Real ID and Standard ID: The Two Routes

You need one of two types of ID to board a domestic flight in the United States: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or a standard (non-compliant) ID paired with a secondary document. Real ID is the faster route—one card gets you through security. Standard ID requires you to bring a second form of identification, which takes longer at the checkpoint.

Real ID became the federal standard in 2020. It means your state ID or driver's license meets Department of Homeland Security security standards. You can spot a Real ID by a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card. If your ID does not have that marking, it is a standard ID.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts both routes equally—neither is "better" than the other. The difference is convenience at the checkpoint. Real ID holders move through one line; standard ID holders must show a second document.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card (marked with a star) is the simplest option and requires only one document at security.
  • A standard driver's license or state ID is still valid for domestic flights if you bring a second form of ID like a passport or birth certificate.
  • Passports, military IDs, and tribal IDs work for domestic flights and do not require a second document.
  • Getting a Real ID takes four to eight weeks depending on your state, so plan ahead if you want to avoid carrying two documents.
  • TSA PreCheck and Global Entry do not replace the need for ID—they speed up the screening process once you have shown your ID.

How to Get a Real ID

To upgrade to a Real ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you want Real ID status. You will need to bring original documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease).

Processing time varies by state. Some states issue Real ID cards in two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you go. The fee is usually the same as a standard ID renewal, though a few states charge slightly more.

If you already have a standard ID that is not expired, you do not have to upgrade when ready. You can keep using it for flights by bringing a second document. Upgrade only when your current ID is due for renewal, or if you want to avoid carrying multiple documents.

What Counts as a Second Document for Standard ID

If you are using a standard driver's license or state ID, the TSA accepts these as your second form of identification: a valid passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, a passport card, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. You can also use a birth certificate, though it must be an original or certified copy—a photocopy does not count.

Bring whichever second document you already have. A passport is the most common choice because it works for international travel too. A birth certificate is free if you already have one at home. Military ID and tribal ID are issued by their respective organizations and do not expire for travel purposes.

The TSA will check both documents at the checkpoint. The process takes a few extra minutes compared to Real ID, but you will still make your flight.

Passports, Military ID, and Tribal ID as Your Only Document

You do not need a second document if you carry a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. Any of these alone will get you through security. A passport card (the credit-card-sized version) also works on its own.

If you have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID. Your passport is already accepted everywhere a Real ID is accepted, and it works for international travel too. Military personnel and tribal members should carry their military or tribal ID when flying—it is faster than presenting a driver's license plus a second document.

A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain through the State Department if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. An expedited passport takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you are flying soon and do not have a passport, a Real ID upgrade or carrying a second document is faster.

What Does Not Work at Security

The TSA does not accept expired IDs, even if they expired recently. Your ID must be valid on the day you fly. A school ID, library card, or credit card does not count as a second document. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work—it must be an original or certified copy.

If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before your flight. If you do not have time for a full renewal, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Contact your state's DMV to ask about rush options.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are trusted traveler programs that speed up screening, but they do not replace your ID requirement. You still need to show a valid ID at the checkpoint—PreCheck just means you go through a faster line.

International Travel and Passport Requirements

For flights leaving the United States to another country, you need a valid U.S. passport. A driver's license, Real ID, or any state ID does not work for international flights, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico. A passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel—you need a full passport book for flights.

A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain. If you are flying internationally soon and do not have a passport, explore now. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra through the State Department.

What to Bring on the Day You Fly

Bring your ID and your boarding pass (digital or printed). If you are using a standard driver's license or state ID without the Real ID star, bring your second document too—your passport, military ID, tribal ID, or certified birth certificate.

Arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic flight. Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the TSA checkpoint. If you are unsure whether your ID is Real ID-compliant, look for the star in the upper right corner. If you do not see it, bring a second document.

If you lose your ID before your flight, contact your state's DMV when ready. Some states can issue a replacement the same day if you visit in person. If there is not enough time, you may be able to fly with a second document and a secondary form of identification like a credit card, though TSA has final say at the checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have a second document?

No. Both documents must be valid on the day you fly. An expired ID and an expired second document will not work. If your ID is expired, renew it before your flight. Contact your state's DMV about expedited renewal options if you are flying soon.

Does my passport card work for domestic flights?

Yes, a passport card works for domestic flights and you do not need a second document. However, a passport card does not work for international air travel—you need a full passport book for flights outside the United States.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport yet?

A birth certificate takes one to four weeks to order from your state's vital records office, depending on the state. A passport takes four to six weeks. If you are flying soon, get a Real ID upgrade using your Social Security card as proof of your number, or use a standard driver's license with a second document you already have, like a military ID or employment authorization document.

Do I need Real ID if I have TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck speeds up screening but does not replace your ID. You still need a valid ID—either a Real ID, a passport, a military ID, or a standard ID with a second document. PreCheck just means you go through a faster line once you have shown your ID.

Can I use a school ID or work ID at the airport?

A school ID or work ID does not count as a valid form of identification for TSA purposes. You need a government-issued ID like a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one of those, you cannot fly.