Real ID or a Passport Works for Domestic Flights

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one of two things: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or a valid passport. Real ID is a federal security standard that most states now use for their driver's licenses. If your license was issued after your state adopted Real ID (which varies by state, but most completed this between 2017 and 2020), it almost certainly meets the requirement. Look for a gold or black star in the upper right corner of your license—that star means it is Real ID-compliant.

If your license does not have that star, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or a few other documents listed below. You do not need to rush to get a Real ID license just to fly—any of these documents work equally well at airport security.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a star) or a valid passport is the fastest way through airport security for domestic flights.
  • If your driver's license does not have a star, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
  • You must bring the original physical document—a photo on your phone or a digital copy does not work.
  • International flights always require a passport; Real ID is not accepted for travel outside the United States.

Documents That Work at the Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts these documents for domestic flights: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID (active duty or retired), a Department of Defense ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. You must bring the original document in your hand—TSA does not accept digital copies, photos, or screenshots on your phone.

If you do not have any of these, you can still board a domestic flight, but you will go through additional screening. TSA calls this "secondary verification," and it means a security officer will ask you questions to confirm your identity and may search your bags more thoroughly. The process takes longer, so plan to arrive even earlier than usual.

How to Check If Your License Is Real ID-Compliant

Look at the upper right corner of your driver's license or state ID card. If there is a gold or black star printed there, your license is Real ID-compliant and works for domestic flights. If there is no star, your license was issued under the old standard and does not meet the federal requirement.

You can also check your state's DMV website—most states have a page explaining which licenses have the star and when they started issuing them. If you are unsure, bring a passport or passport card to the airport instead. There is no penalty for bringing extra ID, and it removes any doubt at security.

Getting a Real ID License If You Need One

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

Processing times vary by state. Some issue the card on the spot; others mail it within one to two weeks. If you fly frequently and do not have a passport, getting a Real ID license is worth the trip to the DMV. If you fly rarely or already have a passport, there is no rush—your passport works just as well.

Passports and Passport Cards for Domestic and International Flights

A valid U.S. passport or passport card works for any flight, domestic or international. A passport card is smaller than a full passport and costs less, but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For flights to those destinations, a passport card is fine. For flights anywhere else outside the United States, you need a full passport book.

Getting a passport takes four to six weeks through the standard process, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse). Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship. If you travel internationally at all, a passport is worth having—it works everywhere and never expires as long as you renew it before it runs out.

What Happens If You Forget Your ID

If you arrive at the airport without any ID, TSA will not turn you away. Instead, a security officer will ask you questions to verify your identity—your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. They may ask for information from your airline reservation or credit card. This secondary verification process takes longer, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes, and TSA may search your bags more thoroughly.

After they confirm your identity, you can proceed through security and board your flight. However, you will miss time waiting in line, so arriving extra early is important. If you fly often, keeping your ID in a consistent place—your wallet, a travel pouch, or your carry-on—prevents this delay.

International Travel and Passport Requirements

For any flight leaving the United States, you must have a valid passport. Real ID is not accepted for international travel, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date—many countries will not let you enter if your passport expires sooner.

Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport. Check the State Department's travel advisory website for the country you are visiting to learn what documents you need. If you do not have a passport and plan to fly internationally, explore now—standard processing takes four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly?

No. TSA requires a current, valid ID. An expired driver's license, passport, or military ID does not work. If your ID expired recently, renew it before your flight. If you cannot renew in time, bring a secondary form of ID if you have one, though you will still go through secondary verification at security.

Does my passport card work for flights to Canada or Mexico?

Yes, a passport card is valid for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any other international destination, you need a full passport book. If you travel internationally more than once or twice a year, a full passport is more practical.

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

Your name on your ID must match your airline reservation exactly. If you recently changed your name and your ID has not been updated, contact your airline before you go to the airport. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. TSA and the airline may ask to see it.

Can I use a school ID or work badge to fly?

No. School IDs and work badges are not accepted by TSA. You need a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, military ID, or one of the other documents listed above. If you do not have one, you can still fly but will go through secondary verification.

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

It depends on your state. Some DMVs issue Real ID licenses on the spot if you bring all required documents. Others mail them within one to two weeks. Check your state's DMV website for processing times before you visit. If you need it quickly, call ahead to ask whether your local office can issue it the same day.