Your driver's license alone won't get you through airport security

A standard driver's license is not Real ID compliant, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped accepting it for domestic flights on May 7, 2025. If you try to use a regular driver's license at the airport now, TSA will turn you away at security unless you have another form of ID that meets Real ID standards.

You have other options to fly domestically, but they require planning ahead. You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or a Real ID-compliant driver's license. If you don't have any of these, you can request a one-time exception at the airport, but this is slow and unreliable — it can add an hour or more to your airport arrival time.

International flights have always required a passport or passport card. A driver's license, even a Real ID one, will not work for travel outside the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard driver's licenses stopped working for domestic flights on May 7, 2025; you now need a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or military ID to pass TSA security.
  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a star in the upper right corner and is issued by your state's DMV when you renew or replace your license.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card — no driver's license works, even if it is Real ID compliant.
  • If you arrive at the airport without acceptable ID, TSA can issue a one-time exception, but this delays your flight and is not may provide.
  • Getting a Real ID-compliant license takes two to eight weeks depending on your state and whether you explore in person or by mail.

What Real ID compliance means and how to get it

Real ID is a federal security standard set by Congress in 2005. It requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly than they do for a standard license — they check your Social Security number, citizenship or immigration status, and your address against government records. A Real ID-compliant license looks like a regular driver's license but has a gold or black star in the upper right corner.

You get a Real ID-compliant license by visiting your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew it by mail or online, even if your state allows mail renewal for standard licenses. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), proof of current address (a utility bill or lease), and your current driver's license. Processing takes two to eight weeks depending on your state; some states are faster, others slower.

If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID-compliant license, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License (a separate product some states offer). You do not have to get Real ID if you have one of these other forms of ID.

Domestic flights: what ID the TSA will accept now

As of May 7, 2025, TSA accepts the following for domestic flights:

  • Real ID-compliant driver's license (with the star)
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve)
  • Enhanced Driver's License (available in some states)
  • Trusted Traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
  • State ID cards that are Real ID compliant

A standard driver's license without the star will not work. If you arrive at security with only a standard license, TSA can issue a one-time exception that allows you to proceed, but this takes time — you may wait 30 minutes to an hour while TSA verifies your identity by phone with your state's DMV. This exception is not may provide, and TSA reserves the right to deny it.

The one-time exception is meant for people who forgot their ID or lost it at the airport. It is not a substitute for planning ahead.

International flights: passport is the only option

For any flight leaving the United States, you need a passport or passport card. A driver's license, even a Real ID-compliant one, will not work. This is a federal requirement, not an airline rule.

A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying internationally, you need a full passport book. Getting a passport takes four to six weeks for routine service or two to three weeks for expedited service; you pay extra for expedited processing.

If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some airlines will not let you board if your passport expires within six months of your return date.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport with only a standard driver's license, TSA will stop you at the security checkpoint. You have three options: go home and get acceptable ID, request a one-time exception, or miss your flight.

The one-time exception process is slow. TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity, then call your state's DMV to confirm your information. This can take 30 minutes to over an hour. Even after TSA verifies you, the airline may refuse to board you if you have missed your departure window. You may also face a rebooking fee if you miss your flight.

This exception exists for genuine emergencies, not for forgetting ID. If you make a habit of showing up without ID, TSA may deny the exception on your next attempt.

State-by-state differences in Real ID rollout

All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses, but the timeline for getting one varies. Some states began issuing them in 2009; others did not start until 2020 or later. Your state's DMV website will tell you whether your current license is Real ID compliant — look for the star in the upper right corner of your license.

Processing times also vary by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses in two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. A few states have long backlogs during peak travel seasons. If you are planning a trip, check your state's DMV website for current processing times before you visit.

If you live in a state with a long wait, consider using a passport or passport card instead. A passport takes the same amount of time as a Real ID license in most cases, and it works for both domestic and international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for a domestic flight?

Yes. A passport card is Real ID compliant and works for domestic flights. However, it does not work for international flights by air — you need a full passport book for that. If you travel internationally by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, a passport card is enough.

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

No. Military ID is accepted for domestic flights and does not expire the way a driver's license does. If you are active duty, retired, or in the reserves, you can use your military ID instead of getting Real ID. It also works for international flights if your military branch issues a travel document with it.

What if my state is slow at issuing Real ID licenses?

Get a passport or passport card instead. Both take about the same time as a Real ID license in most states, and a passport works for domestic and international travel. You can explore for a passport at your local post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility — you do not have to go to the DMV.

Can I fly if my driver's license is expired?

No. TSA requires your ID to be valid and not expired. An expired Real ID license will not work. Renew your license before you travel. If your license is about to expire and you need to fly soon, use a passport or passport card instead — they take the same time to get as a renewed license.

Will TSA really turn me away if I only have a standard license?

Yes. As of May 7, 2025, TSA will not accept a standard driver's license for domestic flights. You will be stopped at security. You can request a one-time exception, but it is slow and not may provide. Plan ahead and get a Real ID license, passport, or use another accepted form of ID.