What ID You Need to Fly in the United States

Real ID and Standard Driver's Licenses Work for Domestic Flights

For domestic flights within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card as your primary form of identification. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will also work, though some states have set dates when they will stop accepting the older versions for airport security.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states adopted starting in 2008. You can tell if your license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card — the exact symbol varies by state. If your license does not have this marking, it is still valid for flying domestically right now, but check your state's DMV website to see when that changes.

You do not need to rush to get a Real ID license if your current license works. The TSA has extended acceptance timelines multiple times, and your state will announce well in advance if it plans to stop accepting non-Real ID licenses at airport security.

Key Takeaways

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the easiest form of identification for domestic flights and is marked with a small star in the upper right corner.
Standard driver's licenses issued before Real ID adoption still work for domestic flights, though your state may set a future date when it stops accepting them.
A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID all work for domestic flights if you do not have a Real ID license.
International flights require a valid U.S. passport or passport card, not a driver's license.
The TSA has a list of all acceptable documents on its website, and you can bring a second form of ID if your primary one is expired or lost.

International Flights Require a Passport

For any flight leaving the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card. A driver's license, even a Real ID license, is not enough. You cannot board an international flight without one.

A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less to obtain, but it works the same way for air travel. Both must be valid on the day you fly — an expired passport will not get you through security or onto the plane. If your passport expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it by mail; you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.

If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, some travelers can use an Enhanced Driver's License or a NEXUS card instead of a passport, but a passport is the safest choice and works everywhere. Check the specific country's entry requirements before you book, because some nations have their own rules about what they will accept at their border.

What Happens If You Arrive Without Acceptable ID

If you show up at the airport without any of the documents listed above, the TSA can still let you through security — but it takes longer. You will go through an additional screening process where a TSA officer asks you questions to verify your identity, such as your address, date of birth, and recent travel history. This can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time.

After you pass this secondary screening, you can board your flight. However, the airline may also ask for ID at the gate, so you should still try to bring something with your name on it — even a credit card or library card can help. If you cannot verify your identity at all, the TSA can refuse to let you through security, and you will not be able to fly.

If your ID was lost or stolen, report it to the issuing agency (your state's DMV for a driver's license, the State Department for a passport) as soon as you can. In the meantime, bring any other documents you have with your name on them when you fly.

Real ID important date by State

Most states have already adopted Real ID standards, but a few are still issuing both Real ID and non-Real ID licenses. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your license is Real ID-compliant and whether there is a important date for switching over.

Even if your state has set a important date for Real ID adoption, that important date applies to federal buildings and military bases — not necessarily to airport security. The TSA has its own timeline for when it will stop accepting non-Real ID licenses at airport checkpoints, and that date has been extended several times. Check the TSA website or call your airport's security office if you are unsure whether your current license will work.

Getting a Real ID license usually requires visiting your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you want one before you travel.

TSA PreCheck and Clear: Faster Security Lines, Not Different ID Rules

TSA PreCheck and Clear are paid programs that speed up airport security, but they do not change what ID you need. You still have to show one of the documents listed above — TSA PreCheck just means you can keep your shoes and belt on and leave your laptop in your bag. Clear lets you skip the ID-checking line entirely, but you still need valid ID to board the plane.

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. Clear costs around $180 per year. Neither one is necessary for flying, and neither one makes an expired or invalid ID acceptable. They are only useful if you fly often and want to move through security faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card instead of my driver's license for a domestic flight?

Yes. A passport card works for domestic flights just like a Real ID driver's license does. It is actually more useful because it also works for international flights, so if you have one, bring it instead of your driver's license.

What if my driver's license is expired?

The TSA may accept an expired driver's license for domestic flights, depending on how long it has been expired and your state's rules. Bring a second form of ID if you have one. If your license expired more than a few years ago, call the TSA's customer service line or ask at the airport security checkpoint before you get in line.

Do I need a real ID license if I have a passport?

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights, so you do not need a Real ID license. However, a Real ID license is useful for other federal purposes like entering military bases or federal buildings, so many people get one anyway.

Can I use my state ID card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A state ID card that is Real ID-compliant works exactly the same way as a Real ID driver's license for flying. If your state ID is not Real ID-compliant, it still works for domestic flights right now, but check your state's DMV to see if that will change.

What if I lost my ID right before my flight?

Bring any other document with your name on it — a credit card, passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card. Tell the TSA officer at security that your ID is lost. You will go through additional screening, but you can still fly. Report the lost ID to the issuing agency after your trip.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.