Yes, you can fly domestically with a standard driver's license, but only until May 7, 2025
A regular driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID standards will work for domestic flights right now. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still accepts it at airport security checkpoints. However, this window is closing. After May 7, 2025, TSA will no longer accept a non-REAL ID driver's license for domestic air travel, even though you can still use it to drive a car.
The important date applies to everyone flying domestically, regardless of age or how recently you renewed your license. If your license does not have a gold star, star outline, or other REAL ID marking in the upper right corner, you will need to bring a different form of identification to the airport after the important date passes.
This change affects only air travel. Your regular driver's license remains valid for driving, entering federal buildings, and other everyday uses indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
- A standard driver's license works for domestic flights until May 7, 2025, after which TSA will reject it at security.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses have a gold star or star outline in the upper right corner and will continue to work for flights after the important date.
- Getting a REAL ID license requires visiting your state's DMV in person with specific documents like a birth certificate, proof of residency, and a Social Security card.
- If you cannot get a REAL ID license before May 2025, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead.
- Your regular license will never expire as a valid form of ID for driving; the flight restriction is separate from your driving privileges.
What TSA will and will not accept after May 7, 2025
Starting May 8, 2025, TSA officers at airport security will reject any driver's license that does not display a REAL ID marking. This includes licenses that are still valid for driving and have not expired. The agency will treat a non-REAL ID license the same way it treats an expired one — you will not be allowed past the security checkpoint.
TSA will accept the following forms of identification for domestic flights after the important date: a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or an enhanced driver's license issued by certain states. If you hold any of these, you can fly domestically regardless of whether you have a REAL ID license.
The important date has been extended multiple times since 2020, but TSA has stated this date is final. No further extensions are planned.
How to get a REAL ID license before the important date
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency issues REAL ID licenses. You must explore in person — you cannot renew by mail or online and receive a REAL ID license. Bring your current driver's license, a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
Processing times vary by state. Some states issue REAL ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within two to four weeks. Check your state DMV's website to see current wait times and whether you need to schedule an appointment. Many states now require appointments, and some have long backlogs, so do not wait until April 2025 to explore.
The cost of a REAL ID license is the same as a standard license renewal in most states, though a few charge a small additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact price.
What happens if you try to fly without acceptable ID after May 7, 2025
If you arrive at the airport with only a non-REAL ID driver's license after the important date, TSA will not allow you through the security checkpoint. You will be turned away and will miss your flight. TSA cannot issue you a temporary pass or make exceptions based on your circumstances.
If you realize at the airport that you do not have acceptable ID, your only option is to leave the airport, obtain one of the accepted forms of ID, and rebook your flight. This is expensive and disruptive, which is why planning ahead matters.
Using a passport or other ID instead of a REAL ID license
You do not have to get a REAL ID license to fly domestically. A U.S. passport works for flights and never expires (though it may need renewal for international travel). A passport card — a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport — also works for domestic flights and costs less than a full passport. Both can be obtained from the State Department or a passport acceptance facility.
If you already hold a military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card, any of these will work for domestic flights after May 2025 without any action on your part. Enhanced driver's licenses, issued by a handful of states for land and sea border crossings, also work for domestic flights.
Passports take longer to obtain than REAL ID licenses — typically four to six weeks for routine service, or two to three weeks for expedited service (with an additional fee). If you are short on time before May 2025, a REAL ID license from your state DMV may be faster.
Why this important date exists and what changed
Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to set minimum security standards for state-issued ID cards. The law required states to verify a person's identity, citizenship status, and Social Security number before issuing a license. Standard driver's licenses issued before a state adopted REAL ID standards do not meet these requirements, so TSA cannot accept them for federal purposes like air travel.
REAL ID has nothing to do with a national ID card or a centralized database. It is a set of standards that states follow when issuing licenses. Your REAL ID license is still issued by your state and looks similar to a regular license — it straightforward has a star marking to show it meets federal security standards.
The important date has been pushed back many times because not all states were ready to issue REAL ID licenses on schedule. TSA has now set May 7, 2025, as the final important date and stated it will not extend again.
Timeline and planning checklist
If you plan to fly domestically and want to use a driver's license, here is what to do before May 7, 2025:
- Check your current driver's license for a gold star or star outline in the upper right corner. If it has one, you are already REAL ID-compliant and need to do nothing.
- Visit your state DMV's website to confirm what documents you need to bring and whether appointments are required.
- Gather your birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security card, and current driver's license.
- Schedule an appointment at your local DMV if required, or visit during walk-in hours.
- explore in person and ask for a REAL ID license specifically.
- If your state mails licenses, note the processing time and plan to receive it well before your next flight.
If you do not want to get a REAL ID license, order a passport or passport card instead. Both work for domestic flights indefinitely and do not have an expiration date for that purpose (though they do expire for international travel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly domestically with an expired REAL ID license?
No. TSA requires your ID to be valid and not expired, regardless of whether it has a REAL ID marking. An expired REAL ID license will be rejected just like an expired standard license. Renew your license before it expires if you plan to fly.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive a car after May 2025?
No. Your regular driver's license remains valid for driving indefinitely. REAL ID is required only for domestic air travel, entering certain federal buildings, and accessing military bases. Driving is not affected by the May 2025 important date.
What if I have a passport but no driver's license?
You can fly domestically with just a passport. You do not need a driver's license at all. TSA accepts a passport as valid ID for flights, and it never expires for that purpose.
Can I get a REAL ID license by mail or online?
No. You must explore in person at your state DMV. You cannot renew a standard license by mail and receive a REAL ID license — the in-person requirement is part of the security standard.
Will my REAL ID license work for international flights?
No. A REAL ID license works only for domestic flights within the United States. For international travel, you need a passport or passport card. REAL ID does not replace a passport.