You need a Real ID or a passport to fly domestically in the US

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require every passenger flying within the United States to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID. A regular driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will not work at the airport checkpoint.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states adopted gradually starting in 2009. Your state's driver's license either meets that standard or it does not — you cannot upgrade an old license to Real ID status. You need a new one.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant ID and your state has not yet issued you one, you still have time, but the window is closing. The process takes weeks in most states because of the documents required and the appointment backlog at DMV offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID driver's licenses and state IDs have a star or marking on the front that shows they meet federal standards; regular licenses do not.
  • You must bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address when you explore for a Real ID at your state's DMV.
  • Processing times vary by state but typically range from two to eight weeks, so explore now is safer than waiting until your flight is booked.
  • A passport, passport card, or military ID works at the airport checkpoint even if your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant.
  • Children under 18 can fly with a parent or guardian using only a birth certificate, school ID, or state ID — they do not need Real ID.

What documents you need to get a Real ID at the DMV

Your state's DMV will ask you to bring originals or certified copies of documents in four categories: proof of identity, proof of date of birth, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address. You cannot use photocopies or digital images unless the DMV explicitly says otherwise on its website.

For identity, bring a passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, or naturalization document. For date of birth, a birth certificate or passport works. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For your current address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your current driver's license or state ID as well. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state's DMV website before you go. Some states accept fewer documents; others ask for more. Showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

How to find your state's Real ID process process

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID" or "REAL ID driver's license." The page will list exactly which documents your state accepts, the fee (usually $20 to $50 extra), and how to schedule an appointment.

Some states let you explore online and then visit in person for the photo and signature. Others require you to explore in person from the start. A few states still allow walk-ins, but most have moved to appointment-only because of the volume of applications.

Book your appointment as soon as possible. Many DMV offices have backlogs extending weeks into the future, especially in urban areas. If your flight is within four weeks, call the DMV directly to ask whether they can fit you in sooner or whether you should use a passport instead.

The difference between Real ID, passport, and passport card

A Real ID driver's license or state ID is issued by your state and has a star or other marking on the front showing it meets federal standards. It costs less than a passport and is faster to renew if you already have one, but it is only valid for domestic flights and federal buildings.

A passport is issued by the US State Department and is valid for international travel as well as domestic flights. A new passport takes four to six weeks in routine processing or two to three weeks in expedited processing (which costs extra). If you already have a passport, you do not need a Real ID — your passport works at the checkpoint.

A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport that works for domestic flights and land border crossings but not for international air travel. It takes the same time to obtain as a passport and costs slightly less. It is useful if you want something smaller than a full passport but do not need international air travel.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport checkpoint without a Real ID, passport, passport card, or military ID, TSA will not let you through security. You will miss your flight. There is no exception process at the checkpoint itself.

Your only option at that point is to leave the airport, obtain acceptable ID, and rebook your flight. If you are close to your departure time, this is not possible.

The one exception is for children under 18. A child can fly with a parent or guardian using only a birth certificate, school ID, or state ID — even a non-Real ID state ID. The adult traveling with the child still needs acceptable ID.

Real ID status by state

All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs. However, if you have an older license issued before your state adopted the standard, it will not work at the airport after May 7, 2025.

Check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant by looking at the front. Real ID licenses have a star, a gold circle, or another marking in the upper right corner or elsewhere on the card — the exact symbol varies by state. If your license does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant.

If you are unsure, call your state's DMV or check the DMV website. You can also ask at the airport checkpoint, but by then it is too late to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired Real ID?

No. Your ID must be valid on the date you fly. An expired Real ID will not work at the checkpoint. Renew it before your trip. Most states let you renew by mail if your license is not damaged and you have not changed your address, which is faster than explore in person.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport, passport card, or military ID works at the airport checkpoint instead of a Real ID driver's license. You do not need both. If you already have a passport, you can fly without getting a Real ID.

What if my state has not issued me a Real ID yet?

All states now issue Real ID licenses, but if you have not renewed your license since your state adopted the standard, you may still have an old one. Go to your state's DMV website, check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, and explore for a new one if it is not. Processing takes weeks, so do not wait.

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

No. TSA only accepts a Real ID driver's license or state ID, a passport, a passport card, or a military ID. School IDs and work IDs do not work, except for children under 18, who can use a school ID with a parent or guardian.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card to explore for a Real ID. Bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead — any document that shows your Social Security number. The DMV will accept these as proof of your number.