early and having ID with you avoids this delay.
For international flights, you cannot board without a valid passport. There is no exception. If you forget your passport, you will not be able to travel.
Digital ID and Mobile Credentials
Some states now offer digital driver's licenses through mobile apps, but the TSA does not yet accept them at checkpoints. You must bring a physical ID document. Check with your state's DMV to see if a digital license is available in your state, but plan to carry your physical license or passport when you fly.
The TSA has tested mobile ID technology and may accept it in the future, but as of now, a physical document is required. This may change, so check the TSA website closer to your travel date if you want the most current information.
ID Requirements by Flight Type
| Flight Type | Acceptable ID | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic (within U.S.) | Driver's license, Real ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, green card, enhanced license | Any one document is sufficient. Digital ID not yet accepted. |
| International | Passport or passport card | Required by law. Driver's license alone is not sufficient. |
| Domestic without ID | None (but TSA may allow boarding with extra screening) | Expect delays and additional questions. Not may provide. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired driver's license to fly?
No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. An expired license will not be accepted at the TSA checkpoint. If your license is expiring soon, renew it before your flight. You can renew at your state's DMV in person or online, depending on your state's rules.
Do I need a Real ID to fly domestically?
No. A standard driver's license works fine for domestic flights. Real ID is required only for entering federal buildings and military bases. The TSA accepts both standard and Real ID licenses at airport checkpoints.
Can I use a school ID or work ID to fly?
No. The TSA does not accept school IDs, work IDs, or other non-government-issued documents. You must use a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID.
What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket?
Your name on your ID must match your airline ticket exactly. If you recently changed your name, update your ID before flying. If there is a small discrepancy, bring documentation of the name change (such as a marriage certificate) and arrive early to explain it to the TSA officer.
Can I use my passport card instead of a full passport for international flights?
Yes. A passport card is valid for international air travel and works at TSA checkpoints. It is smaller and easier to carry than a full passport, though some countries may have their own entry requirements. Check the destination country's rules before you travel.