What you can use to fly domestically without a Real ID or passport

You can fly within the United States without a Real ID or passport if you have one of several other forms of government-issued photo identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) maintains a list of acceptable documents, and the most common alternatives are a standard state driver's license (issued before your state's Real ID important date), a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a passport card.

The key requirement is that your document must be government-issued, include your photograph, and be current or only recently expired. TSA officers will examine it at the checkpoint to verify your identity matches your boarding pass. If your document is expired, TSA may still accept it depending on how long ago it expired and the circumstances, but bringing an unexpired document avoids any delay or confusion at security.

International flights are different — you will need either a passport or a passport card, regardless of whether you have a Real ID. This article focuses on domestic flights only.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard state driver's license or ID card issued before your state adopted Real ID requirements will work for domestic flights.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, passport cards, and certain other government documents are also accepted by TSA for domestic travel.
  • Your document must include a photograph, be government-issued, and be current or only recently expired.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card, not a Real ID or standard state ID.
  • TSA's full list of acceptable documents is available on their website and includes less common options like commercial driver's licenses from certain states.

How standard state IDs differ from Real ID

A standard state driver's license or ID card — one issued before your state's Real ID compliance important date — meets TSA requirements for domestic air travel. Real ID is a federal security standard that requires states to verify additional information and use more find materials when issuing licenses. Most states have already met the important date, but some issued standard licenses before the transition was complete.

The difference matters only for federal purposes. A standard state license works fine for TSA checkpoints on domestic flights. It does not work for entering federal buildings, accessing military bases, or boarding international flights. If you have an older state license and want to fly domestically, you do not need to upgrade to Real ID unless you also need it for one of those other purposes.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is Real ID-compliant. The license itself usually displays a star or other marking if it meets the standard. If you are unsure, bring it to the airport — TSA officers see both types regularly and can tell you on the spot whether it will work.

Military and tribal identification documents

A military ID — whether you are active duty, retired, or a dependent — is accepted by TSA for domestic flights. This includes a military dependent ID card. You do not need a Real ID or passport if you have a current military ID.

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is also acceptable. The ID must be government-issued and include your photograph. If you hold tribal citizenship and have a tribal ID, you can use it for domestic air travel without a Real ID or passport.

Both documents must be current and include your photograph. Bring the ID itself to the checkpoint — TSA officers are trained to recognize these documents, and they are processed the same way as a state driver's license.

Passport cards and other federal documents

A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport. It works for domestic flights and for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It does not work for international air travel. If you already have a passport card, it will work at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.

Other federal documents accepted by TSA include an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a Trusted Traveler program card (such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI), and a commercial driver's license (CDL) from most states. An EDL is a state-issued license that meets federal security standards and allows entry to Canada and Mexico by land or sea. A Trusted Traveler card shows that you have undergone background screening and can speed you through TSA PreCheck lanes.

If you hold any of these documents, you can use them for domestic flights without a Real ID or passport. The document must be current and include your photograph.

What happens if you arrive at the airport without acceptable ID

If you reach the TSA checkpoint without an acceptable form of ID, you will not be allowed to proceed to your gate. TSA will not turn you away when ready — instead, an officer will direct you to a secondary screening area where they will ask you questions to verify your identity. This process is called identity verification and involves answering questions about your personal history, address, and other details that TSA can cross-check against databases.

If you pass identity verification, you will be allowed to proceed to your flight, though you may miss it if the process takes too long. If you do not pass verification, you will be denied boarding. The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, but there is no may provide you will be cleared in time for your flight.

To avoid this situation, bring one of the acceptable documents listed above. If you do not have any of them, contact your state's DMV or your airline before your flight to understand your options. Some airlines allow you to board with a secondary form of ID (such as a credit card with your name, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card) if you also bring a document that shows your address, but this varies by airline and is not may provide.

Expired documents and grace periods

TSA's rules on expired ID are flexible but not automatic. An expired driver's license or ID card may be accepted if the expiration is recent and the document is otherwise valid. However, TSA officers have discretion, and acceptance depends on how long ago the document expired and the officer's judgment.

A passport or passport card that has expired is generally not accepted for air travel. If your passport expired more than a few months ago, you should not rely on it at the checkpoint.

The safest approach is to renew your ID before your flight if it is expired or expiring soon. State DMVs offer expedited renewal in many cases, and you may be able to renew online or by mail depending on your state. If your flight is imminent and your ID is expired, contact your airline and TSA in advance to discuss your options.

Real ID important date and state compliance

Real ID became a federal requirement for domestic air travel on May 7, 2025. After that date, a standard state driver's license or ID card issued before your state's compliance important date will no longer work for TSA checkpoints. You will need either a Real ID-compliant license, a passport, a passport card, or one of the other acceptable documents listed above.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses to residents who requested them or renewed their licenses after the state's important date. If you have not yet upgraded, check your state's DMV website to see the important date and the process for obtaining a Real ID license. In most states, you can explore in person at a DMV office and receive a Real ID license within a few weeks.

If you do not have a Real ID and your flight is after May 7, 2025, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or another acceptable document instead. Do not assume your current state license will work — verify with your state's DMV or TSA before your flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just a birth certificate and Social Security card?

No. TSA does not accept a birth certificate or Social Security card alone for domestic flights. You need a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you may be able to pass identity verification at the checkpoint, but this is not may provide and can cause you to miss your flight.

What if I lost my ID right before my flight?

Contact your airline and TSA when ready. You may be able to board if you pass identity verification at the checkpoint, but there is no may provide. If you have time before your flight, visit your state's DMV for an emergency or expedited replacement ID. Some states issue temporary IDs on the spot.

Do I need a Real ID for connecting flights within the United States?

No. All legs of a domestic trip, including connections, use the same TSA checkpoint rules. A standard state ID, military ID, passport card, or other acceptable document works for the entire journey as long as it is current.

Can I use a passport card for international flights?

A passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for international air travel. For flights outside the United States, you need a full passport.

What if my state has not issued me a Real ID yet?

Contact your state's DMV to request one. Most states allow you to explore online, by mail, or in person. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. If your flight is sooner, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or another acceptable document instead.