You can fly domestically with a non-Real ID driver's license, but you will need to bring an additional form of identification

The Real ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, set security standards for state-issued IDs used for federal purposes like domestic air travel. Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an alternative form of federal identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. If your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly — you straightforward need to bring a second, federally acceptable ID alongside it.

The reason for this requirement is straightforward: Real ID licenses contain security features and data verification that non-Real ID licenses do not. States issue non-Real ID licenses for various reasons, including cost, implementation delays, or because the driver requested one. Regardless of why your license is non-Real ID, the TSA's rule is the same: one Real ID-compliant document, or one non-Real ID document plus one federally acceptable alternative.

Key Takeaways

  • Starting May 7, 2025, you must show either a Real ID driver's license or a non-Real ID license paired with another federally accepted ID at domestic airport security.
  • A passport, passport card, military ID, or enhanced driver's license all count as federally acceptable alternatives to a Real ID driver's license.
  • You can check whether your current driver's license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star symbol in the upper right corner or by contacting your state's DMV.
  • Upgrading to a Real ID license requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV with specific documents, and processing times vary by state.
  • International flights always require a passport regardless of your driver's license status.

What counts as a federally acceptable ID if your license is not Real ID

The TSA maintains a list of documents that satisfy the federal identification requirement for domestic air travel. If you are traveling with a non-Real ID driver's license, you must bring one of these additional documents:

A U.S. passport or passport card is the most common alternative. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for domestic flights, though it cannot be used for international travel by air. A military ID — including active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent military identification — is also federally acceptable. An enhanced driver's license (EDL), offered by some states, is Real ID-compliant and includes additional security features; if your state offers this, upgrading to an EDL is simpler than obtaining a passport. A Trusted Traveler card such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST also works. A state ID card that is Real ID-compliant will work just as well as a Real ID driver's license.

Notably, expired documents do not work. Your alternative ID must be current and valid on the day you fly. A passport that expired last month will not get you through security, even if your non-Real ID driver's license is current.

How to tell if your driver's license is Real ID-compliant

Real ID-compliant driver's licenses display a gold or black star in the upper right corner of the card. This star is the visual marker that your license meets the federal security standard. If your license does not have this star, it is not Real ID-compliant, and you will need to bring a second form of ID when you fly domestically after May 7, 2025.

If you cannot see the star clearly or are unsure, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly. Most states allow you to check your license status online through their DMV website, or you can call the DMV and provide your license number. Some states also note the Real ID status on your license in text form, such as "REAL ID" or "NOT REAL ID" printed somewhere on the card.

The timing of when your state began issuing Real ID licenses varies. Some states started in 2009; others did not begin until 2017 or later. If you renewed your license before your state's Real ID rollout, your current license is likely not Real ID-compliant. If you renewed it after your state began issuing Real ID licenses, it may be compliant — but the only way to know for certain is to look for the star or check with your DMV.

Upgrading to a Real ID driver's license

If you want to avoid carrying a second ID when you fly, you can upgrade your current driver's license to a Real ID-compliant version. This requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV. You cannot renew to Real ID status online or by mail, even if your current license is not expired.

When you go to the DMV, bring the documents your state requires to verify your identity, citizenship, and residency. Most states require a 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. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm the exact list, because showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip.

The fee for a Real ID upgrade varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $30 above the cost of a standard license renewal. Processing time also varies: some states issue Real ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. If you are planning to fly soon and your state mails Real ID licenses, you may not have time to upgrade before your trip — in that case, bring your non-Real ID license and a federally acceptable alternative ID.

What happens at airport security if you have a non-Real ID license

When you approach the TSA checkpoint with a non-Real ID driver's license and your alternative federally acceptable ID, the process is the same as for any other traveler. Hand both documents to the TSA officer. The officer will examine both and verify your identity. You will then proceed through security screening like any other passenger.

The TSA does not penalize you for traveling with a non-Real ID license as long as you have the required alternative ID. There is no extra fee, no special line, and no additional questioning — provided your documents are valid and match your boarding pass. The only difference is that you are presenting two documents instead of one.

If you arrive at security with only a non-Real ID driver's license and no alternative ID after May 7, 2025, the TSA will not allow you to pass through the checkpoint. You will not be able to board your flight. This is why checking your license status before you travel is important.

International flights and non-Real ID licenses

Real ID status does not matter for international flights. Whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant or not, you cannot board an international flight with only a driver's license — you must have a valid passport. The passport is what the U.S. government and the destination country require for international travel, regardless of your domestic ID status.

If you are planning an international trip and do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one before you travel. This requires an in-person process at a passport acceptance facility, which can take several weeks or longer depending on demand. Do not wait until the last minute.

State-by-state differences in Real ID rollout and requirements

Every state now issues Real ID-compliant driver's licenses, but they did not all start at the same time. States that began early, such as Vermont and Washington, have been issuing Real ID licenses since 2009. States that started later, such as Missouri and South Carolina, did not begin until 2017 or 2018. This means the age of your license and when you renewed it matter more than where you live.

Some states offer an enhanced driver's license as an alternative to a standard Real ID license. Enhanced licenses are Real ID-compliant and also allow you to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico land borders without a passport. If your state offers an enhanced license and you cross land borders frequently, it may be worth the extra cost and effort to obtain one.

A few states have had implementation delays or legal challenges, but all states are now issuing Real ID licenses. If you are unsure whether your state is participating, check the Department of Homeland Security's official Real ID website or your state DMV's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just my non-Real ID driver's license after May 7, 2025?

No. Starting May 7, 2025, you must present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a non-Real ID license paired with a federally acceptable alternative ID such as a passport, military ID, or enhanced driver's license. A non-Real ID license alone will not get you through the TSA checkpoint.

What if I have a passport card instead of a full passport?

A passport card is federally acceptable for domestic flights and works just as well as a full passport book. It is smaller, cheaper, and sufficient for air travel within the United States. However, it cannot be used for international flights by air.

Do I need to upgrade my license before May 7, 2025?

No. You do not have to upgrade. You can continue flying domestically with your non-Real ID license as long as you bring a federally acceptable alternative ID. Upgrading is optional and only necessary if you want to travel with a single document.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Processing time varies by state. Some states issue Real ID licenses when ready at the DMV; others mail them within two to four weeks. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline. If you are flying soon, factor in this wait time before deciding to upgrade.

Will my expired passport work as an alternative ID at the airport?

No. Your alternative ID must be valid and current on the day you fly. An expired passport, military ID, or any other expired document will not satisfy the TSA requirement, even if your non-Real ID driver's license is current.