California DMV · Checked against dmv.ca.gov on October 9, 2026
Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?
No. TSA says a passport is acceptable identification and may be used instead of a REAL ID for domestic flights and federal facilities. REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025. A REAL ID is mainly a convenience, so you don't have to carry your passport for every domestic trip.
Which documents TSA accepts
TSA's list includes a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, foreign government-issued passport, Permanent Resident Card and Employment Authorization Card (I-766), along with REAL ID licenses and other IDs. TSA says the list can change, so check it before you travel.
If you show up without an accepted ID
Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA says the process can take up to 30 minutes, and if TSA can't verify your identity, you won't get past the checkpoint.
When a REAL ID still makes sense
If you fly often, carrying a passport risks losing an expensive document. A REAL ID license does both jobs: driving and boarding domestic flights. A passport isn't a driver's license, so you still need a valid license to drive.
Standard licenses still work for driving
A federal non-compliant (standard) California license remains valid for driving. It just isn't accepted at TSA checkpoints or secure federal facilities.
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FAQ
Do my children need a REAL ID to fly?
TSA doesn't require ID for children under 18 traveling within the U.S. Airlines may have their own rules, so check with yours.
Is my foreign passport enough for domestic flights?
TSA lists foreign government-issued passports as acceptable ID, so it works in place of a REAL ID.
Does a REAL ID let me fly internationally?
No. A REAL ID is for domestic flights and federal facilities. International travel still requires a passport.