What You Need to Travel Within the United States

What Documents You Need for Domestic US Travel

For flights within the United States, you need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A standard driver's license issued before your state switched to Real ID will not work at airport security checkpoints — the TSA began enforcing this requirement in 2023. If you have an expired Real ID license, TSA will still accept it at the checkpoint, though you may face additional screening.

For car travel, train travel, and bus travel within the US, you do not need a federal ID at all. You can drive across state lines with nothing more than your state driver's license or ID card. Amtrak and Greyhound do not check ID before boarding domestic routes. This means your options depend entirely on how you are traveling.

If you do not have a Real ID license and plan to fly, you have three paths: get a Real ID license from your state's DMV, use a passport, or use a military or tribal ID. Each takes different time and costs different amounts depending on your state and whether you already have the underlying document.

Key Takeaways

Real Id-compliant driver's licenses, passports, military IDs, and tribal IDs all work for domestic flights; standard driver's licenses do not.
Car, train, and bus travel within the US require no federal ID — your state driver's license or ID card is enough, or you can travel with no ID at all.
Getting a Real ID license from your state DMV usually takes two to six weeks and costs between $20 and $50, depending on your state.
A passport takes four to six weeks through routine processing or one to two weeks through expedited processing, and costs $130 to $165 for a new adult passport.
If you have neither a Real ID license nor a passport, military ID and tribal ID are faster and cheaper options if you are may be able to access for them.

Real ID Licenses and How to Get One

A Real ID license is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Most states have switched their entire driver's license system to Real ID, but some still issue both Real ID and non-compliant licenses depending on what you request. When you renew your license or get a new one, ask the DMV clerk whether the license you are receiving is Real ID-compliant — they will tell you, and it will be marked with a star or other symbol on the card itself.

To get a Real ID license, go to your state's DMV with proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). The exact documents vary slightly by state. You will pay a fee — usually $20 to $50 — and wait in line. Processing happens on the spot in most states, though some mail the card to you within two to six weeks. Check your state DMV's website for the exact process and fee.

If your current license is not Real ID-compliant and you fly before you can renew it, bring a passport or military ID instead. TSA will accept either one at the checkpoint.

Passports for Domestic Travel

A passport works for any domestic flight and is the only document that works for both domestic and international travel. You can get a passport through the State Department's passport acceptance facilities, which are usually located at post offices, libraries, and county courthouses. You will need a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license), and proof of citizenship. The cost is $130 for a new adult passport book, plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $165.

Routine passport processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes one to two weeks and costs an additional $60. If you need a passport in fewer than two weeks, you can explore in person at a passport agency in a major city — there are 24 of them across the country — and get same-day or next-day service, though this costs more and requires an appointment.

A passport is worth getting if you think you might travel internationally in the next five to ten years, since it covers both domestic and international flights. If you only ever fly domestically, a Real ID license is cheaper and faster.

Military and Tribal IDs

If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent of a military member, your military ID works for domestic flights and requires no additional steps. The same applies if you hold a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. Both are accepted at TSA checkpoints and cost nothing if you already have them.

If you are may be able to access for a military ID but do not have one, contact your branch's ID card office. If you are may be able to access for a tribal ID, contact your tribe's enrollment office. Both processes vary in length and requirements depending on which branch or tribe you belong to.

Car, Train, and Bus Travel

None of these require ID. You can drive across the country with no ID at all, though a driver's license is required by law in every state if you are the one operating the vehicle. Amtrak and Greyhound do not check ID before boarding domestic routes, though Amtrak recommends bringing ID in case you need to change your reservation or prove you are the ticket holder.

If you are driving, your state driver's license — Real ID or not — is all you need. If you are taking a train or bus, you technically need nothing, though having ID makes it easier to prove you are the person who bought the ticket if there is a dispute.

What Happens at Airport Security

When you arrive at the airport, you go through a TSA checkpoint. The TSA officer will ask for your ID and boarding pass. You hand over your Real ID license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. The officer scans your ID, checks it against your boarding pass, and either waves you through or asks you to step aside for additional screening.

If your ID does not match your boarding pass — for example, your name on the ID is different from your name on the ticket — you may be held up while the TSA verifies your identity. This is why it is important to book your flight using the exact name that appears on your ID. If you recently changed your name, bring a marriage certificate or court order along with your ID.

If you arrive without an acceptable ID, TSA can still let you through, but you will go through additional screening that takes longer. This screening includes questions about your identity and your travel plans. It is not a barrier to flying, but it adds time, so plan to arrive earlier if you do not have ID.

International Travel and Real ID

Real ID licenses do not work for international travel. If you want to fly to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere else outside the US, you need a passport. A Real ID license is only for domestic flights. This is an important distinction if you are deciding which document to get.

If you think you might travel internationally within the next few years, a passport is the better choice even though it costs more and takes longer. It covers both domestic and international flights, so you will not have to get a second document later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired Real ID license to fly?

Yes. TSA accepts expired Real ID licenses at airport security checkpoints. However, you may face additional screening. Your state driver's license is still valid for driving even after it expires, but you should renew it as soon as you can to avoid problems with law enforcement if you are pulled over.

What if my name on my ID does not match my name on my plane ticket?

You will be held up at security while TSA verifies your identity. Bring documents that show both names — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name after marriage, or a court order if you changed your name legally. Book your flight using the exact name on your ID to avoid this problem.

Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive and never fly?

No. A standard driver's license is fine for driving. Real ID is only required for domestic flights. If you never fly, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID unless your state requires it as part of a regular renewal.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes one to two weeks and costs an extra $60. If you explore in person at a passport agency in a major city, you can get same-day or next-day service, though this requires an appointment and costs more.

Can I travel by car across state lines with just a state ID card?

Yes. A state ID card works for driving across state lines just like a driver's license does. You do not need Real ID for car travel — only for flights. However, you must have some form of ID with you while driving, as police can ask for it during a traffic stop.

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.