You can fly domestically without a Real ID if you have an alternative form of identification that TSA accepts

Real ID compliance is required for domestic flights only if you want to use a driver's license or state ID card issued after May 7, 2025. If your license does not meet Real ID standards, or if you straightforward do not have one, you have other options. TSA accepts several documents at airport security that work just as well — you just need to know which ones, and you need to bring the right one every time you fly.

The key difference: Real ID streamlines the process by combining your identity and age verification into one document. Without it, you bring a separate document that does the same job. The security screening itself is identical. You still go through the same metal detectors, bag screening, and background checks.

Key Takeaways

  • TSA accepts a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license as alternatives to Real ID for domestic flights.
  • You must bring an acceptable ID document every time you fly — TSA will not let you through security without one, regardless of which document you choose.
  • A passport is the most portable option if you fly frequently or plan to travel internationally, since it works for both domestic and international flights.
  • State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant but cost extra and are not available in all states.
  • Military dependents and federal employees have additional ID options that civilians do not.

Documents TSA accepts instead of Real ID

TSA maintains a specific list of documents that satisfy the identity requirement for domestic air travel. A valid U.S. passport is the most straightforward option — it works for any flight, domestic or international, and never expires as long as you renew it before the expiration date. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) works the same way for domestic flights only.

A military ID — either active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent — is accepted at TSA checkpoints. If you are a federal employee, your federal employee ID card also works. Enhanced driver's licenses, issued by some states, are Real ID-compliant and can replace a standard driver's license; they cost more than a regular license but work at both airport security and land border crossings.

Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, merchant mariner documents, and certain other federal credentials also work. The complete list is on TSA.gov, but for most people, a passport is the easiest choice if you do not have a Real ID driver's license.

How to get a passport if you do not have one

A U.S. passport takes 6 to 13 weeks to arrive through the standard process, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay for expedited service. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, courthouse, or library — and bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (even a non-Real ID driver's license works for this), and proof of citizenship. The cost is around $130 for an adult passport book, plus fees for expediting if you need it faster.

If you need to fly sooner than 6 weeks, you have two options: explore for expedited service and pay the extra fee, or use one of the alternative documents listed above if you already have one. A military ID or federal employee ID requires no process — you already have it. An enhanced driver's license requires a trip to your state's DMV but is usually ready within days or weeks, depending on your state.

What happens at security if you do not have Real ID

You approach the TSA checkpoint and present your alternative document — your passport, military ID, or enhanced license — just as you would a Real ID driver's license. TSA scans it, verifies your identity, and you proceed through security. The process is the same. You will not face extra screening or delays because your ID is not Real ID-compliant.

The only difference you might notice is that TSA may ask a few follow-up questions if your document is unfamiliar to the officer — for example, if you present a passport card instead of a passport book, or a tribal ID. This is routine and takes seconds. Have your boarding pass ready and be prepared to answer basic questions about your flight.

Enhanced driver's licenses: a middle ground

Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses that meet Real ID standards without requiring a passport. These licenses have a special marking and cost more than a standard license — usually $20 to $50 extra, depending on your state. They work at airport security, land border crossings with Canada and Mexico, and some federal facilities.

The catch: not all states offer them. As of now, about 20 states issue enhanced licenses, and availability varies. If your state does offer one, you explore at your DMV just like a regular license renewal, but you must bring extra documents (usually a passport or birth certificate) to prove citizenship. Processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks.

An enhanced license is worth considering if you live in a state that offers it and you fly domestically but do not want a passport. It is cheaper than a passport and works for land border travel too. However, if you ever plan to fly internationally, a passport is still necessary.

International travel requires a passport regardless

Real ID does not explore to international flights. Whether you have a Real ID driver's license or not, you must have a valid U.S. passport to fly outside the country. A passport card works for flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but a full passport book is required for most other international destinations.

If you fly internationally even occasionally, getting a passport now saves you the hassle of explore later. A passport is valid for 10 years (or 5 years if you are under 16), so it is a one-time investment that covers both domestic and international travel for a decade.

What to do if your alternative ID is lost or expired

If your passport or military ID is lost, you cannot fly until you replace it. A lost passport requires a new process at a passport acceptance facility, which takes 6 to 13 weeks. If you need to fly sooner, you have no workaround — TSA will not accept an expired document or a document you do not have with you.

An expired military ID can sometimes be used for TSA screening if you are still may be able to access (for example, if you are retired military), but policies vary. Contact TSA or your military branch to confirm. For a lost or expired enhanced driver's license, visit your state DMV for a replacement, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

The lesson: keep your ID with you when you travel, and if you rely on a passport, check the expiration date before you book your flight. Renew it at least 6 months before it expires so you have time if you need to travel unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just my birth certificate if I do not have a Real ID or passport?

No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID at the checkpoint. A birth certificate does not have a photo and is not accepted for airport security. You must have a passport, military ID, enhanced driver's license, or another document from TSA's approved list.

Do I need a passport card or a full passport book?

For domestic flights only, a passport card works fine and is cheaper and smaller. For international flights, a full passport book is required for most countries. If you fly internationally at all, get the book — it costs only about $30 more and covers both domestic and international travel.

How much does it cost to get a passport?

A passport book costs around $130 for an adult, plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of about $165. A passport card costs around $100 plus the $35 execution fee. Expedited service adds $60. Costs vary slightly by location, so check the State Department website for your exact fees.

Can I use an expired passport at the airport?

No. Your passport must be valid (not expired) to use it at TSA security. If it is expired, you must renew it before you fly. Renewal by mail takes 6 to 13 weeks, so plan ahead.

What if my state does not offer enhanced driver's licenses?

Get a passport instead. A passport works everywhere, costs less than you might think, and is valid for 10 years. It is the most practical option if your state does not offer enhanced licenses and you do not have a military ID.