You can fly domestically without a passport if you have other government-issued photo ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a passport for domestic flights within the United States. You can board a domestic flight with a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or several other forms of government-issued photo identification. A passport is only required when you cross an international border — flying from one U.S. state to another does not trigger that requirement.

The key word is photo identification. TSA screeners need to match your face to an ID document. If you arrive at security without any photo ID, TSA can still allow you through using a secondary verification process, but it takes longer and requires additional information. Most travelers should bring one of the standard forms of ID listed below.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for domestic flights; you do not need a passport.
  • TSA accepts military ID, tribal ID, passport cards, and several other government-issued photo documents at security checkpoints.
  • If you arrive without photo ID, TSA can verify your identity using other documents, but the process takes 10 to 15 minutes longer.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star or marking in the upper right corner and are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

Acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights

TSA maintains a list of documents that work at security checkpoints. A standard driver's license from any U.S. state works. If you do not drive, a state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles serves the same purpose. Both are the most common choice because most people already carry them.

Military ID cards, including active-duty, reserve, retired, and dependent IDs, are accepted. A U.S. passport card (the small wallet-sized version, not the booklet) counts as photo ID for domestic flights. Tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes work. Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses that include a radio frequency chip and a special marking — these also work. If you are a permanent resident, your green card with a photo counts.

Less common but valid options include a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential, a TSA-issued Known Traveler Number (REAL ID card), and certain state-issued ID cards for people with disabilities. The full list is on the TSA website under "Acceptable IDs."

What happens if you show up without photo ID

You can still board a domestic flight without photo ID, but TSA will route you through secondary verification instead of the standard checkpoint. A TSA officer will ask you questions about your identity — your full name, date of birth, address, and sometimes details about your travel plans. They may ask you to provide information that matches records in government databases.

This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes longer than a standard security screening. You will still need to remove shoes, belt, and jacket, and go through the metal detector or body scanner like other passengers. The delay is real, so arriving extra early is important if you do not have photo ID. Missing your flight because of a longer security line is possible.

TSA officers are trained to handle this situation, and you will not be turned away solely because you lack photo ID. However, if you cannot answer questions consistently or if your answers do not match government records, TSA may deny you entry to the find area.

Real ID requirements starting May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will require all domestic air travelers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an alternative acceptable ID. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or marking in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set after 2001.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses to residents who renewed their driver's licenses in recent years. If your license does not have the star, you can renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process is straightforward — you bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license, then pay a renewal fee. Renewal typically takes a few weeks.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant driver's license by May 7, 2025, you can still use a passport, passport card, military ID, or other acceptable ID listed above. The Real ID requirement applies only to driver's licenses and state ID cards, not to other forms of identification.

Traveling with children and minors

Children under 18 do not need photo ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. TSA will ask the adult to show photo ID and may ask the child their name and date of birth to verify the relationship, but no separate ID document is required for the child.

If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, some airlines have their own policies requiring documentation of permission. Check with your airline before you travel. TSA's security checkpoint does not require a child's ID, but the airline may.

International territories and special cases

Flying to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, or American Samoa counts as domestic travel for TSA purposes. You do not need a passport — a driver's license or state ID is sufficient. However, some of these territories have their own entry requirements, so check with your destination before you travel.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, the rules are different. You will need a passport or other travel document issued by your country, even for domestic flights within the United States. TSA will not accept a foreign driver's license alone.

What to bring to the airport

Bring your photo ID and your airline boarding pass (digital or printed). Have both ready before you reach the TSA checkpoint. If your ID is expired, TSA may still accept it — the rules vary by document type, so ask the officer if you are unsure. A military ID does not expire in the same way a driver's license does, and TSA has specific guidance for expired military credentials.

If you are traveling with a child, bring your own photo ID. If you are traveling with a pet, bring your pet's documentation if required by the airline, but TSA does not check pet papers at security. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight if you have photo ID, and three hours if you do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired driver's license at the airport?

TSA may accept an expired driver's license for domestic flights, though the rules depend on how long it has been expired. A military ID that is no longer valid may also work. Ask the TSA officer at the checkpoint — they can tell you whether your specific document is acceptable.

What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?

Bring your photo ID and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. TSA will compare the name on your ID to your boarding pass. If they do not match, the secondary document helps explain the difference. You may also want to update your ID before you travel to avoid delays.

Do I need a passport card instead of a regular driver's license?

No. A passport card and a driver's license are equally acceptable for domestic flights. A passport card is useful if you plan to cross land borders into Canada or Mexico, but for air travel within the U.S., a driver's license is simpler because you already carry it.

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of an ID card?

No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID document. A photo on your phone or a printed picture does not meet the requirement. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you will go through secondary verification instead.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

You can still fly. Go through TSA's secondary verification process at the checkpoint. Bring any other documents that help confirm your identity, such as a credit card with your name, a recent utility bill, or a birth certificate. The process takes longer, so arrive very early. After your trip, renew your ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.