Can I fly on Southwest Airlines without a REAL ID?

No, a REAL ID isn't required to fly within the United States. However, starting on May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or another TSA-approved form of identification to fly within the U.S. Be sure to check out our graphic above for other documents that will be accepted at airport security if you don't have a REAL ID.



Excellent question. The answer is yes, but only until May 7, 2025.

Here’s the breakdown:

The Current Rule (Until May 6, 2025)

You can currently use a standard (non-REAL ID) driver’s license or state ID to fly domestically on Southwest Airlines (or any airline). The TSA checkpoint will accept it as a valid form of identification.

The Deadline: May 7, 2025

The federal REAL ID Act enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date: You will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/state ID or another acceptable form of TSA-approved identification to board a domestic flight. A standard non-compliant license will not be accepted at the security checkpoint.

What is a REAL ID?

It’s a driver’s license or state ID that meets higher security standards. You can identify it by a star in the top corner (the design of the star varies by state).

What to Do Now:

  1. Check Your License: Look for a star (⭐) on it. If it’s there, you’re already REAL ID-compliant and set for 2025.
  2. If You Don’t Have One: You will need to visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency to get one. This usually requires providing additional documentation (like a passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency). Start this process well in advance of the 2025 deadline, as DMVs can get very busy.
  3. Use an Alternative ID: If you don’t have a REAL ID,

People Also Ask

Beginning May 7, 2025, 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.

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Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.

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Standard driver license, permit or non-driver ID card
a Federal REAL ID driver license, permit or non-driver ID card. Remember, you will need a Passport to fly to other countries.

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Re: Airport Checkin Required? This usually occurs if you book a special fare such as a senior or child fare that requires age verification. I think it's also possible if all standard boarding positions have already been assigned and the system can't assign you a position.

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Whether you're traveling with an expired license, misplaced your ID, or recently changed your name, you can still fly.

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Sharp, heavy, and other dangerous items are restricted on all commercial airline flights, including Southwest. Items such as sharp knives, bats, clubs, ski-poles, snow globes and most tools and weapons must be checked rather than packed in a carry-on. Explosives and fuels may not be carried by air at all.

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Answer: As part of the TSA's Secure Flight Program, the names on airline tickets must match the name on passports. We recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling with to see if they can provide a solution for the name mismatch.

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Driver's license, passport, and travel visa
These documents are required for most forms of travel.

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To take a domestic flight in Canada, you should have: a valid passport (or Embassy issued Emergency Travel Document) or. a valid piece of Canadian government-issued photo identification that shows the holder's name, date of birth and gender (e.g. Canadian permanent-resident card, Canadian driver's license).

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