Flying Without a Driver's License: What ID You Can Use Instead

You can fly without a driver's license, but you need a different form of government-issued photo ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a driver's license specifically. What they require is a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license is the most common choice, but it is not the only one. If you do not have a driver's license — or yours is expired, suspended, or lost — you have other options that work at airport security checkpoints.

The key word is "government-issued." A school ID, library card, or work badge will not get you through security, even if it has your photo on it. The ID must come from a federal, state, or tribal government body. TSA agents check your ID against your boarding pass to confirm you are the person who booked the flight. They are looking for a match between the name and photo, not a specific document type.

Key Takeaways

TSA accepts a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or state ID card in place of a driver's license at airport security.
Your ID must not be expired; TSA will reject an expired document even if it is only expired by one day.
If you have no government photo ID at all, you can still fly, but TSA will conduct additional screening that takes longer and may require you to answer security questions.
Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state ID cards have a star or marking in the upper right corner; non-compliant ones will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
A passport or passport card works for both domestic and international flights and does not require Real ID compliance.

Government photo IDs that TSA accepts at security

If you do not have a driver's license, bring one of these instead:

U.S. Passport or Passport Card — Works for any flight, domestic or international. Does not expire as quickly as a driver's license in most states.
State ID Card — Issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency. Looks like a driver's license but marks you as a non-driver. Must be Real ID-compliant for domestic flights after May 7, 2025.
Military ID — Active duty, retired, or dependent military ID from the Department of Defense.
Tribal ID — Issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) — U.S. immigration document with your photo.
U.S. Passport Card — Smaller than a full passport but carries the same weight for TSA purposes.

Each of these documents must be current and not expired. TSA will not accept an ID that expired yesterday, last month, or last year. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you fly, or bring a second form of ID that is not expired.

What happens if your ID is expired

An expired ID will not work at TSA security, period. TSA agents are trained to reject expired documents. If you show up at the airport with only an expired driver's license and no other ID, you have two paths forward: you can leave the security line, renew your ID, and come back another day, or you can proceed through additional screening without an ID.

The additional screening process is called secondary verification. TSA will ask you questions about your personal history — your address, previous addresses, family members' names, or details from your credit report — to confirm your identity. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes longer than normal screening. You will still be allowed to fly, but you should arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for the extra time.

If you are flying soon and your ID is expired, renewing it is usually faster than going through secondary verification. Most states allow you to renew a driver's license or state ID online or by mail in one to two weeks. Some states offer expedited in-person renewal on the same day. Check your state's DMV website for your options.

Flying with no government photo ID at all

You can still fly if you have never had a government photo ID — for example, if you are very young, have never driven, and do not own a passport. TSA will put you through secondary verification at the security checkpoint. They will ask you personal questions and cross-reference your answers against databases to confirm you are who you say you are.

This process works, but it is slow and unpredictable. You might be asked about your Social Security number, previous addresses, family members, or recent financial transactions. TSA agents have access to credit bureaus and other data sources. If your information matches their records, you will be cleared to fly. If there are inconsistencies or gaps, the process may take longer or you may be denied boarding.

The best solution is to get a government photo ID before you fly. A passport takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail, but a state ID card or Real ID-compliant driver's license can often be obtained in one to two weeks. If you are flying within the next few weeks, start the ID renewal process now.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for your ID

Starting May 7, 2025, a regular driver's license or state ID card will not work for domestic flights — only Real ID-compliant versions will be accepted. A Real ID-compliant license has a small star or marking (usually gold or black) in the upper right corner of the card. If your driver's license does not have this star, it is not Real ID-compliant.

This rule applies only to domestic flights. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, a non-compliant driver's license still works. International flights require a passport regardless. Military ID, tribal ID, and passport cards are not affected by the Real ID important date.

If your driver's license does not have the star, you have two options: renew it to get a Real ID-compliant version, or bring a different form of ID to the airport (passport, military ID, or state ID card). Renewing for Real ID compliance usually requires an in-person visit to your state's DMV and takes one to three weeks. You will need to bring documents proving your identity, citizenship, and address — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and utility bill.

What to bring to the airport if you do not have a driver's license

Pack your chosen ID in an straightforward-to-reach pocket or bag. TSA agents will ask for it before you enter the security line. Have your boarding pass ready as well — they will compare the name on your ID to the name on your pass.

If you are bringing a passport, know that TSA does not need to see the visa pages or travel history — just the photo ID page. If you are bringing a military ID, make sure it is not expired. If you are bringing a state ID card, check that it has the Real ID star if you are flying after May 7, 2025.

If you are flying without any government photo ID and will go through secondary verification, arrive at the airport at least three hours early for a domestic flight. Secondary verification can add 10 to 20 minutes to your security wait time, and you do not want to miss your flight because of a slow identity check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport instead of a driver's license?

No. TSA requires your ID to be current and not expired, regardless of what type of ID it is. An expired passport will not work. You will need to renew your passport before flying, or bring a different ID that is not expired. Passport renewal by mail takes four to six weeks; expedited renewal takes two to three weeks.

What if I lost my driver's license and my flight is in two weeks?

You have time to get a replacement. Contact your state's DMV and request an expedited duplicate license — most states can issue one in one to two weeks. If you cannot wait, get a passport card instead; some post offices can issue one in a few days if you explore in person. Alternatively, bring a different government photo ID you already have (military ID, tribal ID, or passport).

Does TSA accept a Real ID-compliant state ID card for international flights?

No. International flights require a passport or passport card, not a state ID card. Real ID compliance matters only for domestic flights. If you are flying internationally, you must have a valid U.S. passport.

Will TSA let me fly if I have a photo ID from another country?

No. TSA requires a U.S. government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. A foreign passport or driver's license will not work. If you are a non-citizen, a Permanent Resident Card (green card) will work. If you do not have a green card or U.S. passport, you cannot fly domestically within the U.S.

Can I use a school ID or work badge instead of a driver's license?

No. TSA only accepts government-issued photo IDs. A school ID, work badge, or any private organization's ID will not work, even if it has your photo and name. You must bring a government document — driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.