You do not need a passport to fly within the United States

A passport is not required for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity at airport security checkpoints. You can fly from any US state to any other US state with just a valid government-issued ID that has your photo on it.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules. A passport becomes necessary only when you cross a border — whether by air, sea, or land — into another country. Domestic travel, no matter how far, stays within US borders and does not require one.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is all you need to pass TSA security for domestic flights.
  • Passports are required only for travel outside the United States, its territories, and certain Caribbean destinations.
  • If your driver's license is expired, you can still use it for domestic air travel, though TSA may ask additional questions.
  • Travel to US territories like Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam does not require a passport for US citizens.

What counts as acceptable ID at airport security

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work for domestic air travel. A Real ID-compliant driver's license — marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator — is the standard. A regular driver's license without Real ID compliance also works. State ID cards issued by your state's DMV are equally acceptable.

Military ID, passport cards (the small wallet version, not the book), tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, and US Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) all work at security. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, bring your passport book — it is a valid form of ID even for domestic flights, though it is not required.

Your ID must not be expired by more than five years for TSA purposes, though TSA officers have discretion to accept older IDs and may ask follow-up questions. If your ID is expired, bring a second form of identification if you have one — a credit card with your name, a Social Security card, or a birth certificate can help establish identity.

When you do need a passport for US travel

A passport becomes necessary when you travel outside the continental United States to certain destinations. Travel to Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands does not require a passport for US citizens — your driver's license is sufficient. These are US territories, not foreign countries.

However, if you travel to any independent nation or territory outside US control, you will need a passport. This includes Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean islands that are not US territories (such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, or Barbados), and Central America. Even a short cruise to these destinations requires a passport or a passport card.

Some cruise lines and certain Caribbean destinations accept a passport card instead of a full passport book. A passport card is smaller, cheaper, and faster to obtain than a book, but it is valid only for land and sea travel, not air travel to other countries.

Real ID compliance and domestic travel

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to domestic air travel. Starting in May 2025, the TSA will require all passengers to have either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or another federally approved ID to pass through airport security. However, this does not mean you need a passport — a Real ID driver's license works just as well.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses. You can check your license for a gold star, gold circle, or other state-specific marking. If your license does not have this marking, you can visit your state's DMV and request an upgrade. The process is usually straightforward and costs little or nothing, though it may require proof of citizenship or residency.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license by May 2025, you can still fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally approved document. A passport is one acceptable alternative, but it is not the only one.

Driving across state lines without a passport

If you are driving to another state, you do not need a passport at all. A valid driver's license is all that is required. You can drive from coast to coast without any federal ID beyond your license. State police may ask for your license during a traffic stop, but they will not ask for a passport.

The only exception is if you are driving into Canada or Mexico. At the US-Canada or US-Mexico border, you will need a passport, passport card, Enhanced Driver's License (available in some states), or a NEXUS card. A regular driver's license alone is not sufficient to cross these land borders.

What to bring if you have lost your ID

If your driver's license or state ID has been lost or stolen, you can still travel domestically by air, but you will need to arrive early and go through additional screening. Bring a second form of identification — a passport, military ID, or even a credit card with your name — along with a document that proves your identity, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card.

TSA officers will ask questions to verify your identity and may conduct a more thorough search. The process takes longer, so plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. You can also contact TSA ahead of time through their website to ask about your specific situation.

While you are waiting for a replacement ID, a passport is a good backup form of identification for air travel. However, you are not required to get one just for domestic flights — the additional screening process, though inconvenient, is a legal alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired driver's license?

Yes. TSA accepts expired licenses for domestic air travel as long as they expired within the last five years. The officer may ask additional questions to verify your identity. If your license is older than five years, bring a second form of ID if possible.

Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so domestic air travel rules explore. A valid driver's license or state ID is all you need. A passport is not required unless you are traveling from Hawaii or Alaska to a foreign country.

What if I am a permanent resident or non-citizen living in the US?

If you hold a US Permanent Resident Card (green card), it is acceptable for TSA security on domestic flights. A passport from your country of citizenship also works. You do not need a US passport to fly domestically, but you will need your green card or foreign passport to prove identity.

Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license for domestic flights?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of ID for TSA security on domestic flights. However, a passport card is more expensive and takes longer to obtain than upgrading your driver's license to Real ID compliance, so most people use their license instead.

Do children need a passport for domestic air travel?

No. Children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA security if they are traveling with an adult. The adult's ID is sufficient. However, if a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian, bring a birth certificate or other proof of the child's identity.