Do I need a real ID when I have a pass? | How to fly without real ID

Houston -The real ID period of May 7th approaches quickly and many travelers are asking themselves: If I have a US passport, do I need a real ID to climb a domestic flight?

The short answer: no. A valid US pass is an acceptable alternative to a real ID at TSA checkpoints.

From May 7, 2025, travelers who enter domestic flights will require the transportation Security Administration (TSA) to present a real ID-compliant driver’s license or another approved form of identification. A US pass – although it is usually connected to international travel – is one of the documents that are also accepted for home air travel.

Important: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), travelers have to present a valid, non -expired US pass for acceptance to airport safety control points. Expired passes are not accepted.

Accepted ID forms at TSA checkpoints after May 7:

• Real ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID card
• Valid US passport
• Valid US pass card
• DHS trustworthy travel maps (global entry, Nexus, Sentri)
• Constant resident card
• State card
• Identification data for transport workers (Twic)

A pass card is another option for domestic flights.

The passport card issued by the U.S. State Department is an envelope size and can be used for:

• Domestic flight
• Land and marine crossings between the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean

However, pass cards cannot be used for international air travel.

While a valid US travel pass can fly after May 7th, the TSA recommends that travelers to be considered to receive a real ID-compliant driver’s license for convenience. A real ID can make the trip easier by using a standard license without wearing your passport for domestic flights.

Dates for Real ID upgrades may still be available in local DMV offices, but the slots quickly fill up when the deadline approaches.

If you are not sure whether your license is compliant, check for a gold star in the upper right corner, which indicates that you meet the real ID requirements.

A complete list of TSA accepted IDs and to learn more about real ID requirements, visit Tsa.gov/Real-ID.