You can fly domestically with a regular driver's license, but only until May 7, 2025

A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted REAL ID compliance is still accepted for domestic flights right now. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to accept it at airport security checkpoints. However, this window is closing. After May 7, 2025, TSA will no longer accept non-compliant driver's licenses for domestic air travel, even if the license itself has not expired.

This important date applies to every state. It does not matter whether your license was issued last year or ten years ago — if it does not carry the REAL ID marking (usually a gold or black star in the upper right corner), you will need an alternative form of ID to pass security after that date.

International flights have always required a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license. A regular driver's license has never worked for travel outside the United States, regardless of REAL ID status.

Key Takeaways

  • Regular driver's licenses without the REAL ID star are accepted for domestic flights until May 7, 2025, after which TSA will reject them at security.
  • You can renew your license to a REAL ID-compliant version now, or obtain a passport or passport card as an alternative form of ID for flying.
  • International flights require a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license — a regular driver's license does not work regardless of REAL ID status.
  • The REAL ID star appears in the upper right corner of compliant licenses and indicates your state has met federal security standards for license issuance.
  • If you fly before May 7, 2025, bring your regular license; after that date, you must have REAL ID, a passport, or another TSA-approved ID.

What counts as a valid ID for domestic flights right now

TSA accepts several forms of ID at security checkpoints for domestic travel. A regular driver's license is one of them — for now. You can also use a passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, enhanced driver's license, or trusted traveler program card (such as Global Entry or NEXUS). Native American tribal ID and certain other federal documents also work.

The key difference is that after May 7, 2025, the regular driver's license drops off this list. Everything else remains valid. If you already have a passport or passport card, you do not need to do anything — you can use it for domestic flights indefinitely.

How to get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license before the important date

Visit your state's DMV in person. You cannot renew a license to REAL ID status online or by mail in most states. Bring your current driver's license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and two proofs of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The exact documents vary slightly by state. Check your state DMV website before you go — some states accept different forms of proof, and some have specific requirements about document dates or formats. The fee for a REAL ID license is typically between $20 and $50 on top of your normal renewal fee, but this varies by state.

Processing time also varies. Some states issue REAL ID licenses on the spot; others mail them within one to three weeks. If you are flying after May 7, 2025, and your state mails licenses, you should explore well before your trip — do not wait until April.

Getting a passport or passport card as an alternative

If you do not want to renew your driver's license to REAL ID status, a U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights and is valid indefinitely (passports expire after 10 years for adults, but you can renew them). You explore through the State Department, not your DMV.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book — it costs around $130 for a new card versus $165 for a passport book — but it works only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For domestic flights, either one works. Processing time is typically four to six weeks for routine service, or one to two weeks for expedited service (which costs extra).

You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility (often a post office, library, or courthouse) or renew by mail if you already have a passport. If you need a passport quickly and your flight is soon, expedited service exists, but it costs more and still takes at least one to two weeks.

What happens if you show up to the airport without valid ID after May 7, 2025

TSA will not let you through security with a non-compliant driver's license after the important date. You will be turned away and will not reach your gate. You cannot board your flight.

If you arrive at the airport without any valid ID, TSA has a secondary process: they can verify your identity through other means (asking security questions, checking records), but this takes time and is not may provide to work. It is far better to have the right ID before you arrive. Missing your flight because you brought the wrong ID is entirely preventable.

Enhanced driver's licenses and trusted traveler programs

An enhanced driver's license (EDL) is a state-issued license that meets REAL ID standards and also allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport. Not all states offer EDLs, and they cost more than a standard REAL ID license (typically $50 to $100). If your state offers one and you travel to Canada regularly, it may be worth the cost. For domestic flights alone, a standard REAL ID license is sufficient.

Trusted traveler programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST are separate from your driver's license. They are TSA programs that give you expedited security screening at airports and land borders. They do not replace your need for a valid ID — you still need to show ID at security — but they let you move through a faster line. These programs require a separate process and fee (typically $80 to $100 for five years).

State-by-state REAL ID compliance status

All 50 states and U.S. territories have now adopted REAL ID standards. However, the date when each state began issuing compliant licenses varies. Some states started in 2009; others did not begin until 2017 or later. This means the age of your license does not tell you whether it is compliant — only the presence of the star marking does.

Check your current license. If you see a star (usually gold or black, usually in the upper right corner), your license is already REAL ID-compliant and you do not need to renew it before May 7, 2025. If there is no star, you will need to renew it, obtain a passport, or use another TSA-approved ID for flights after that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need REAL ID if I only fly once a year?

After May 7, 2025, yes. The important date applies to all domestic flights, regardless of how often you fly. If you fly even once after that date, you will need REAL ID, a passport, or another TSA-approved ID. There are no exceptions based on frequency of travel.

Can I use my passport card for a domestic flight?

Yes. A passport card is valid for domestic flights and works at TSA security checkpoints just like a passport book does. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, though it is not valid for international air travel.

What if my state driver's license expires before May 7, 2025?

You can renew it as a regular license (without REAL ID) and continue to use it for domestic flights until May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need to renew it to REAL ID status, obtain a passport, or use another approved ID. Plan your renewal timing accordingly if you fly after the important date.

Is REAL ID required for connecting flights or layovers?

Yes. You pass through TSA security at your first airport, and that is where your ID is checked. After May 7, 2025, a non-compliant driver's license will not get you through security, even if you are only connecting to another domestic flight.

Can I fly with an expired REAL ID license?

No. Your ID must be valid (not expired) to pass through security, whether it is REAL ID-compliant or not. An expired license does not work, even if it has the REAL ID star.