You can fly domestically with either a Real ID or a passport, but Real ID is simpler for most people
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one form of federally acceptable ID to board a domestic flight. A Real ID — a state driver's license or ID card marked with a gold star or circle — works. So does a passport, passport card, or military ID. You do not need both. For most people flying within the U.S., a Real ID is faster and cheaper to get than a passport.
The key difference: Real ID proves your identity to TSA at the airport gate. A passport proves your citizenship to a border agent if you leave the country. If you never plan to travel outside the U.S., Real ID is enough. If you do travel internationally, a passport serves both purposes — it works at TSA checkpoints and at borders.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID driver's license or ID card (marked with a gold star) satisfies TSA requirements for domestic flights and is the fastest option for most people.
- A passport or passport card also works for domestic flights and is required if you travel internationally, but takes longer to obtain.
- Military ID, tribal ID, and some other federal documents also meet TSA requirements without needing Real ID or a passport.
- Real ID requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV with specific documents; processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks.
- If you do not have Real ID or a passport, TSA will accept a secondary ID (like a utility bill) paired with a photo ID, but this causes delays at security.
Real ID: The standard option for domestic flights
A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. You can spot it by a gold star or circle in the upper right corner. Every state now issues Real ID cards, though some states call them by different names — check your state's DMV website to confirm what yours is called.
To get a Real ID, visit your state's DMV in person. Bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number (W-2, tax return, or Social Security card), and two proofs of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Processing times vary by state — some take two weeks, others take six. Check your state DMV's website for current wait times before you go.
Real ID costs between $20 and $50 depending on your state, and it lasts as long as a regular driver's license — usually four to eight years. Once you have it, you can use it for domestic flights, federal building access, and some other purposes that require a federally recognized ID.
Passport: The option if you travel internationally
A U.S. passport works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights and is required if you travel outside the country. You have two options: a passport book (the traditional booklet) or a passport card (a credit-card-sized version). Both work for flights. The passport card is cheaper and smaller, but it is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel outside North America. If you fly internationally anywhere else, you need the passport book.
Getting a passport takes longer than Real ID. A new passport book takes four to six weeks through the standard process, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse), bring your birth certificate and photo ID, and pay between $130 and $165 for a book or $35 to $100 for a card. Passport cards take the same time as books.
A passport is valid for 10 years if you are an adult, or five years if you are under 16. If you already have a passport, you can use it when ready for domestic flights without any additional steps.
Other documents TSA accepts
Beyond Real ID and passports, TSA accepts military ID, tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, and a few other federal documents. If you are active military, retired military, or a dependent on a military ID, that card alone is enough. If you have a tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe, that works too. Enhanced driver's licenses issued by some states (marked with a star or enhanced designation) also meet TSA requirements.
If you hold a Trusted Traveler card — TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI — you can use that as your ID at TSA checkpoints. These programs are separate from Real ID and require their own background check and fee, but they speed up security screening and work for domestic flights.
What happens if you show up without Real ID or a passport
TSA will not turn you away if you do not have Real ID or a passport, but you will face a longer security screening. You can use a secondary ID — a utility bill, bank statement, lease, or insurance card — paired with a photo ID like a regular driver's license. TSA will verify your identity using additional questions and background checks, which typically adds 15 to 30 minutes to your security wait.
This process works, but it is slower and more stressful, especially if you are cutting it close to your flight time. If you fly regularly, getting Real ID or a passport is worth the upfront time and cost to avoid this delay every trip.
Timeline: How long to get each document before your flight
| Document | Processing Time | Cost | When to explore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real ID (state DMV) | 2 to 6 weeks (varies by state) | $20 to $50 | At least 6 weeks before your flight |
| Passport Book (standard) | 4 to 6 weeks | $130 to $165 | At least 8 weeks before your flight |
| Passport Book (expedited) | 1 to 2 weeks | $195 to $295 | At least 3 weeks before your flight |
| Passport Card | 4 to 6 weeks (standard) or 1 to 2 weeks (expedited) | $35 to $100 | At least 8 weeks before your flight (or 3 weeks for expedited) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with just my regular driver's license?
No, a regular driver's license without the Real ID gold star does not meet TSA requirements. You can still fly, but you will need to bring a secondary ID (utility bill, bank statement) and go through extended security screening. If you have a regular license, upgrading to Real ID at your state DMV is the simplest fix.
Do I need a passport if I already have Real ID?
Not for domestic flights. Real ID is enough. You only need a passport if you travel outside the United States. If you fly internationally even once a year, getting a passport is worth it because it covers both domestic and international travel.
What if my flight is in two weeks and I don't have Real ID or a passport?
You can still fly using a secondary ID (utility bill or bank statement) with a photo ID, but expect a longer security wait. If you want to avoid that, expedited passport service takes one to two weeks and costs extra. Real ID will not be ready in time, so passport expedited is your only option if you want a federal ID before your flight.
Is a passport card enough for international flights?
A passport card works for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by air. For any other international destination, you need a passport book. If you travel internationally to Europe, Asia, or Central America, get the book, not the card.
Do children need Real ID or a passport to fly?
Children under 18 do not need a federal ID to fly domestically — a birth certificate or school ID is enough. For international flights, children need a passport book. Check with your airline before you travel, as some airlines have their own ID requirements for minors.