Flying Without an Enhanced Driver's License: What You Need to Know

You cannot fly domestically within the United States using a standard driver's license alone

Starting in May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID-compliant document or an alternative form of identification at airport security. A standard driver's license — even one that is valid and current — will not meet this requirement unless it is marked as Real ID-compliant.

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is one way to meet this requirement, but it is not the only way. You have other options that work just as well for flying, and some may be faster or easier to obtain depending on where you live and what you already have.

Key Takeaways

A standard driver's license will not work for domestic air travel after May 2025 unless it displays the Real ID symbol (usually a gold star).
An Enhanced Driver's License is one Real ID option, but a passport, passport card, or military ID also work for flying and do not require a separate trip to the DMV.
Real ID-compliant regular driver's licenses exist in most states and are often easier to obtain than an Enhanced Driver's License.
If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need to get an Enhanced Driver's License just to fly domestically.

What makes a license acceptable for flying

The TSA accepts any document that is Real ID-compliant. This is a federal security standard, not a specific type of license. Real ID-compliant documents include:

A Real ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a gold star or other state symbol)
An Enhanced Driver's License
A U.S. passport or passport card
A military ID or dependent military ID
A tribal ID issued under the Real ID Act
A permanent resident card (green card)

The key difference is that an Enhanced Driver's License is designed for both driving and crossing land borders into Canada and Mexico by car. A Real ID-compliant regular driver's license is designed for driving and flying domestically. They meet the same federal security standard, but serve different purposes.

If you already own a passport, passport card, or military ID, you already have a document that works for flying. You do not need to obtain an Enhanced Driver's License.

Real ID-compliant licenses versus Enhanced Driver's Licenses

Most states now issue Real ID-compliant regular driver's licenses as the standard option. When you renew your license or explore for a new one, you can usually choose whether you want the Real ID version. The Real ID version costs the same or slightly more, requires the same documents, and looks almost identical — except for the gold star or state symbol in the corner.

An Enhanced Driver's License is a separate product offered by fewer states (currently about 17). It costs more, requires additional documents and background checks, and takes longer to process. The main benefit is that it allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico by land without a passport. For flying domestically, a Real ID-compliant regular license does everything an Enhanced Driver's License does.

If you do not plan to drive across a land border, a Real ID-compliant regular license is the simpler and faster choice. If you do plan to cross by car and want to avoid carrying a passport, an Enhanced Driver's License is worth considering — but it is not required for flying.

How to get a Real ID-compliant license if you need one

Visit your state's DMV website and look for "Real ID" or "REAL ID-compliant license." You will find the documents you need to bring and whether you can renew by mail or must visit in person. Most states require:

Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID)
Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return)
Proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)

The process is the same as renewing a standard license. Processing time varies by state but usually takes two to four weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Once approved, your new license will arrive by mail with the Real ID symbol visible.

When an Enhanced Driver's License makes sense

You should consider getting an Enhanced Driver's License if you regularly cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico by car and want to avoid carrying a passport. EDLs are issued by Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and Washington.

If your state offers an EDL, your DMV website will have a separate process process. You will need to provide more documents than for a standard license, including proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and may need to pass a background check. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks.

For flying alone, an EDL is overkill. A Real ID-compliant regular license, passport, or passport card will get you through airport security just as quickly and with less hassle.

Alternatives if you do not have a Real ID license yet

If you do not yet have a Real ID-compliant document and your flight is coming up soon, you have options:

Use a passport or passport card. If you already have one, bring it to the airport. No Real ID license needed.
Use a military ID or dependent military ID. These are Real ID-compliant and work for flying.
explore for a passport card. It is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, takes about the same time to process, and works for flying domestically.
Contact the TSA. If you arrive at the airport without a Real ID-compliant document, the TSA may allow you to proceed through security with additional screening, though this is not may provide.

The fastest route if you need something before May 2025 is to check whether you already have a passport or military ID. If you do, you are already set. If not, a passport card is usually faster to obtain than renewing your driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Enhanced Driver's License to fly domestically?

No. An Enhanced Driver's License is one option, but a Real ID-compliant regular driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID all work for domestic flights. You only need an Enhanced Driver's License if you want to cross a land border into Canada or Mexico by car without a passport.

Can I fly with a standard driver's license after May 2025?

Not unless it displays the Real ID symbol (usually a gold star). A standard, non-compliant license will not work. You will need to show a Real ID-compliant document, passport, military ID, or other accepted form of identification.

What is the difference between a Real ID license and an Enhanced Driver's License?

Both meet federal security standards for flying domestically. A Real ID-compliant regular license is for driving and flying. An Enhanced Driver's License is for driving, flying, and crossing land borders into Canada or Mexico without a passport. An EDL costs more and takes longer to obtain.

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

Processing time varies by state, but most take two to four weeks after you submit your process. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Check your state DMV website for the current timeline in your area.

If I have a passport, do I still need to get a Real ID license?

No. A passport works for flying domestically and internationally. You do not need a Real ID license if you already have a passport. Bring your passport to the airport instead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.