You can fly domestically with a passport, but it is not the standard document

Yes, you can board a domestic flight in the United States with a valid passport as your only form of identification. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a U.S. passport as a Real ID-compliant document at airport security checkpoints. However, a passport is not the document TSA agents expect to see, and using one instead of a driver's license or state ID can slow down your screening.

For international flights, a passport is required — no other document will work. If you are flying out of the country, a passport is your only option for air travel, and you must have it in hand before you reach the airport.

The real issue is not whether a passport works, but whether you have other documents that work better and faster. A standard driver's license or state ID card is what TSA screening is built around, and using one will get you through the checkpoint more smoothly than a passport will.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid U.S. passport satisfies TSA requirements for domestic flights and is the only document accepted for international travel.
  • TSA agents process driver's licenses and state IDs faster than passports because those documents are the standard at security checkpoints.
  • A passport alone does not meet Real ID requirements for domestic flights after May 7, 2025, unless it is a passport card or book issued after 2007.
  • If your passport is your only form of ID, you can still fly, but expect a longer security screening and possible additional questions.
  • International flights require a passport; no other document — including a Real ID driver's license — will work.

Domestic flights and Real ID compliance

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require all passengers on domestic flights to show a Real ID-compliant document or a passport. A U.S. passport book or passport card issued after 2007 meets this requirement. If your passport was issued before 2007, it does not meet Real ID standards and will not work for domestic flights after that date.

Most people use a Real ID driver's license or state ID because those documents are faster to process. TSA agents scan them in seconds. A passport requires manual verification and takes longer, especially if the agent needs to check the document's security features or if your appearance has changed since the photo was taken.

If you have only a passport and no driver's license or state ID, you can still fly domestically — but only if your passport was issued after 2007. Bring it to the checkpoint and tell the agent it is your only form of ID. The screening will take longer, and you may be asked additional questions about your travel plans or identity.

International flights require a passport

For any flight leaving the United States, a passport is mandatory. No driver's license, state ID, or other document will work. You must have a valid U.S. passport in your possession before you arrive at the airport.

If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, some travelers can use a passport card instead of a passport book — but only for land or sea travel, not air travel. For flights, you need the full passport book.

Check your passport's expiration date before you book your flight. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Some airlines will not let you board if your passport does not meet this requirement, even if it is technically still valid in the United States.

What happens if your passport is expired or lost

An expired passport will not work for any flight — domestic or international. TSA will not accept it at the checkpoint. If your passport is expired and you need to fly domestically, you will need a driver's license, state ID, or other Real ID-compliant document instead.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you cannot fly internationally until you replace it. For domestic flights, you can use a driver's license or state ID while you wait for a replacement passport to arrive. Passport replacement times vary: routine service takes four to six weeks, and expedited service takes two to three weeks. If you need to fly before your replacement arrives, use a different form of ID for domestic travel.

Bringing a passport as backup identification

Many travelers carry a passport even when they have a driver's license, especially if they travel frequently or live near a border. A passport is useful as a backup if your driver's license is lost, stolen, or suspended. It is also accepted at banks, hotels, and other places that require photo ID.

If you are flying domestically and have both a passport and a driver's license, use the driver's license at the checkpoint. It will get you through faster. Save your passport for international travel or for situations where you need a second form of ID.

What to bring to the airport besides your passport

Whether you are using a passport or another form of ID, bring your boarding pass — either printed or on your phone — to the checkpoint. TSA agents will ask to see both your ID and your boarding pass before they scan you into the security area.

If you are flying internationally, you may also need a visa, travel permit, or vaccination record depending on your destination. Check the entry requirements for the country you are visiting at least two weeks before your flight. Some countries require proof of vaccination or a negative test result, and some require a visa that takes weeks to obtain.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. If you are using a passport instead of a driver's license, add an extra 15 to 30 minutes to account for slower processing at security.

Passport cards versus passport books for air travel

A U.S. passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it has limits. You can use a passport card for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those places. For any flight — domestic or international — you need a passport book.

If you have a passport card and no passport book, you cannot fly. You will need to explore for a passport book separately. The card and book are different documents, and the card does not substitute for the book on flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired passport?

No. TSA will not accept an expired passport at the checkpoint, even for domestic flights. You will need a valid driver's license, state ID, or other Real ID-compliant document instead. If you have no other form of ID, you cannot fly until you renew your passport.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. You can use a driver's license, state ID, or a valid passport. A passport is not required, but it will work if it is your only form of ID.

What if I lose my passport at the airport?

Report it to TSA when ready at the checkpoint or to airport police. If you are flying domestically, you can use a driver's license or state ID instead. If you are flying internationally, you will not be able to board without a valid passport. You will need to contact your nearest passport acceptance facility to request an emergency replacement.

Can I use a passport card for a domestic flight?

A passport card is not valid for any air travel, domestic or international. You need a passport book. If you have only a passport card, use a driver's license or state ID for domestic flights, or explore for a passport book if you need to fly internationally.

How long does it take to get a passport if I need to fly soon?

Routine passport service takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks. If you need a passport faster, some passport acceptance facilities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but availability varies by location. Check the State Department website to find facilities near you that offer expedited service.