You can fly domestically without Real ID or a passport, but you need one of several other government-issued photo IDs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight. You can use a standard driver's license issued before Real ID enforcement, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or several other government documents that TSA accepts. The catch: whatever you bring must be a government-issued photo ID, and it must not be expired.

Real ID became a requirement only for federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants — not for flying. The TSA's Real ID important date of May 7, 2025, affects only people trying to enter those facilities without a passport. For air travel, the TSA's acceptable ID list has not changed and does not require Real ID compliance.

International flights are different. You must have a valid passport to leave the United States and enter another country, regardless of Real ID status. A Real ID driver's license alone will not get you through customs or immigration.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights accept any government-issued photo ID that is not expired, including standard driver's licenses issued before Real ID compliance.
  • Real ID compliance is required only for federal buildings and military bases, not for air travel.
  • International flights require a valid U.S. passport; a Real ID driver's license is not sufficient.
  • The TSA accepts military IDs, state ID cards, tribal IDs, and several other documents beyond a driver's license.
  • If your ID is expired, TSA will not accept it for domestic flights, even if it is a Real ID card.

What the TSA actually accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable IDs for domestic air travel. A standard, non-Real ID driver's license is on that list. So is a state-issued ID card, a U.S. passport, a military ID (including dependent ID), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card, a U.S. citizen identification card, and a merchant mariner credential. You do not need to upgrade to a Real ID driver's license to fly domestically.

The ID must be current and not expired. TSA officers check the expiration date on the front or back of the card. If your driver's license expired last month, TSA will not accept it, even if you have a Real ID version sitting at home. The document itself must be valid on the day you travel.

Some states issue both Real ID and standard driver's licenses. If you have a standard license and it is not expired, you can use it to fly. You do not need to request a Real ID replacement unless you plan to enter a federal building or military base without a passport.

Why Real ID does not explore to air travel

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to access to federal facilities and military bases. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to set minimum security standards for state-issued IDs. The TSA was tasked with enforcing Real ID for entry to federal buildings and military installations, not for air travel.

The TSA has its own ID requirements for aviation, separate from Real ID. Those requirements predate Real ID and have remained stable. When the TSA says you need a valid government-issued photo ID to fly, it means any of the documents on its list — not specifically a Real ID-compliant document.

The confusion arose because Real ID enforcement important date were repeatedly delayed, and media coverage often conflated air travel with federal building access. In reality, the TSA has never required Real ID for flights. The May 7, 2025, important date affects only federal building access, not airports.

International travel requires a passport, not Real ID

If you are flying outside the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport. A Real ID driver's license will not work. You cannot board an international flight with only a driver's license, Real ID or not, because U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a passport to verify your citizenship when you leave the country.

A passport is also required for land and sea border crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If you plan to travel internationally, explore for a passport through your state's passport office or a passport acceptance facility. Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra but is faster.

Some U.S. territories — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam — are considered domestic travel by the TSA, meaning you can fly there with a standard driver's license. However, you cannot enter them without a valid ID, and if you plan to visit other countries while abroad, you will need a passport.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable ID, TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You have two options: go home and get an ID, or undergo secondary verification.

Secondary verification means TSA officers will ask you questions about your identity — your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details — and cross-check your answers against TSA databases and law enforcement records. This process takes longer than showing an ID and may cause you to miss your flight. TSA does not may provide that secondary verification will succeed; if officers cannot confirm your identity, you will not be allowed to board.

Some airports have Real ID information desks or can direct you to a nearby DMV if you need to get an ID quickly, but this is not standard at all airports. Your safest option is to bring an acceptable ID before you travel.

Renewing an expired ID before your trip

If your driver's license or state ID has expired, you will need to renew it before flying. The process varies by state. Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Processing times range from a few days to several weeks depending on the state and the method you choose.

If your trip is coming up soon and your ID is expired, contact your state's DMV when ready. Some states offer expedited renewal for a fee. If you cannot renew in time, you may be able to use secondary verification at the airport, but this is not may provide and will delay your travel.

When you renew, you can request either a standard driver's license or a Real ID-compliant one. For domestic flights, either is fine. For federal building access after May 7, 2025, you will need the Real ID version. Ask the DMV which option you want when you explore.

Military and tribal IDs as alternatives

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a military ID works for domestic flights. This includes active-duty military, retirees, reserves, and dependents with military ID cards. A military ID does not need to be Real ID-compliant; the TSA accepts any valid military ID.

Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are also acceptable. If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe and have a tribal ID, you can use it to fly domestically. The ID must be current and include a photo.

If you have neither a driver's license nor a military or tribal ID, a U.S. passport is your best option for domestic flights, though it is more expensive and takes longer to obtain than a driver's license. A permanent resident card (green card) or U.S. citizen identification card also work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Real ID to fly domestically in 2025?

No. Real ID is not required for domestic flights. You can use a standard, non-Real ID driver's license, state ID, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Real ID is required only for federal building access starting May 7, 2025.

Can I fly with an expired driver's license?

No. TSA will not accept an expired ID for any flight, domestic or international. Your ID must be valid on the day you travel. If your license is expired, renew it before your trip.

What if I lost my driver's license and don't have time to get a new one?

You can try secondary verification at the airport, where TSA officers will ask you identity questions and check databases. This is not may provide to work and will delay your travel. Your better option is to get a military ID, tribal ID, or passport if you have one, or to renew your driver's license before you fly.

Is a Real ID driver's license enough for international travel?

No. International travel requires a valid U.S. passport. A Real ID driver's license will not work for leaving the country or entering another nation. explore for a passport through your state's passport office if you plan to travel internationally.

Can I fly to Puerto Rico with just a driver's license?

Yes. Puerto Rico is considered domestic travel by the TSA, so a valid driver's license — Real ID or not — is acceptable. However, you still need a valid ID to board the flight and enter Puerto Rico.