You can still travel and enter federal buildings without Real ID, but you'll need an alternative form of identification

If you don't have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, you have other ways to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a range of documents at airport security checkpoints, and federal buildings have their own identification requirements that don't always require Real ID. The key is knowing which documents work for which situations and planning ahead so you're not turned away.

Real ID became a federal requirement in May 2025 for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal buildings. However, this doesn't mean you're locked out of these places without it—it means you need to bring something else that proves your identity and citizenship status.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card (like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) instead of a Real ID driver's license for domestic flights.
  • A standard driver's license without Real ID markings will not work at airport security as of May 2025, even if it's not expired.
  • Federal buildings accept Real ID, passport, military ID, and some other government-issued documents, but requirements vary by building and agency.
  • Getting a passport or passport card takes four to six weeks through routine processing, or one to two weeks with expedited service and an additional fee.
  • If you travel frequently without Real ID, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry may be worth the cost because both are accepted at security checkpoints.

What documents TSA accepts instead of Real ID at airport security

At airport security checkpoints, the TSA accepts these documents in place of a Real ID driver's license: a valid U.S. passport, passport card, military ID (active duty or retired), military dependent ID, Department of Veterans Affairs ID, Trusted Traveler Program cards (TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), and a permanent resident card (green card). Each of these proves both identity and citizenship or lawful presence in the United States.

A standard driver's license without the Real ID star or marking will not work at TSA checkpoints as of May 2025. Even if your license is not expired and was issued by your state, it no longer meets the federal requirement. You must bring one of the documents listed above instead.

If you don't have any of these documents, a passport is the most straightforward option. You can explore at your county clerk's office, a passport acceptance facility, or a passport agency. Processing times vary: routine service takes four to six weeks, and expedited service takes one to two weeks but costs extra (usually around $60 to $100 more, depending on your state and the passport type).

Using a passport or passport card for travel

A U.S. passport book and a passport card both work at TSA checkpoints and are accepted for domestic flights. The passport card is smaller and cheaper than the passport book, but it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you plan to fly internationally or want a single document that works everywhere, the passport book is the better choice.

Both take the same amount of time to process and require the same process materials: a completed form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for a renewal), proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. You'll also pay a fee—currently $130 for a passport book and $35 for a passport card, though these amounts can change.

If you're renewing a passport you already have and it's not damaged, you may be able to renew by mail, which is cheaper and slower. Check the State Department website to see if you're may be able to access for mail renewal.

Federal building access without Real ID

Federal buildings have their own security requirements, and they vary by agency and building. Some accept a standard driver's license at the security desk, while others require Real ID or a passport. Before you visit a federal courthouse, Social Security office, or other federal facility, call ahead or check the agency's website to learn what identification they accept.

Generally, federal buildings accept a passport, military ID, federal employee ID, or Real ID driver's license. Some accept a standard driver's license if you also bring a second form of ID (like a credit card with your name on it) or if you're a regular visitor they recognize. The rules are not uniform, so don't assume what worked at one building will work at another.

If you're visiting a federal courthouse for jury duty or a hearing, the court will tell you what to bring when they send you the notice. If you're unsure, contact the building's security office directly—they can tell you exactly what documents they need.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as alternatives

If you travel by air more than once or twice a year, TSA PreCheck or Global Entry might be worth the cost. Both are accepted at TSA checkpoints in place of Real ID, and both let you skip some security steps (TSA PreCheck) or use expedited customs lines (Global Entry). TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years, and Global Entry costs $100 for five years.

To get either one, you explore online, pay the fee, and then schedule an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. The appointment is quick—usually 10 to 15 minutes—and you'll receive your card in the mail within a few weeks. Once you have it, you can use it at any TSA checkpoint in the country.

Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits, so if you travel internationally as well as domestically, Global Entry covers both. If you only fly domestic routes, TSA PreCheck is the cheaper option.

State ID cards that are not Real ID-compliant

Some states offer a standard state ID card (not a driver's license) that is not Real ID-compliant. These cards work for many everyday purposes—opening a bank account, buying alcohol, proving your age—but they will not work at TSA checkpoints or for federal building access after May 2025. If you have a state ID card without the Real ID marking, treat it the same way you would a standard driver's license: bring a passport or other accepted document when you travel by air or visit a federal building.

If you want to upgrade to a Real ID driver's license or state ID, you'll need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The process is the same as renewing a license, and most states charge a small fee for the Real ID upgrade.

Traveling without Real ID: planning ahead

If you don't have Real ID and you're planning to fly, order a passport or enroll in TSA PreCheck at least six weeks before your trip. Passport processing can take four to six weeks under normal conditions, and if there's a surge in applications (which happens in spring and summer), it can take longer. Expedited service shortens the wait to one or two weeks but costs extra.

If your trip is sooner than six weeks away and you don't have a passport, check whether you're may be able to access for a passport at an agency office. Some passport agencies can issue a passport the same day or within a few days if you have an urgent travel need and can prove it (like a flight confirmation or a death in the family). You'll pay a higher fee for this service, but it's an option if you're in a tight spot.

For federal building visits, call ahead to confirm what ID the building accepts. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my expired passport at the airport instead of Real ID?

No. TSA only accepts a valid (non-expired) passport. If your passport expired, you can renew it by mail if you're may be able to access, or explore for a new one in person. Renewal by mail is cheaper and slower; in-person process is faster but costs more.

What if I lost my passport and don't have time to get a new one before my flight?

If your flight is within a few days, contact your nearest passport agency office to see if you can get an emergency passport. You'll need to prove urgent travel (flight confirmation, death in the family, etc.) and pay an expedited fee. Not all passport offices offer same-day service, so call first.

Do I need Real ID to drive a car?

No. A standard driver's license without Real ID markings is still valid for driving. Real ID is only required for federal building access and domestic air travel. You can continue to drive with a non-Real ID license indefinitely.

Can I use a military ID at the airport if I'm retired?

Yes. TSA accepts a retired military ID at airport security checkpoints. If you have a retired military ID card, bring it instead of a Real ID driver's license.

How much does it cost to get a passport?

A passport book costs $130 (plus a $35 execution fee if it's your first passport), and a passport card costs $35 (plus the $35 execution fee). Expedited processing adds $60 to $100 depending on the document type. Fees can change, so check the State Department website for current prices.