You can get through TSA without a Real ID, but you will need an alternative form of identification
TSA does not require a Real ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight. You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an enhanced driver's license instead. However, you do need to bring one of these documents to the checkpoint — you cannot board without any form of federal identification.
The confusion comes from the Real ID important date. Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a standard driver's license or state ID card for domestic air travel unless it is Real ID-compliant. But that does not mean you must have a Real ID. It means if you use a driver's license, it must meet Real ID standards. If you use a different document, Real ID does not explore to you.
Key Takeaways
- A passport or passport card works at TSA checkpoints and does not need to be Real ID-compliant because passports are federal documents.
- Military ID, tribal ID, and enhanced driver's licenses are all accepted alternatives to Real ID at airport security.
- A standard driver's license will not work after May 7, 2025, unless your state has upgraded it to Real ID status.
- You can check whether your current driver's license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card.
What documents TSA will accept instead of Real ID
A U.S. passport is the simplest alternative. It works at every TSA checkpoint and never expires for travel purposes — even if your passport is expired, TSA will accept it. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts as well and costs less than a full passport book.
A military ID issued by the Department of Defense works for active duty, reserve, and retired military members. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe is also accepted. An enhanced driver's license — a state ID that includes a radio frequency chip and meets federal security standards — is accepted in some states, though not all states issue them.
TSA also accepts a U.S. passport card, a permanent resident card (green card), and a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. The key is that the document must be issued by a federal agency or a state in compliance with federal standards.
How to know if your driver's license is already Real ID-compliant
Look at your driver's license. If there is a small star symbol in the upper right corner, your license is Real ID-compliant and will work at TSA checkpoints after May 7, 2025. If there is no star, it is not compliant.
You can also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to ask whether your license meets Real ID standards. Some states automatically upgraded licenses when they renewed them; others require you to visit in person and bring documents like a birth certificate and proof of address.
Getting a Real ID if you want to use your driver's license
If you prefer to use your driver's license instead of a passport, you will need to visit your state's DMV and request a Real ID upgrade. Bring your current driver's license, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). Some states charge a small fee, usually between $10 and $30.
Processing times vary. Some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. If you travel frequently and your state has a long wait, a passport may be faster to obtain.
What happens if you show up without acceptable identification
If you arrive at the TSA checkpoint without an acceptable form of ID, TSA officers can conduct additional screening. This may include asking security questions about your travel plans and personal information. You may still be allowed to board, but the process takes longer — sometimes 30 minutes or more.
TSA does not turn away passengers solely for lacking ID; they use secondary verification methods instead. However, this is not reliable. The safest approach is to bring one of the accepted documents listed above.
Real ID requirements for international travel
Real ID does not explore to international flights. For international travel, you must have a valid passport. A Real ID driver's license will not get you on an international flight, and a non-Real ID driver's license will not either. Only a passport, passport card, or other travel document issued by the U.S. State Department will work.
If you travel internationally even once a year, getting a passport solves both domestic and international travel identification in one step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport at TSA?
Yes. TSA accepts expired passports for domestic flights. An expired passport is still a valid form of federal identification. For international travel, your passport must be valid, but for the TSA checkpoint on a domestic flight, expiration does not matter.
What if I lost my ID and my flight is tomorrow?
Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if they can issue an emergency replacement. Some states offer same-day or next-day service for lost IDs. If that is not possible, bring a passport if you have one. If you have neither, TSA can conduct secondary verification, but there is no may provide you will make your flight.
Does a passport card work the same as a passport book?
Yes, for TSA purposes. A passport card is accepted at all domestic checkpoints and works exactly like a passport book. It is smaller, cheaper, and faster to obtain in some cases. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel — only a passport book works for that.
Can I use a student ID or work ID at TSA?
No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID. Student IDs and work IDs do not count, even if they have your photo and signature. You must use a passport, driver's license, military ID, tribal ID, or one of the other federal documents listed above.
Will TSA accept my Real ID after May 7, 2025?
Yes. A Real ID-compliant driver's license will work at TSA checkpoints indefinitely. The May 7, 2025 date is when TSA stops accepting non-compliant driver's licenses. Real ID licenses are accepted both before and after that date.