You cannot use a regular driver's license to fly domestically in the United States

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require all passengers on domestic flights to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, an enhanced driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally approved form of identification. A standard driver's license issued before your state upgraded to Real ID compliance will not work at airport security checkpoints.

This does not mean you need an enhanced license specifically. You have several paths forward, and which one makes sense depends on whether you travel by air regularly, whether you cross land borders, and how soon you need to fly.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular driver's license will not pass TSA screening at airport security after May 7, 2025, unless your state has already issued Real ID-compliant licenses.
  • You can fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler program card instead of upgrading your license.
  • An enhanced driver's license is only useful if you also cross the U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico land border regularly, since it serves both purposes.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses and enhanced licenses are different documents with different uses; Real ID is for domestic flying, enhanced is for land border crossing.
  • Processing times vary by state, so check your DMV's current wait before deciding which document to get.

The difference between Real ID, enhanced licenses, and what TSA actually accepts

A Real ID-compliant driver's license is a standard license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It has a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner. It lets you fly domestically and enter federal buildings. It does not help you cross land borders.

An enhanced driver's license is a separate document that serves two purposes: it works for domestic flying like a Real ID license, and it also lets you cross the U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico border by land without a passport. Not all states offer enhanced licenses. Only about 17 states currently issue them, including Washington, Michigan, New York, and Vermont. If your state does not offer one, you cannot get one.

The TSA accepts these documents at airport security: a Real ID-compliant driver's license, an enhanced driver's license, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a veteran's health ID, a tribal ID, a merchant mariner credential, or a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). You do not need an enhanced license to fly—you need one of these documents, and a regular driver's license is only acceptable if it is Real ID-compliant.

When a passport makes more sense than upgrading your license

If you fly occasionally and do not cross land borders, a passport is often the faster and simpler choice. A U.S. passport book costs $130 for an adult and takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive under normal processing, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay for expedited service. A passport card costs $35 and works at airport security, though it is smaller and easier to lose.

A passport works at any airport in the world and never expires as long as you renew it before it lapses. A Real ID-compliant license is state-specific and requires you to renew it in person at your DMV when it expires. If you move to another state, you need a new license from that state. A passport travels with you regardless of where you live.

The trade-off: getting a passport takes longer than getting a Real ID license in most states, and you have to go to a passport acceptance facility (often a post office or courthouse) rather than your local DMV. Check your state's current processing times for both before you decide.

If you cross the U.S.–Canada or U.S.–Mexico border by car

An enhanced driver's license is worth getting only if you regularly drive across a land border. It costs more than a standard license renewal (typically $20 to $50 extra, depending on your state) and takes the same time to process. The benefit is that you can cross the border without carrying your passport, which some people prefer for convenience or security.

If you do not cross land borders, an enhanced license gives you nothing extra. A Real ID-compliant license does the same job for flying. If your state offers enhanced licenses but you only fly, get a Real ID license instead and save the extra cost.

If you cross borders and fly, an enhanced license covers both needs in one document. If your state does not offer enhanced licenses, you will need a passport for border crossing and either a Real ID license or passport for flying.

How to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license

Visit your state's DMV website and look for "Real ID" or "REAL ID-compliant license." You will need to bring original documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Some states require additional documents.

You must explore in person at a DMV office. You cannot renew a Real ID license by mail. Processing times vary widely—some states take 2 weeks, others take 8 weeks or longer. Check your state's current wait time before you go, because many DMVs now require appointments and have long backlogs.

Your new Real ID license will have a gold star or other federal marking. It costs the same as a standard license renewal in most states, though a few charge a small upgrade fee. Once you have it, you can use it to fly domestically and enter federal buildings for the next 5 to 8 years, depending on your state's renewal cycle.

Trusted traveler programs as an alternative

If you fly frequently, a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can speed up security screening, but it does not replace the need for a valid ID. You still need to show a Real ID license, enhanced license, passport, or other approved document. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you go through expedited screening lanes. Global Entry costs $100 for five years and includes TSA PreCheck plus expedited customs screening when you return to the U.S.

These programs are useful if you fly more than twice a year, but they do not solve the problem of not having an acceptable ID. You need both a valid ID and the trusted traveler membership to benefit.

What happens if you show up to the airport without an acceptable ID

If you arrive at airport security with only a non-compliant driver's license after May 7, 2025, TSA will not let you through the checkpoint. You will be turned away and will miss your flight. You cannot board a domestic flight without one of the accepted documents.

Some airports have passport acceptance facilities on-site, but you cannot get a passport issued on the same day. If you are already at the airport without valid ID, you cannot fix it in time to catch your flight. Plan ahead and get your Real ID license, passport, or other approved document before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an enhanced license to fly, or can I just use my passport?

You can use your passport instead. An enhanced license is only necessary if you want a single document that works for both flying and crossing land borders. For flying alone, a passport, passport card, or Real ID-compliant driver's license all work equally well at TSA checkpoints.

My state does not offer enhanced licenses. Can I get one from another state?

No. Enhanced licenses are issued only by your state of residence. If your state does not offer them, you cannot get one. You can use a passport for flying and border crossing instead.

How long does it take to get a Real ID-compliant license?

Processing times vary by state from 2 to 8 weeks or longer. Check your state DMV's website for current wait times before you explore. Many states now require appointments, so book early if you need your license by a specific date.

Can I fly with an expired passport if I have a valid driver's license?

No. Your passport must be valid (not expired) to use it at airport security. A non-compliant driver's license does not substitute for an expired passport. Renew your passport before your flight if it has expired.

If I get a Real ID license, do I still need a passport for international travel?

Yes. A Real ID license only works for domestic flights and federal buildings. International travel requires a valid passport. The Real ID license does not replace a passport for any purpose outside the United States.