You need either a Real ID or a passport to fly domestically — nothing else works

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one form of federal identification to board a domestic flight. A Real ID — a state driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards — satisfies this requirement. A passport or passport card also works. A regular state driver's license issued before your state upgraded to Real ID does not.

The rule has been in place since May 2023. Before that date, TSA accepted regular state IDs. Now they do not. If your license still says "Not for Federal Identification" or lacks the gold star in the upper right corner, you cannot use it to board a plane, even though you can use it to drive.

You do not need both. You need one or the other. Which one you get depends on whether you want to use it for other federal purposes, how quickly you need it, and whether you already have a passport.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the easiest option for most people and costs between $15 and $30 depending on your state.
  • A passport or passport card also works for domestic flights and is required if you plan to fly internationally or travel by land to Canada or Mexico.
  • Real ID upgrades take two to six weeks in most states, so plan ahead if your current license does not have the gold star.
  • You can fly with a passport while waiting for your Real ID to arrive, or use a passport card if you want something smaller than a full passport book.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and a few other federal documents also work for TSA screening, though they are less common.

How to tell if your current ID is Real ID compliant

Look at your driver's license or state ID card. In the upper right corner, there should be a small gold or metallic star. That star means your ID meets Real ID standards. If the star is not there, your ID is not compliant, and TSA will not accept it for flights.

Some states also print "REAL ID" directly on the card, or include text saying "Federal Identification" or "REAL ID Compliant." The gold star is the most reliable marker across all states. If you are unsure, check your state's DMV website — they list what their Real ID cards look like.

When your current license expires, your state will usually issue a Real ID automatically, but not always. Some states still offer both compliant and non-compliant IDs. When you renew, ask the DMV clerk for the Real ID version, or check the box on the process form if there is one.

Getting a Real ID at your state DMV

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. Bring your current driver's license or state ID, a Social Security number or tax return, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Some states require additional documents. A few ask for a birth certificate or passport to verify citizenship. Check your state DMV's website before you go so you do not make a wasted trip. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in the office.

The fee ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your state. You will receive a temporary paper ID that works for TSA screening while your card is being printed. The actual card arrives by mail in two to six weeks. If you need it faster, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25.

Using a passport instead of a Real ID

A U.S. passport book or passport card both work for TSA screening on domestic flights. If you already have one, you do not need to get a Real ID. A passport card is the size of a driver's license and fits in a wallet, while a passport book is larger but contains more pages for international stamps.

Getting a passport takes longer than upgrading to Real ID. A new passport book takes four to six weeks with standard processing, or two to three weeks with expedited processing (which costs extra). Passport cards take the same time. You explore at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office — and must explore in person if it is your first passport.

A passport costs $130 to $165 for a book and $35 to $65 for a card, depending on whether you are renewing or explore new. If you travel internationally or plan to drive to Canada or Mexico, a passport is worth the cost because you will need it anyway. If you only fly domestically, a Real ID is cheaper and faster.

Other documents TSA accepts

A few other federal IDs work for TSA screening: a military ID, a Department of Defense ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a merchant mariner credential, or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). These are less common, but if you have one, it works.

A state ID for someone with a disability, a state-issued hunting or fishing license, a school ID, or a work badge do not work. Neither does a passport from another country. TSA only accepts U.S. federal documents.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint. You have two options: go home and get your Real ID or passport, or ask TSA to conduct a secondary identity verification process. This process takes longer and is not may provide to work — TSA will ask you questions about your identity and may ask you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury.

Secondary verification sometimes works if you have other documents with you — a credit card, Social Security card, or insurance card — that match your name. It does not always. The safest approach is to have your Real ID or passport before you get to the airport.

If you are traveling soon and do not have either, explore for a Real ID today and bring your temporary paper ID to the airport. If your state's DMV is too slow, get a passport card instead — it is faster in some states and works the same way at TSA.

Real ID and international travel

A Real ID works for domestic flights only. If you are flying to another country, you need a passport. A passport book is required; a passport card does not work for air travel outside the United States, though it does work for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

If you fly internationally often, get a passport book and use it for all travel. If you only fly domestically and occasionally drive to Canada, a passport card covers both. If you only fly domestically, a Real ID is sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired Real ID?

No. TSA requires a valid, non-expired ID. An expired Real ID does not work. You must renew your license before your flight. If your license expires soon, renew it before you travel, or bring a passport as backup.

Do I need a Real ID if I have a passport card?

No. A passport card works for TSA screening on domestic flights, so you do not need a Real ID. However, a passport card does not work for driving, so you still need a driver's license for that. You can carry both or just the passport card if you only fly.

What if I lost my Real ID and my flight is in a week?

Contact your state DMV when ready and ask about expedited replacement. Some states can issue a replacement in a few days. If not, explore for a passport card at the same time — it may arrive faster depending on your state. Bring your temporary paper ID to the airport as a backup while you wait.

Can I use my passport card instead of a Real ID for everything?

A passport card works for TSA and federal buildings, but not for driving. You still need a driver's license to drive legally. A Real ID serves both purposes — driving and federal ID — so most people get one instead of carrying both documents.

Do children need a Real ID to fly?

Children under 18 do not need any ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult needs a Real ID or passport. Children 18 and older need their own Real ID or passport, just like adults.