Real ID is the federal security standard for domestic air travel

The TSA requires Real ID—a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards—to board domestic flights in the United States. This requirement applies to all passengers 18 and older. A Real ID card has a gold or gold-and-black star in the upper right corner, which is the visual marker that it meets the federal standard.

The rule went into effect in phases starting in 2018. Since May 2023, you cannot board a domestic flight with a standard driver's license or state ID, even if it is not expired. You need the Real ID version specifically, or an acceptable alternative document.

Real ID was created as part of the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law that set minimum security standards for state-issued identification. The goal was to make it harder to create fake IDs and to give the TSA a more reliable way to verify your identity at airport security.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID is required for all domestic flights for passengers 18 and older; a standard driver's license will not work as of May 2023.
  • You can recognize a Real ID by the gold or gold-and-black star in the upper right corner of the card.
  • If you do not have a Real ID, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
  • Getting a Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV with specific documents, and processing times vary by state.
  • International flights do not require Real ID; a passport or passport card is used instead.

What documents count as acceptable alternatives to Real ID

You do not have to get a Real ID if you have one of these documents: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID (active duty or retired), a REAL ID-compliant state ID or driver's license, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a permanent resident card (green card). Any of these will get you through TSA security for a domestic flight.

A passport is the most common alternative. If you already have one, you can use it at the airport instead of upgrading to a Real ID. The passport card—a smaller, wallet-sized version of a full passport—also works, though it is less common and takes the same time to obtain as a full passport.

Military dependents and retirees should check with their branch to confirm their ID meets current standards. Tribal IDs must be issued by a tribe that the federal government officially recognizes; a list is maintained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

How to get a Real ID at your state DMV

To get a Real ID, you must visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew by mail or online if you want the Real ID version. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Some states have additional requirements, so check your state DMV's website before you go. Processing times vary widely: some states issue Real ID cards on the spot, while others mail them within two to four weeks. A few states have longer backlogs and may take six to eight weeks or more, especially during peak seasons.

The cost is usually between $20 and $50, depending on your state. Some states charge extra if you want the Real ID feature added to a renewal. Bring all documents in original form or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work.

Why the TSA made this change

The TSA implemented the Real ID requirement to create a consistent security standard across all states. Before Real ID, each state set its own rules for what documents were needed to get a driver's license. This meant that someone could get an ID in one state with minimal verification and use it to board a plane in another state where the standards were stricter.

Real ID requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly before issuing the card. States must confirm your Social Security number, check your birth certificate against vital records, and verify your address. This makes it harder for someone to obtain a fake ID or an ID under a false name.

The TSA also uses Real ID as a baseline for other federal facilities. You may need it to enter certain federal buildings or military bases, though the primary reason most people encounter the requirement is air travel.

What happens if you show up at the airport without Real ID

If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID or an acceptable alternative, the TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot get a Real ID on the spot at the airport, and most airports do not have a DMV office you can visit.

If you realize you forgot your ID at home, some airports have TSA PreCheck enrollment centers where you can get a temporary boarding pass if you can verify your identity through other means—but this is not may provide and depends on the airport and the TSA officer. Your best option is to contact your airline when ready to see if they can rebook you on a later flight.

To avoid this, check your ID before you leave for the airport. Look for the gold or gold-and-black star in the upper right corner. If your ID does not have it and is not one of the acceptable alternatives, you will need to reschedule your flight or use a different form of ID.

Real ID is not required for international flights

International flights have different rules. You must bring a passport or passport card to board an international flight—Real ID is not accepted. The TSA checks your ID at security, but Customs and Border Protection checks your passport when you leave the country and when you return.

If you are flying internationally, do not rely on a Real ID. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some countries require this, and it is a standard safety check.

For flights to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you can use a passport card instead of a full passport, which is smaller and cheaper. However, a passport card cannot be used for international travel by air if you are returning to the U.S. by sea or land—only a full passport works for those routes.

Common mistakes when getting a Real ID

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of original documents or certified copies. The DMV will turn you away if your documents are not originals. A second mistake is not checking your state's specific requirements before you go. Some states ask for different documents than others, and showing up unprepared means a wasted trip.

A third mistake is waiting until the last minute. If your flight is in two weeks and your state takes four weeks to process Real ID cards, you will miss your flight. Check your state's processing time on its DMV website and plan accordingly.

Some people also confuse Real ID with REAL ID-compliant. A card can be REAL ID-compliant but not labeled as such on the front. Ask the DMV clerk to confirm that your new ID meets federal standards for air travel before you leave the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport instead of getting a Real ID?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights and is an acceptable alternative to Real ID. If you already have a passport, you do not need to get a Real ID unless you prefer to use your driver's license at the airport.

Do I need Real ID if I have TSA PreCheck?

No. TSA PreCheck members can use a standard driver's license at security if they are enrolled in the program and have their Known Traveler Number. However, TSA PreCheck is a separate program that costs money and requires an in-person interview, so most people just get a Real ID instead.

What if my state has not issued Real ID cards yet?

All 50 states now issue Real ID cards. If your state has not yet, contact your state DMV to find out when they will be available. In the meantime, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or other acceptable alternative to fly.

Can I renew my Real ID by mail?

No. Real ID renewals require an in-person visit to the DMV. Some states allow standard driver's license renewals by mail, but if you want to keep the Real ID feature, you must go in person.

How long does it take to get a Real ID?

Processing times vary by state. Some states issue Real ID cards when ready, while others mail them within two to four weeks. A few states have longer wait times, especially during peak seasons. Check your state DMV's website for the current timeline before you explore.