REAL ID · Airport ID
Do I need REAL ID if I have a passport?
Pick what you will show at the checkpoint. The tool tells you whether TSA lists it as an acceptable ID for a domestic flight.
What you will show
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Result
The short answer
No. TSA's own REAL ID tool says a passport is an acceptable form of identification and may be used in place of a REAL ID driver's license or ID to board domestic flights and to enter federal facilities. For a domestic trip you need only one valid, acceptable ID, either a REAL ID or an alternative such as a passport.
REAL ID enforcement at airports began May 7, 2025. That date matters for people carrying only a standard license, not for people who also have a passport.
What else TSA accepts
A passport is not your only option. TSA's list includes a state-issued REAL ID or Enhanced license or ID, certain mobile driver's licenses, a U.S. passport or passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a Department of Defense ID, a permanent resident card, a border crossing card, a photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation, a foreign government passport, a Canadian provincial license, a TWIC, an employment authorization card, a merchant mariner credential and a Veteran Health Identification Card.
Mobile licenses come with conditions: the state must be approved for federal use and the digital license must be based on a REAL ID or Enhanced ID. TSA also accepts certain digital IDs as part of testing, from Apple, Clear, Google and Samsung. TSA's FAQ says to bring your physical ID as well. The list can change without notice, so check it before you fly.
When a REAL ID does matter
If your only ID is a regular state license, it no longer works at a TSA checkpoint. You then need either another accepted ID or a REAL ID, which your state motor vehicle office issues. TSA's rule of thumb for spotting one is a star or flag on the card, or the word Enhanced. A temporary paper license is not acceptable, whatever else it says.
Without an acceptable ID an adult may pay a $45 ConfirmID fee, covered on the companion page about the TSA fee. TSA does not require children under 18 to show ID on domestic flights.
Documents for a REAL ID: the checklist
TSA tells you to ask your own state licensing agency for the exact list, since states may add requirements. At a minimum TSA's FAQ names five things to bring: your full legal name, your date of birth, your Social Security number, two proofs of address of your principal residence and proof of lawful status. Because name-change evidence is a state rule, a married or divorced applicant whose documents show a different name should ask the state which linking record it takes before booking the visit.
What TSA does with each ID
| You show | What TSA does |
|---|---|
| A REAL ID driver's license or ID (star or flag) | Accepted. A state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or ID card is on the TSA list. |
| An Enhanced Driver's License or Enhanced ID | Accepted. TSA lists state-issued Enhanced licenses and ID cards. |
| A U.S. passport or passport card | Accepted. A valid passport means no REAL ID is needed and no $45 fee is owed. |
| A Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST card | Accepted. TSA lists DHS trusted traveler cards. |
| A permanent resident card | Accepted. TSA lists the permanent resident card. |
| A U.S. Department of Defense ID | Accepted. TSA lists DoD IDs, including those issued to dependents. |
| A photo ID from a federally recognized Tribal Nation | Accepted. TSA lists these IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards. |
| A foreign government passport | Accepted. TSA lists foreign government-issued passports. |
| A mobile driver's license on my phone | Accepted only if your state is approved for federal use and the mDL is based on a REAL ID or Enhanced ID. TSA says to bring your physical ID to the checkpoint as well. |
| A regular state license or ID without a star | Not accepted. Since May 7, 2025 a non-compliant license or ID is not valid at TSA checkpoints. Without another acceptable ID you may pay the $45 ConfirmID fee, and TSA cannot guarantee it can verify you. |
| A temporary paper driver's license | Not accepted. TSA says a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Without another acceptable ID you may pay the $45 ConfirmID fee. |
| No ID with me | Adults 18 and older need acceptable ID. You may pay the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee on Pay.gov before you reach the checkpoint, and TSA will try to verify your identity. There is no guarantee it can. |
| I am flying domestically and under 18 | TSA does not require children under 18 to show ID for domestic flights. Ask the airline about its own rules. |
Worked example (hypothetical)
A traveler has a plain license and a valid passport and is flying to Denver in March. She does not need the DMV trip first: the passport is enough for the checkpoint. She would need a REAL ID if she wanted to board on the license alone, or if she wanted a card that also lets her enter federal buildings that ask for REAL ID without carrying the passport.
Limits of this page
This page reflects TSA's published rules on the date below. A state's REAL ID document list, fees and appointment rules differ and are not stated here.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?
No. TSA says a passport may be used in place of a REAL ID driver's license or ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities.
Is a passport my only alternative to REAL ID?
No. TSA also accepts trusted traveler cards, military IDs, permanent resident cards, Tribal photo IDs and several others.
What documents do I need for a REAL ID?
At a minimum TSA lists your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address and lawful status. Your state may add requirements.
Is a regular driver's license still accepted at the airport?
No. Since May 7, 2025, state licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are not accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Is a temporary driver's license accepted by TSA?
No. TSA says a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Do children need REAL ID to fly?
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
Can I use a mobile driver's license?
Only if your state is approved for federal use and the mobile license is based on a REAL ID or Enhanced ID. Bring your physical ID too.
Sources
Retrieved 2026-11-01. Each link was opened and checked against the claim next to it. TSA changes its list of acceptable IDs without notice.
- TSA: Acceptable IDs at the TSA Checkpoint: The accepted ID list, the temporary license rule, mobile ID conditions and the May 7, 2025 date.
- TSA: REAL ID: The passport-in-lieu-of-REAL-ID answer and enforcement date.
- TSA: REAL ID FAQs: One ID is enough, the five minimum documents, state add-ons and children under 18.
Not legal advice
This page is general information about published TSA rules, not legal advice. Agencies change their guidance, and your facts may differ. Confirm anything that matters with TSA or your state motor vehicle office before you travel. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.