Learn About Flying Without a REAL ID Requirements

Understanding REAL ID and Why It Matters for Air Travel

The REAL ID Act became federal law in 2005, but its impact on everyday air travel didn't take full effect until May 2025. Before this date, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepted a broader range of identification documents at airport security checkpoints. Starting May 2025, if you're flying within the United States, you'll need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or one of several other federally approved forms of identification.

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REAL ID is not a new document you obtain separately. Instead, it's a security standard that certain state-issued identification documents must meet. When your state's Department of Motor Vehicles issues you a driver's license or state ID card that complies with REAL ID standards, it typically displays a gold or star-like symbol in the upper right corner. This symbol signals that your ID meets the federal requirements set by the Department of Homeland Security.

The reason REAL ID requirements exist stems from recommendations made after the September 11 attacks. Federal lawmakers wanted to establish minimum security standards for state-issued IDs to prevent identity fraud and unauthorized travel. The idea behind REAL ID is that if all states follow the same verification procedures when issuing licenses and IDs, it becomes harder for someone to obtain fraudulent identification documents.

Before May 2025, you could board a domestic flight with expired passports, military IDs, Native American tribal IDs, and various state-issued documents that weren't REAL ID-compliant. After the deadline, the TSA will only recognize REAL ID-compliant documents, federal documents like passports, or a limited set of other approved IDs. This change affects millions of Americans who have not yet obtained a REAL ID-compliant license.

Key takeaway: REAL ID is a security standard for state IDs and driver's licenses, not a separate document. The gold star on your ID means it meets REAL ID requirements for federal purposes like domestic air travel.

What Counts as Acceptable ID for Flying After May 2025

The TSA recognizes several types of identification for domestic air travel after the May 2025 deadline. Understanding which documents work matters because showing up at the airport with an unaccepted ID could disrupt your travel plans. The most straightforward option is a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, which you can identify by the star or gold symbol typically located in the upper right corner of the card.

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If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant license, a U.S. passport works for domestic flights. Passports are federal documents issued by the State Department and have always met the strictest security standards. A passport book (the blue booklet) and a passport card (the credit-card-sized version) both work. Many Americans maintain passports specifically for international travel, so this option may already be in your wallet.

Beyond passports and REAL ID licenses, the TSA accepts several other federal and military documents. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), issued by certain states, meets REAL ID standards and works for flying. Military dependent IDs, military retiree cards, and active-duty military IDs all remain acceptable. If you're a permanent resident (green card holder), your Permanent Resident Card works. Native American tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes also remain acceptable for domestic air travel.

The TSA also recognizes U.S. Merchant Mariner credentials, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards, and licenses issued by various U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands if they meet REAL ID standards. Some state-issued documents that predate REAL ID requirements—such as old driver's licenses from non-compliant states—will not work after the deadline unless those states have since updated their systems.

What doesn't work includes non-REAL ID state driver's licenses from states that haven't yet implemented the standard, expired passports (though some exceptions exist for military and certain government employees), school IDs, work IDs, and credit cards. An expired REAL ID-compliant license generally won't work either—the ID must be valid, not just compliant with the security standard.

Key takeaway: A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport represents your safest bets. If you have neither, check whether your state issues Enhanced Driver's Licenses or whether you hold military, tribal, or permanent resident documentation that the TSA accepts.

How to Obtain a REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License or ID Card

Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card involves a trip to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, but the exact process varies by state. The core requirement is that you must prove your identity, citizenship or legal residency status, and state residency. States verify these details differently, so visiting your state's DMV website before heading to the office can save you time and frustration.

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To begin, gather the documents you'll need. Most states require proof of citizenship or legal permanent resident status, which might be a birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or valid visa. You'll also need to prove your state residency, typically with utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements showing your current address. Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W2 form.

When you arrive at the DMV, staff will verify your documents and check your information against state and federal databases. Some states now allow you to start the REAL ID process online or through mail before visiting in person, which streamlines the office visit. If applying for your first license or renewing an expired one, you may also need to pass an eye exam and written test at the DMV. Many states charge a small fee for the REAL ID upgrade—typically between $10 and $30, though some states offer it at no additional cost during license renewal.

Processing times vary significantly by state. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant cards immediately upon application, while others may take several weeks or months, especially during busy periods. If you're planning air travel after May 2025 and don't yet have a REAL ID license, contacting your state DMV now gives you time to work through the process without rushing.

For those unable to visit the DMV in person, some states offer mail-in renewal options for current license holders. However, first-time REAL ID applicants typically must appear in person. If you're deployed military, living overseas, or otherwise unable to visit your home state's DMV, you may have different options—check your state's specific procedures or contact the DMV directly.

Key takeaway: Obtain a REAL ID-compliant license by visiting your state DMV with proof of citizenship, residency, and identity. Start this process months before your next planned flight to account for processing times and office wait times.

States That Have Extended Compliance and What That Means

While May 2025 marks the federal deadline for REAL ID compliance at airport security, the reality on the ground is more complicated. Not all states have fully implemented REAL ID systems at the same pace. Some states launched their programs years ago, while others are still working through implementation challenges. The TSA has indicated it will work with states that are making good-faith efforts toward compliance, though the specifics of how this affects individual travelers remain somewhat uncertain.

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Certain states have historically moved slower on REAL ID adoption. Missouri, for example, resisted REAL ID compliance for years on privacy grounds before eventually implementing the program. New Hampshire initially passed laws opposing REAL ID but later changed course. States like these may have later implementation timelines or may have faced challenges rolling out the system smoothly. If your state has been slow to adopt REAL ID, you might find longer wait times at the DMV, or your license might bear a REAL ID symbol even though your state's transition wasn't complete.

If you live in a state that hasn't fully transitioned or hasn't yet completed compliance, the practical reality is that after May 2025, you'll need one of the alternative acceptable documents to fly—primarily a passport. This creates a backup plan: even if your state hasn't completed REAL ID rollout, obtaining a passport gives you a federally recognized travel document that works nationwide. The passport application process takes several weeks to several months depending on whether you use routine or expedited processing, so planning ahead remains important.

Some observers have speculated that the TSA might further extend the May 2025 deadline if implementation problems arise