Yes, you can still fly domestically without Real ID, but you'll need an acceptable alternative form of ID
You do not need a Real ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. However, your options are limited, and some documents work only for specific situations.
The Real ID requirement, which took effect in May 2025, applies only to people who want to use a state driver's license or ID card for domestic air travel. If you have a different form of ID on the TSA's approved list, you can use that instead. The catch: not every form of ID works for every traveler, and some expire or have restrictions you need to know about.
Key Takeaways
- A valid passport, passport card, or military ID will get you through TSA security without Real ID.
- Tribal IDs, commercial driver's licenses (CDLs), and certain state-issued documents also work if they meet TSA standards.
- If you don't have any of these documents, you can still fly but will face additional screening that takes longer.
- A passport takes four to six weeks to obtain through the State Department, while a Real ID driver's license typically takes one to two weeks at your DMV.
- Children under 18 do not need Real ID or a passport for domestic flights if traveling with an adult.
Documents the TSA accepts instead of Real ID
The TSA maintains an official list of acceptable identification for domestic air travel. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is the most straightforward alternative. Both are issued by the U.S. State Department and work at any airport in the country. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—not air travel. Wait: that's backwards. A passport card cannot be used for air travel. Only a full passport works for flights.
A military ID (including dependent ID cards) is accepted for domestic flights. If you are active duty, retired, or a dependent of someone in the military, your military identification card satisfies TSA requirements without Real ID.
Tribal identification issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe also works, provided it includes a photograph and expiration date. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are accepted, even if they are not Real ID-compliant. A CDL is what truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators carry; it's different from a standard driver's license.
Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced ID cards that meet Real ID standards but are marketed separately. These are accepted. Additionally, certain state-issued documents like a state ID card (not a driver's license) may work if it meets federal standards, though this varies by state. Call your state's DMV to confirm whether your specific ID card qualifies.
What happens if you don't have any of these documents
If you arrive at the airport without Real ID and without any of the documents listed above, you can still board a domestic flight. The TSA will conduct additional screening, which means more questions, a more thorough physical search of your bags and person, and a longer wait at security. This process is called secondary screening or additional verification.
You will need to provide your name and date of birth, and the TSA officer will verify your identity through other means—typically by checking government databases or asking detailed personal questions only you would know the answer to. This can add 15 to 30 minutes to your security screening, depending on how busy the airport is and how quickly the officer can verify your information.
This option is legal and available to anyone, but it is inconvenient and not recommended if you fly regularly. If you fly more than once or twice a year, obtaining one of the accepted documents is faster and less stressful than going through secondary screening each time.
Passport vs. Real ID: cost, time, and which to get
| Document | Cost | Processing Time | Where to Get It | Valid For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Passport (book) | $130–$165 | 4–6 weeks (routine); 2–3 weeks (expedited, extra fee) | Post office, passport acceptance facility, or State Department | 10 years (adults); 5 years (minors) |
| Real ID Driver's License | $15–$75 (varies by state) | 1–2 weeks (varies by state) | Your state's DMV | 4–8 years (varies by state) |
| Military ID | Free | Varies; issued upon enlistment or sponsorship | Military installation or sponsor's command | Varies by branch and status |
| Tribal ID | Free or low cost | Varies by tribe | Your tribe's enrollment office | Varies by tribe |
If you need to fly soon and don't have Real ID, a passport is your fastest option if you pay for expedited processing. Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks; expedited service cuts that to two to three weeks but costs extra (around $60 more). If you have time and want to save money, a Real ID driver's license from your state DMV is usually cheaper and faster—most states process them in one to two weeks.
If you already have a valid passport, you don't need Real ID at all. A passport works for both domestic and international flights and is valid for 10 years (for adults). If you don't have a passport and don't plan to travel internationally, a Real ID driver's license is the simpler choice because you're already replacing your driver's license anyway.
Children flying without Real ID or a passport
Children under 18 do not need Real ID, a passport, or any government-issued ID to fly domestically. A child can board a domestic flight with just an adult traveling companion. The adult must have acceptable ID (Real ID, passport, military ID, or another approved document), but the child does not.
This rule applies only to domestic flights. If a child is flying internationally, they must have a valid passport, regardless of age. If a child is flying domestically but the adult traveling with them does not have acceptable ID, the child still cannot board.
International travel: passport is your only option
Real ID does not work for international flights. If you are flying outside the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport. A Real ID driver's license, military ID, or any other domestic ID will not get you through international airport security or allow you to leave the country.
Some countries also require a visa in addition to a passport. A visa is a separate document issued by the country you're visiting and must be obtained before you travel. Check the State Department's website for the specific country you plan to visit to see whether a visa is required.
If you are planning international travel and don't have a passport, explore now. Standard processing takes four to six weeks, and some countries' visa processes take additional time. If you're leaving within three weeks, pay for expedited passport processing.
Renewing or replacing your ID before your flight
If your current driver's license is expiring soon or has already expired, you can renew it at your state's DMV. When you renew, you can request Real ID compliance at the same time—most states do this automatically now, but some require you to ask for it or bring specific documents.
To get a Real ID driver's license, bring your current driver's license (or state ID), proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill or lease). Requirements vary slightly by state, so check your state DMV's website before you go.
If you need ID before your next flight and your state's DMV has a long wait, some states offer expedited in-person appointments or mobile DMV services. Call your local DMV to ask about faster options. If none are available and you need to fly within a week, a passport with expedited processing is your best bet, though you'll need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or State Department office to get the fastest turnaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport to fly domestically?
No. Your passport must be valid (not expired) to board any flight, domestic or international. If your passport expired, you'll need to renew it before flying. Renewal by mail takes four to six weeks; in-person renewal at a passport agency is faster but still takes several weeks.
Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?
No. A valid passport works for all domestic flights and satisfies TSA requirements. You do not need Real ID if you have a passport. However, you will still need Real ID (or another accepted ID) for domestic flights if your passport is expired or if you choose not to carry it.
What if I'm flying with a Real ID driver's license from another state?
A Real ID driver's license from any U.S. state is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. You do not need a Real ID from your home state—any state's Real ID works. The TSA does not check whether your ID matches your current address.
Can I fly domestically with just a birth certificate?
No. A birth certificate alone is not accepted by the TSA for domestic flights. You need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you don't have any of these, you can still fly but will go through additional security screening.
How do I know if my state ID is Real ID-compliant?
Real ID-compliant IDs have a star or other marking in the upper right corner of the card. If your driver's license or state ID has this marking, it meets Real ID standards. If you're unsure, call your state's DMV or check their website—they can tell you whether your specific ID is compliant.