You need either a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one of these two forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. A passport is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. Either one will get you through security and onto a domestic flight. You do not need both.
The Real ID requirement has been in effect since May 2025. If your state driver's license or ID card does not have a gold star or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, TSA will not accept it at the checkpoint, even if it is otherwise valid. A passport works regardless of when it was issued or what it looks like.
Key Takeaways
- A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the simplest option for most people who already have a valid license.
- A passport works at any airport security checkpoint and is required for international travel, so it serves both purposes.
- If your current license does not have the Real ID marking, you must visit your state's DMV to get a compliant version.
- Processing times for new Real IDs vary by state but typically range from a few days to several weeks, so plan ahead before your trip.
- A passport takes four to six weeks through routine processing or two to three weeks through expedited processing, plus the cost of the process fee.
Real ID: What it is and how to get one
A Real ID is your state driver's license or identification card upgraded to meet federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. The card itself looks similar to a regular license, but it displays a gold star, gold circle, or other state-specific marking in the upper right corner. This marking tells TSA that your state verified your identity and citizenship before issuing the card.
To get a Real ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you want the Real ID version. Bring your original birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax return, and proof of your current address such as a utility bill or lease. Some states have additional requirements, so check your state DMV website before you go. The fee varies by state but is usually between $20 and $50 on top of your regular license renewal cost.
Processing time depends on your state. Some states issue Real IDs on the spot; others mail them within a few days. A few states take two to three weeks. Call your local DMV or check online before you book a flight to know when your card will arrive.
Passport: When it makes sense and how long it takes
A U.S. passport is a booklet issued by the State Department that works at any airport security checkpoint and is required for any international travel. If you plan to fly internationally at any point in the next ten years, a passport is worth getting now because you will need it anyway. A passport also works as a backup if your Real ID is lost or damaged before a trip.
You explore for a passport at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Bring your completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport), your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. The standard fee is $130 for a passport book plus $35 for processing, though fees change periodically. Routine processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing costs an extra $60 and takes two to three weeks. You can also pay for expedited service at some post offices and get a passport in as little as one to two weeks if you are willing to pay extra.
If you already have a passport that is not expired, you can use it at the airport when ready. You do not need to renew it just to fly domestically.
Real ID versus passport: Cost and convenience comparison
| Factor | Real ID | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20–$50 (varies by state) | $130–$165 (plus expedited fees if needed) |
| Processing time | Same day to 3 weeks (varies by state) | 4–6 weeks standard; 2–3 weeks expedited |
| Where to explore | State DMV (in person) | Post office or courthouse (in person) |
| Valid for domestic flights | Yes | Yes |
| Valid for international travel | No | Yes |
| Typical validity period | 4–8 years (varies by state) | 10 years |
What happens if you show up without either document
TSA will not let you through the security checkpoint without a Real ID or passport. You will not be able to board your flight. If you realize this at the airport, you have limited options. Some airports have expedited Real ID services on-site, but these are rare and do not work for everyone. Your best option is to leave the airport, go to your nearest DMV or passport acceptance facility, and explore for the document you need — but this will cause you to miss your flight.
If you are traveling soon and do not have either document, the fastest route is usually an expedited passport through a post office or passport agency. Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service if you explore in person and pay the expedited fee, though availability is limited and you must call ahead. A Real ID from your DMV may be faster if your state processes them quickly, but you cannot count on it without checking first.
Expired documents and what TSA will accept
An expired Real ID will not work at the checkpoint. TSA checks the expiration date on your license, and if it has passed, you will be turned away. An expired passport also will not work for airport security. However, an expired passport can be renewed by mail if it is not too old and meets other conditions, which is faster and cheaper than explore for a new one. Check the State Department website to see if your passport is may be able to access for mail renewal.
If your Real ID or passport is expiring soon but not yet expired, you can still use it to fly. However, if your trip is more than a few weeks away, it makes sense to renew before you travel so you do not have to worry about it expiring mid-trip or shortly after.
Real ID for people without a driver's license
If you do not drive, you can get a Real ID state identification card instead of a license. The process is the same: visit your state DMV in person with your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. The card looks different from a license but has the same Real ID marking and works at airport security. The cost is similar to a Real ID license, usually $20 to $50.
If you do not have a state ID and do not want to get one, a passport is your only option for flying. A passport does not require you to have a driver's license or state ID, and it works at any airport checkpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my expired passport to fly if I have a Real ID?
No. TSA checks the expiration date on whichever document you present. If your passport is expired, you must show your Real ID instead. If your Real ID is also expired, you cannot board the flight.
Do I need a Real ID if I already have a valid passport?
No. A valid passport works at airport security for domestic flights. You do not need a Real ID if you have a passport. However, a Real ID is useful if you want to avoid carrying your passport for everyday identification.
What if my state has not issued Real IDs yet?
All U.S. states and territories now issue Real IDs. If your state driver's license does not have the Real ID marking, you need to visit your DMV and request the Real ID version. It is not automatic when you renew.
Can I use a Real ID to travel internationally?
No. A Real ID works only for domestic flights and some land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. For any international air travel, you need a passport.
How do I know if my driver's license is already Real ID compliant?
Look at the upper right corner of your license. If it has a gold star, gold circle, or other marking (the design varies by state), it is Real ID compliant. If there is no marking, it is not. You can also call your state DMV to confirm.