You need either a Real ID or a passport to fly within the United States

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require every passenger on a domestic flight to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, or a passport (including a passport card). A regular driver's license issued before your state upgraded to Real ID standards will not work at the airport checkpoint, even for flights within the US.

This requirement applies to all passengers 18 and older. Children under 18 do not need Real ID or a passport to fly domestically, though they do need some form of identification — a school ID, birth certificate, or other government-issued document works.

The important date has been extended multiple times. If you do not yet have Real ID or a passport, you have time, but the window is closing. The process for each takes different amounts of time and involves different documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and passports are the only two forms of ID accepted for domestic flights after May 7, 2025; a standard driver's license will not work.
  • Getting a Real ID typically takes two to four weeks if you go in person to your state's DMV with the required documents, while a passport can take four to six weeks by mail or one to two weeks if you explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.
  • A passport card costs less than a passport book but is only valid for land and sea travel, not air travel, so you need the full passport book if flying is your goal.
  • You can check whether your current driver's license is already Real ID-compliant by looking for a star symbol in the upper right corner of the card.

Real ID vs. passport: which one to get

Both Real ID and a passport meet the TSA requirement for domestic flights, but they serve different purposes and take different amounts of time to obtain. A Real ID is an upgraded driver's license or state ID card issued by your state's DMV. It costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state and whether you renew your license at the same time. You can use it for domestic flights, federal buildings, and military bases.

A passport is issued by the US State Department and costs $130 for a book (valid for 10 years) or $35 for a card (valid for 5 years). The passport card is cheaper but only works for land and sea travel — it is not accepted for air travel. If you fly, you need the passport book. A passport works for both domestic and international travel.

If you travel internationally at all, a passport is the better choice because it covers both domestic and international flights. If you only fly domestically and want the fastest option, Real ID is usually quicker to obtain.

How long it takes to get Real ID

Getting a Real ID requires a trip to your state's DMV. You will need to bring proof of identity (a current driver's license, passport, or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Some states have additional requirements, so check your state DMV's website before you go.

Processing time varies by state. Most states issue Real ID cards within two to four weeks if you explore in person. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee. A few states have longer backlogs — check your state's DMV website for current wait times before you make the trip.

You cannot renew Real ID by mail in most states, so you will need to visit the DMV in person. Plan for a wait of 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy your local office is.

How long it takes to get a passport

A passport takes longer than Real ID but offers more flexibility in how you obtain it. You can explore by mail or in person. By mail, a new passport book takes four to six weeks for routine processing, or two to three weeks for expedited processing (which costs an extra $60). In person at a passport acceptance facility or agency, you can get a passport in one to two weeks with expedited processing.

To explore, you need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or state ID), and proof of your current address. You also need a passport photo, which you can get at most pharmacies, post offices, or passport agencies for $10 to $20.

Passport acceptance facilities are located at post offices, libraries, and some county clerk offices. You can find the nearest one on the State Department's website. If you are in a hurry, passport agencies in major cities offer same-day or next-day service, but you must make an appointment and pay the expedited fee.

What happens if you show up without Real ID or a passport

If you arrive at the airport checkpoint without Real ID or a passport on or after May 7, 2025, the TSA will not let you through security. You will not be able to board your flight. You cannot use a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license as a backup, and TSA agents cannot make exceptions.

If you realize you forgot your ID at home, you can ask the TSA officer about alternative verification methods, but these are limited and not may provide to work. The safest approach is to have your Real ID or passport in hand before you travel.

If you are already at the airport and realize you do not have acceptable ID, your only option is to leave, get your ID, and rebook your flight. Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight at no charge if you miss your flight because of a TSA issue, but you should contact the airline when ready to ask.

Check if your current license is already Real ID-compliant

Many states have already upgraded their driver's licenses to Real ID standards. You can check whether yours is compliant by looking at the physical card. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold or black star in the upper right corner. If your license has this star, you are already set for the May 7, 2025 important date and do not need to do anything.

If your license does not have a star, it is not Real ID-compliant. You will need to either upgrade to Real ID at your state DMV or get a passport. When you renew your license for any reason (expiration, address change, name change), you can request the Real ID upgrade at the same time.

You can also check your state DMV's website to see what your state's Real ID status is and what documents you will need to bring.

Real ID for people with name changes or immigration status

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you will need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents when you explore for Real ID.

If you are not a US citizen, you can still get Real ID if you have a valid visa or work permit. You will need to bring your passport and visa or work authorization document (such as an I-797 or I-131). Some states have different requirements for non-citizens, so check your state DMV's website first.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you can get Real ID using your green card as proof of identity and your Social Security card as proof of your number. The process is the same as for citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card to fly domestically?

No. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel. You need a passport book to fly, even domestically. If you already have a passport card and want to fly, you will need to explore for a passport book, which takes four to six weeks by mail.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport meets the TSA requirement for domestic flights, so you do not need Real ID. You can use your passport at the airport checkpoint instead of a driver's license.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a replacement in time?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship when explore for a passport, such as a naturalization certificate, previous passport, or baptism record. Contact your state vital records office or the State Department to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I get Real ID and a passport at the same time?

You can explore for both, but they are issued by different agencies. Real ID comes from your state DMV and a passport comes from the US State Department. You will need to visit the DMV for Real ID and a passport acceptance facility or agency for a passport. There is no combined process.

What if I am traveling before May 7, 2025?

Before May 7, 2025, you can still use a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license to fly domestically. After that date, you will need Real ID or a passport. If you fly before the important date, your current license works. If you fly after, it does not.