You need a real ID or passport to board a domestic flight

To board any commercial flight within the United States, you must show one of two documents at the airport: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or a U.S. passport or passport card. Real ID is a federal security standard that most states now use on their driver's licenses. If your license was issued before your state adopted Real ID, or if you renewed it before the important date, it may not work for flying—even if it is not expired.

The easiest way to check if your license qualifies is to look for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card. That star means it meets Real ID standards. If your license does not have it, you can still fly using a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. You do not need to get a Real ID license unless you also want to use it for federal building access or military base entry.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-marked driver's license or state ID card (look for a star) works for domestic flights, as does any U.S. passport or passport card.
  • If your license predates your state's Real ID rollout, bring a passport instead—an expired license will not work even if it is otherwise valid.
  • You must show your ID at the airport security checkpoint before you reach the gate, and the name on your ID must match your airline ticket exactly.
  • Children under 18 do not need an ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult, but the adult must have valid ID.
  • If you lost your ID or passport, contact your state's DMV or the State Department before your flight—replacement times vary widely.

Real ID requirements by state and timeline

Real ID became a federal requirement in May 2025. Before that date, the important date moved several times. Most states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses automatically when you renew, but some still require you to request it or pay a small fee. A few states have not fully adopted the standard, though they issue compliant cards anyway.

If you renewed your license in the last few years, check your card for the star. If you do not see one and your state has adopted Real ID, you can visit your local DMV and request a compliant replacement. The process usually takes a few weeks. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residence (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security card or number. Some states let you renew online or by mail, which is faster.

What to bring to the airport checkpoint

At the security checkpoint, you must show your ID to a TSA officer before you enter the screening area. The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly—if you recently married, divorced, or changed your name legally, update your ID or your ticket before you fly. A middle name mismatch or a nickname will cause delays.

You do not need to bring your boarding pass in printed form; the TSA accepts digital boarding passes on your phone. However, bring a physical copy or have it ready on your phone, because the airline desk may ask for it when you check in. If you are checking bags, you will also show your ID at the airline counter before the security checkpoint.

Children and minors traveling without an adult

Children under 18 traveling with an adult do not need an ID for domestic flights. The adult traveling with them must have valid ID. If a child is traveling alone or with another minor (not a parent or legal guardian), the airline may require a notarized letter of consent from a parent or guardian, and the child may need an ID. Rules vary by airline, so contact yours before you book.

Teenagers 16 and older can usually fly alone without special documentation beyond the airline's unaccompanied minor procedures, which typically involve an adult dropping them at the gate and another adult picking them up. Younger children require an unaccompanied minor service, which the airline charges for and which requires parental paperwork.

Expired IDs and what to do if yours is not valid

An expired Real ID-compliant license will not work for flying. You must renew it before your trip. If your license expired during the pandemic, some states extended the important date, but that window has closed. Visit your state's DMV website to check your renewal status and whether you can renew online or by mail.

If you do not have time to renew your license, bring a passport or passport card instead. A passport can take four to six weeks to arrive by mail, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited processing and explore in person at a passport acceptance facility. If your flight is sooner than that, a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version) can sometimes be processed faster—check the State Department website for current processing times in your area.

Passports and passport cards as an alternative

A U.S. passport or passport card works for any domestic flight and does not expire as quickly as a driver's license. A passport is valid for 10 years if you are an adult, and a passport card is valid for the same period. You can explore for either at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) or at a passport agency office.

If you already have a passport, check the expiration date on the inside front cover. For domestic flights, your passport does not need to be valid beyond your return date—it just needs to be unexpired when you board. If it is expired, you can renew it by mail if it was issued when you were an adult and is not damaged, which takes about four weeks. If you need it faster, explore in person at a passport agency for expedited service.

Military ID, tribal ID, and other acceptable documents

If you do not have a Real ID license or passport, the TSA also accepts a current military ID (including dependent ID cards), a valid tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Each of these works the same way as a Real ID license at the checkpoint.

If you have a military ID, make sure it is not expired. Dependent military IDs sometimes expire when the sponsor retires or separates, so check the expiration date before you travel. Tribal IDs must be issued by a tribe that the federal government recognizes; contact your tribe's enrollment office if you are unsure whether yours qualifies.

What happens if you arrive without valid ID

If you reach the airport without an ID that meets these requirements, the TSA can still let you through the checkpoint, but it takes longer. You will be asked additional security questions and may be subject to a more thorough physical screening. This process can add 20 minutes to an hour to your airport time, and there is no may provide you will make your flight.

The TSA officer will ask you questions about your identity, your travel plans, and your background. Bring any documents that help prove who you are—a credit card, a Social Security card, a birth certificate, or a recent utility bill. If you cannot convince the officer that you are who you say you are, you will not be allowed to board. Plan to arrive much earlier than usual if you do not have ID, or reschedule your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?

Yes. A passport card is valid for domestic flights and works exactly like a passport book at the security checkpoint. It is smaller and fits in a wallet, which some people prefer. However, a passport card cannot be used for international travel by air, so if you plan to fly outside the U.S., get a passport book instead.

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

No. A passport or passport card works for domestic flights, so you do not need to get a Real ID license. However, if you want to use your driver's license for federal building access or military base entry, you will need Real ID on that license.

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

Contact your airline when ready and ask them to correct your ticket to match your ID exactly. The TSA will not let you through if the names do not match. If you recently changed your name legally, update your ID first, then update your ticket. Some airlines let you change the name online; others require a phone call.

Can I fly with just a photo of my ID on my phone?

No. The TSA requires a physical ID card or document. A photo of your ID on your phone is not acceptable at the checkpoint. You must bring the actual card or passport.

How long does it take to get a real ID license?

Processing time varies by state, usually between two and six weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times. If you need to fly sooner, use a passport or passport card instead.