Can i use driver license to fly


Based on your answers above, you should get a...

  • Standard driver license, permit or non-driver ID card

 If you have a Passport, you can use it for identification, boarding a plane for domestic (within the U.S.) and international flights and to enter certain federal buildings or a military base.


Based on your answers above, you should get...

Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you will need a Passport to fly to other countries.

Based on your answers above, you should get a

  • Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.

Based on your answers above, you should get a

  • Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.


Based on your answers above, you should get an

  • Enhanced driver license, permit or non-driver ID card, if you are a U.S. Citizen.

Remember, you need a Passport to fly to other countries.  

Step 2. Gather the necessary documentation

Be prepared! Complete this guide to be sure you have the proof of identity you need to get a license, permit or ID before you go to a DMV office. 


Find out what 
documents you need

Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) (MV-44)

How to Apply for a New York: Learner Permit, Driver License, Non-Driver ID Card (PDF) ID-44

Step 3. Visit a DMV office

Submit all your documentation to a DMV office.

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

What happens next?

You will get your Enhanced or REAL ID in 2 weeks

It takes about 2 weeks for your new Enhanced and REAL ID document to arrive in the mail.

Get your REAL ID

Starting May 3, 2023, adult passengers with a driver’s license that is not compliant with the REAL ID Act will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification to board their flight for domestic air travel. Passengers with driver’s licenses that are compliant with the REAL ID Act will still be able to use their driver’s licenses or identification cards. REAL ID compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. Check with your home state about REAL ID requirements.

Although the U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement date, the California Department of Motor Vehicles encourages Californians to plan ahead and get a REAL ID at their earliest convenience. California residents may visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov to learn more and make an appointment.

Acceptable forms of identification:

  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. passport card
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • HSPD-12 PIV card
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits Federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards. This includes for purpose of boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

For more information, visit REAL ID.

Due the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID enforcement deadline. After May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card. For information by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.

If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only. State-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.

  • Find more information on REAL ID

Can I fly local with my driver's license?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

Can you fly in the US with just a license?

Beginning May 3, 2023, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.

Can I use my driver's license to fly UK?

If you are flying solely within the UK, including Northern Ireland, you do not need a passport but we advise that you carry photographic identification with you when travelling, such as your passport or driving licence.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly in the US?

Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 3, 2023 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.