You cannot fly domestically without Real ID or a passport, but you have other document options

If you do not have a Real ID–compliant driver's license and you do not have a passport, you can still fly within the United States — but you will need to bring one of several other documents that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts at airport checkpoints. A passport is not required for domestic flights; Real ID is not the only path forward.

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work at security. Some are government-issued ID cards you may already have or can get quickly. Others are less common but still valid. The key is understanding which documents work, how long they take to obtain, and what happens if you show up without one.

Key Takeaways

  • You can fly domestically without Real ID or a passport if you carry a valid government-issued ID that the TSA accepts, such as a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID.
  • A standard (non-Real ID) driver's license issued after May 7, 2025, will not work for domestic flights; you must upgrade to Real ID or use an alternative document.
  • A passport card (the wallet-sized version) works for domestic flights and takes four to six weeks to obtain, making it faster than upgrading a driver's license in some states.
  • If you arrive at the airport without an accepted ID, TSA can conduct additional screening, but you may still board if you pass identity verification questions.
  • International flights always require a passport or passport card; no other document will work.

Documents the TSA accepts for domestic flights besides Real ID

The TSA accepts a range of government-issued documents at security checkpoints. A state-issued ID card (not a driver's license) works for domestic flights even if it is not Real ID–compliant, as long as it is current and issued by your state's motor vehicle department. A U.S. passport or passport card works. A military ID — active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent — works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Indian nation works. A permanent resident card (green card) works. A U.S. Merchant Mariner credential works if you are a mariner.

Some documents are harder to obtain than others. A state ID card typically takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $50. A passport card takes four to six weeks and costs $130 to $165. A military ID is free if you are already may be able to access. If you have a green card, you already have it. The fastest option depends on what you already hold and what your state offers.

What happens if you arrive without an accepted ID

If you reach the airport security checkpoint without an accepted ID, TSA officers will not automatically turn you away. Instead, they will conduct additional screening. This means you will answer identity verification questions — typically about your address, previous addresses, financial accounts, or other personal history — to confirm who you are. TSA uses this information to cross-check government databases.

If you pass this secondary screening, you can board your flight. The process takes longer than a normal checkpoint — often 10 to 20 minutes — and you may miss your flight if you arrive close to departure time. TSA does not may provide you will pass; if officers cannot verify your identity, you will not be allowed through security. This is a backup option, not a reliable plan.

The important date for Real ID and what it means for non-Real ID licenses

As of May 7, 2025, the TSA no longer accepts standard (non-Real ID) driver's licenses for domestic flights. If your license does not have a gold star, star outline, or other Real ID marking in the upper right corner, it will not work at airport security after this date. You must either upgrade your license to Real ID status or bring one of the other accepted documents listed above.

Upgrading to Real ID at your state's motor vehicle department typically takes two to four weeks and requires documents like a birth certificate, proof of address, and your Social Security number. If you are close to your travel date, a passport card may be faster in your state, or you can use a state ID card if your state offers one.

Passport cards versus full passports for domestic travel

A passport card is a wallet-sized document that works for domestic flights and land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for international air travel outside those regions. A passport book (the full-size booklet) works everywhere a passport card does, plus all other countries.

For domestic flights only, a passport card is sufficient and often cheaper and faster to obtain. A passport card costs $130 to $165 and takes four to six weeks. A passport book costs $165 to $200 and takes the same time. If you think you might travel internationally later, a passport book is the better choice. If you only fly domestically, a passport card saves money and is just as valid at TSA checkpoints.

International flights and the documents you actually need

For any flight leaving the United States — even to Canada or Mexico — you must have a passport book or passport card. No other document works. A Real ID driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or any other TSA-accepted document will not get you through international departure security.

A passport book takes four to six weeks to obtain through your county clerk's office or passport acceptance facility. If you need one faster, you can pay for expedited processing (one to two weeks) or same-day or next-day service at a passport agency in a major city, though these options cost extra and require an appointment. Plan ahead if you are flying internationally.

State ID cards as a faster alternative to Real ID upgrade

Many states offer a state ID card separate from a driver's license. This is a government-issued photo ID that works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights, even if it is not Real ID–compliant. If your state offers one, it may be faster and cheaper to obtain than upgrading your driver's license to Real ID.

A state ID card typically costs $15 to $50 and takes one to two weeks. You will need proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number — the same documents required for Real ID. Check your state's motor vehicle website to see if a state ID card is available and how long it takes in your area. If you do not drive or do not need a driver's license, a state ID card is a straightforward option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate is not a government-issued photo ID and the TSA does not accept it at checkpoints. You need a photo ID from the list the TSA publishes, or you must undergo secondary identity verification screening at the airport.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. You can use a Real ID driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or other TSA-accepted document. A passport is not required.

What if I lost my ID and my flight is in three days?

Contact your state's motor vehicle department when ready to see if you can get an expedited replacement. If not, you can arrive at the airport early and attempt secondary identity verification screening, though this is not may provide to work. A passport card takes four to six weeks, so that will not help for a flight in three days.

Can I use a school ID or work ID at the airport?

No. The TSA only accepts government-issued photo IDs. School IDs, work IDs, and other non-government documents do not work at security checkpoints.

Is a passport card the same as a passport for flying?

For domestic flights, yes — a passport card works just like a passport book. For international flights outside Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, no — you need a passport book. If you might travel internationally, a passport book is the safer choice.