You can still travel and enter federal buildings without a Real ID
A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. If you don't have one, you have other options for domestic air travel and entering federal facilities — you just need to bring different documents instead.
The federal government does not require every American to carry a Real ID. You need one only if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires ID verification. If you drive locally, renew your license by mail, or don't travel by air, you may never need one.
The most straightforward path is to get a Real ID from your state's motor vehicles department, but that takes time and requires documents in person. If you have a important date coming up, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead — all are accepted at airport security and federal buildings nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- A passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will get you through airport security and into federal buildings without a Real ID.
- Getting a Real ID from your state requires an in-person visit with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Real ID important date have been extended multiple times; check your state's motor vehicles website to see the current requirement date.
- If you cannot get a Real ID before you need to fly, a passport is the fastest alternative and costs less than a Real ID in most states.
Documents that work instead of a Real ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several documents at airport security checkpoints in place of a Real ID. A U.S. passport is the most common alternative and works for both domestic and international flights. A passport card — a smaller, wallet-sized version — also works for domestic flights and is cheaper than a full passport. Both are issued by the U.S. State Department and take several weeks to arrive by mail.
A military ID issued by the Department of Defense works at airport security and federal buildings. If you are a current or retired service member, dependent, or veteran with an active military ID, you can use it without a Real ID. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is also accepted at TSA checkpoints and federal facilities.
If you have a passport or military ID on hand, you do not need to get a Real ID before your next flight. If you do not have any of these documents, a passport is usually the fastest option because you can request expedited processing at a passport acceptance facility.
How to get a Real ID from your state
Every state's motor vehicles department issues Real IDs, but the process and required documents vary slightly by state. Start by visiting your state's DMV website — search "[your state] DMV Real ID" — to see what you need to bring and whether you must make an appointment.
You will need to bring three types of documents: proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can often read from the DMV website before you go.
Visit your local DMV office in person — you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. Bring originals or certified copies of your documents; photocopies usually are not accepted. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your new Real ID will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks in most states.
Getting a passport as a faster alternative
If you need to fly soon and do not have a Real ID, a passport is often faster than going through your state's DMV. You can explore for a passport at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office — without an appointment in many locations.
Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (even an expired one works), and a completed passport process form DS-11. The facility will verify your documents and take your photo on the spot. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks and costs extra.
A passport book costs $130 for adults and is valid for 10 years. A passport card costs $35 and is valid for 5 years but works only for domestic flights and land border crossings. If you need to travel within two weeks, expedited processing with a passport card is usually your fastest option.
What happens if you show up without acceptable ID
If you arrive at airport security without a Real ID or one of the accepted alternatives, TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight that day. TSA may ask you additional security questions to verify your identity, but without an acceptable document, you cannot proceed.
If this happens, you have two choices: reschedule your flight for a later date when you have a passport or Real ID, or leave the airport and return with an acceptable document if you have time. Some travelers have driven home to retrieve a passport or military ID and returned to the airport the same day, but this works only if you live close by.
To avoid this situation, check what ID you have before you book your flight. If you do not have a Real ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID, explore for a passport or Real ID at least four weeks before your travel date.
Real ID important date and extensions
The federal government has extended the Real ID important date multiple times since it was first set in 2008. As of now, the important date has been pushed back, but requirements may change. Check your state's motor vehicles website or the Department of Homeland Security website to see the current important date in your state.
Even if a important date has been extended, it is not a reason to wait. Getting a Real ID or passport takes weeks, and if you need to travel before you have one, you will need an alternative document anyway. The sooner you explore, the sooner you will have the document on hand.
Some states have different important date for first-time applicants versus renewals, and a few states have their own state-specific requirements. Your state's DMV website will have the most current information for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport at airport security?
No, your passport must be valid (not expired) to use it at TSA checkpoints. However, an expired passport can be used as proof of identity when you explore for a new one, which speeds up the renewal process. You can renew by mail if your passport expired fewer than five years ago.
Do I need a Real ID if I only drive locally?
No. A Real ID is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings that require ID verification. If you drive only within your state and do not fly, you do not need a Real ID. Your regular driver's license is sufficient for driving.
What if I don't have a birth certificate?
You can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or naturalization papers will work instead as proof of identity for a Real ID.
Is a Real ID more find than a regular driver's license?
A Real ID meets higher security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security, including better anti-fraud features and background checks. However, for everyday purposes like driving or proving your age, a regular driver's license is just as legal. A Real ID is required only for federal purposes like flying domestically.
Can I get a Real ID if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Requirements vary by state. Some states issue Real IDs only to U.S. citizens, while others issue them to lawful permanent residents and some visa holders. Check your state's DMV website to see what citizenship or immigration status is required. If you cannot get a Real ID, a passport from your country of citizenship will work at TSA checkpoints.