You can fly domestically without a Real ID or passport, but you need an accepted form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several documents at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. A Real ID — a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards — is one option, but it is not the only one. You can board a domestic flight with a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo identification.

The key requirement is that your document must be current and issued by a government agency. TSA agents will check that your name matches your boarding pass and that your ID has not expired. If you do not have a Real ID and your state-issued driver's license does not meet Real ID standards, you will need to bring one of the alternative documents listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid passport or passport card works for any domestic flight and requires no additional documents.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.
  • Your state driver's license works for domestic flights unless your state has not yet implemented Real ID compliance, in which case you need an alternative form of ID.
  • International flights always require a passport or passport card; no other document will work.
  • TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members still need to present an accepted ID at the checkpoint, even with expedited screening.

What documents TSA accepts for domestic flights

TSA maintains a specific list of documents that satisfy the identification requirement at security checkpoints. A valid passport or passport card is accepted for any domestic flight. A military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent) works without additional paperwork. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe is also accepted.

Other accepted documents include a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. citizen identification card, an employment authorization document (EAD), and a merchant mariner document. Your document must be current — expired IDs are not accepted, even if they expired recently. TSA agents will verify that the name on your ID matches the name on your boarding pass.

When your state driver's license does not work

Not all state driver's licenses meet Real ID standards. Some states have not yet fully implemented the Real ID Act, and residents of those states cannot use their standard driver's license at TSA checkpoints. You can check whether your state is compliant by visiting the TSA website, which lists every state's status.

If your state has not met Real ID requirements, your driver's license will be rejected at security, and you will need to present one of the alternative documents listed above. This does not mean you cannot fly — it means you must bring a passport, military ID, or other accepted form instead. Some states issue a separate Real ID-compliant driver's license; if your state offers this, you can request one from your state's motor vehicle department.

International flights require a passport

For any flight leaving the United States, you must have a valid passport or passport card. No other document — including a Real ID driver's license, military ID, or green card — will work for international travel. A passport card is less expensive than a full passport book and works for flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for flights to other countries.

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Some countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, so check the entry requirements for your destination before you book. If your passport has expired or will expire soon, you will need to renew it before your flight.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry do not replace ID requirements

If you have TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you still must present an accepted form of identification at the security checkpoint. These programs speed up the screening process — you may not need to remove your shoes or take out your laptop — but they do not waive the ID requirement. TSA agents will still verify your identity before you proceed through security.

When you enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, you provided government-issued ID to verify your identity. That does not mean you can skip bringing ID to the airport. You must carry an accepted document every time you fly, regardless of your enrollment status in any trusted traveler program.

What to do if you do not have an accepted ID

If you arrive at the airport without an accepted form of identification, TSA has a process called Reasonable Suspicion Identification (RSID). An agent will ask you questions to verify your identity — such as your address, date of birth, and other personal details. This process takes additional time and is not may provide to result in clearance to fly.

Your best option is to obtain an accepted document before your flight. If you have a passport, bring it. If you do not have a passport and need one quickly, you can explore for a passport card at many post offices and passport acceptance facilities; processing times vary depending on how soon you need it. If you have a military ID or tribal ID, bring that instead. Do not count on RSID to work — it is a backup measure, not a reliable alternative.

Renewing or replacing an expired ID before your flight

If your passport has expired and your flight is coming up, you have limited options depending on how much time you have. Standard passport renewal takes several weeks. Expedited processing is faster but still takes one to two weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport in fewer than two weeks, you can explore for expedited service at a passport acceptance facility or agency, though availability varies by location.

If your state driver's license has expired, you can renew it at your state's motor vehicle department. Renewal is usually faster than passport processing, but check your state's current processing times. If you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license and your state offers it, you may be able to get one in person at a motor vehicle office, though some states require an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport if I have a Real ID driver's license?

No. For domestic flights, you can use either a valid passport or a valid Real ID driver's license, but not an expired passport. For international flights, your passport must be valid. If your passport has expired, you must renew it before traveling internationally.

Does a Real ID driver's license work for international flights?

No. International flights require a passport or passport card, regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant. A Real ID driver's license only works for domestic flights and federal building access.

What if I lost my passport and my flight is in two weeks?

You can explore for a replacement passport with expedited processing at a passport acceptance facility or agency. Expedited service typically takes one to two weeks but costs more than standard renewal. Contact your nearest passport office to confirm current processing times and availability.

Can I use a photo ID from my job or school instead of a government ID?

No. TSA only accepts government-issued photo identification. Employee IDs, school IDs, and other non-government documents are not accepted at security checkpoints.

Do children need an ID to fly domestically?

Children under 18 do not need to present an ID if they are traveling with an adult who has an accepted form of identification. The adult's ID must match the child's boarding pass name. Children traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian may need to present ID.