You need a real ID or passport to fly domestically in the US

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checks your identity at the airport before you board any domestic flight. You must show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a handful of other federal documents. A regular state driver's license issued before your state switched to Real ID standards will not work — the TSA will turn you away at security.

Real ID is a federal security standard that all states have now adopted, though the timeline varied. Your state's driver's license either meets the standard or it does not. If you are unsure whether yours does, check your state's DMV website or look at your license itself — Real ID-compliant licenses usually have a small star in the upper right corner, though some states use different markers.

If your license does not meet the standard, a passport book or passport card works just as well and never expires as a travel document. Military ID, tribal ID, and a few other federal documents also satisfy the requirement. You do not need to carry anything else — no boarding pass, no vaccination records, no proof of citizenship beyond the ID itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or military ID is the only document the TSA requires to board a domestic flight.
  • Regular state driver's licenses issued before your state adopted Real ID will not work, even if they are current and valid for driving.
  • You can check whether your license meets Real ID standards on your state's DMV website or by looking for a small star on the card itself.
  • A passport book or passport card is a permanent alternative if your driver's license does not meet the standard or if you prefer not to use it for travel.
  • No other documents — boarding pass, vaccination records, or proof of citizenship — are required by TSA for domestic flights.

How to check if your driver's license meets Real ID standards

Each state rolled out Real ID compliance on its own schedule, so the year your license was issued matters. If you renewed your license after your state's important date, it almost certainly meets the standard. If your license is older, you may need to check.

The fastest way is to visit your state's DMV website and search for "Real ID" — most states have a page showing which licenses may have access to. Some states mark compliant licenses with a star, others with a gold circle, and a few use different symbols entirely. Look at the front and back of your license for any special marking that matches your state's description.

If you cannot find the answer online, call your state's DMV directly or visit a local office with your license. They can tell you in seconds whether it meets the standard. If it does not, you can renew it in person at the DMV and request a Real ID-compliant replacement — the process is the same as a regular renewal and costs the same fee.

Getting a passport if your license does not may have access to

A passport book takes four to six weeks to arrive through the standard process process, though expedited service (two to three weeks) costs extra. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — and bring your birth certificate, a government-issued ID (even a non-Real ID license works for this), and a passport photo.

A passport card is faster and cheaper than a passport book, though it is smaller and easier to lose. It works for domestic flights and land border crossings but not for international travel by air. The card takes the same time as a book to arrive and requires the same documents, but costs less and fits in a wallet.

If you need to fly before a passport arrives, you have two options: renew your driver's license to Real ID standards at your state DMV (usually same-day or next-day if you go in person), or use a military ID, tribal ID, or other federal document if you have one. There is no way to board a domestic flight without one of these documents.

What to bring to the airport besides your ID

Your ID is the only document TSA requires. You do not need to print your boarding pass, though most airlines recommend it as a backup. You can show your boarding pass on your phone, and TSA will scan it or check it by hand.

You do not need to bring a vaccination card, health certificate, or any proof of medical status for domestic flights. You do not need to prove citizenship beyond your ID. You do not need travel insurance, hotel confirmations, or proof that you have a return ticket, though some airlines may ask to see a return flight before they let you board.

Bring your ID and your phone, and you are set. Everything else is optional or handled by the airline, not TSA.

Real ID important date and what happens if you miss them

The TSA has not announced a hard important date for Real ID enforcement, though the requirement has been in effect since 2020. If you show up with a non-compliant license, TSA will not let you through security — you will be turned away and will miss your flight.

There is no grace period and no exception process. If your license does not meet the standard, your only options at the airport are to have someone bring you a compliant document (passport, military ID, or a real ID license), or to leave and reschedule your flight.

The simplest move is to renew your license now if it does not have the Real ID marker. Most states let you renew online or by mail, though you may need to visit in person to get a Real ID-compliant version. Check your state's DMV website for the process in your area.

Other federal documents that work instead of a driver's license

If you do not have a driver's license or prefer not to use it for travel, TSA accepts a passport book, passport card, military ID, military dependent ID, tribal ID, or a federal employee ID. You can also use a permanent resident card (green card) or a U.S. citizen ID card, though these are less common.

Any of these documents will get you through security just as quickly as a Real ID license. A passport is the most portable option if you travel often, since it never expires as a travel document and works for international flights too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if it is Real ID-compliant?

No. Your ID must be both Real ID-compliant and current. An expired license will not work, even if it has the Real ID marker. You need to renew it before you fly. If your ID is expiring soon, renew it before your trip to avoid problems at the airport.

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

No. A passport works for domestic flights without a Real ID license. You can use either one — they are interchangeable for TSA purposes. If you have a passport, you do not need to renew your driver's license just for flying.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if they offer emergency or same-day replacement. Some states do; others do not. If your DMV cannot help, your only option is to reschedule your flight. TSA has no override process for lost IDs, and you cannot board without one.

Do I need a Real ID to fly if I am under 18?

Yes. Anyone boarding a domestic flight must show a valid ID that meets TSA requirements, regardless of age. A Real ID license, passport, or military ID works for minors the same way it does for adults.

Can I use a photo ID from my job instead of a driver's license?

Only if it is a federal employee ID or military ID. A corporate badge, school ID, or other non-federal photo ID will not work. You need one of the documents TSA specifically lists: Real ID license, passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a handful of other federal documents.