You do not need a passport to fly between U.S. states
A passport is not required for domestic flights — flights that stay within the United States. You need a form of identification that proves citizenship or lawful presence, but a passport is one option among several, not the only one.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts multiple documents at airport security. The most common is a state-issued driver's license or ID card. If you do not have a driver's license, you have other paths forward that do not involve getting a passport.
The rule is the same whether you are flying from New York to California, Texas to Florida, or any other domestic route. International flights — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside U.S. borders — do require a passport.
Key Takeaways
- A valid state driver's license or ID card is the standard document for domestic flights and is accepted at every U.S. airport.
- If you do not have a driver's license, the TSA accepts a military ID, tribal ID, passport, or a Real ID-compliant state ID as alternatives.
- A passport is required only for flights leaving the United States, not for flights within it.
- If you have no government-issued ID at all, you can still fly domestically by going through TSA's secondary verification process, which takes extra time at the airport.
What documents the TSA accepts for domestic flights
The TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification for airport security. A state driver's license is the document most travelers use. Any state's license works — you do not need a license from the state you are flying from or to.
If you do not drive, a state-issued ID card serves the same purpose. These are non-driver identification cards issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency. They prove your identity and age just as a driver's license does.
Other documents the TSA accepts include a military ID (active duty, reserve, or retired), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a passport, or a passport card. A Real ID-compliant state ID — marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator — also works, though it is not required for domestic flights yet.
The document must not be expired. TSA agents check the expiration date at security. If your ID expired, you will need to renew it before you travel, or bring a second form of ID if one is available.
Flying without a government-issued ID
If you have no government-issued ID at all, you can still fly domestically. The TSA has a secondary verification process for travelers without ID. You will need to arrive at the airport earlier than usual — TSA recommends two hours for domestic flights instead of the standard one hour — because the process takes time.
At security, tell the TSA officer you do not have ID. The officer will ask you questions to verify your identity: your name, date of birth, address, and other personal details. They may ask about recent travel, addresses you have lived at, or information from your booking confirmation.
Bring your airline confirmation or booking reference with you. This document shows your name and the flight you booked, which helps the TSA verify you are who you say you are. A credit card used to book the flight, a utility bill, or a bank statement with your name and address can also help.
This process is slower than showing a driver's license, and you may not make it through security in time if you arrive late. Plan for extra time and arrive as early as possible.
Real ID requirements and when they take effect
The federal government has been rolling out a Real ID requirement for domestic flights, but it has been delayed multiple times. As of now, a standard state driver's license or ID card is still accepted for domestic flights.
Real ID is a federal security standard that states can choose to meet. A Real ID-compliant ID has a gold star, gold circle, or other marking in the upper right corner, depending on your state. Some states have already issued Real ID cards; others are still in the process.
You do not need to rush to get a Real ID card for domestic flights right now. If you already have one, it works. If you have a regular state ID or driver's license, it still works for domestic travel. Check your state's DMV website if you want to know whether your current ID is Real ID-compliant, but it is not urgent for domestic flights.
Traveling with a passport instead of a driver's license
If you have a passport but no driver's license, you can use your passport for domestic flights. The TSA accepts both a passport book and a passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but either one works at airport security.
A passport is useful if you travel internationally sometimes and domestically other times. You can use the same document for both. However, if you only fly within the U.S., a state ID card is simpler and faster to renew — you do not need to go through the passport process process.
Your passport must not be expired. If it expired, you will need to renew it before you fly, or bring a second form of ID.
What happens if you show up without any ID
If you arrive at the airport with no ID and no way to verify your identity, you will not be allowed to board your flight. The TSA's secondary verification process requires documents or information that prove who you are. If you cannot provide that, security will turn you away.
Before you travel, gather what you have: your airline confirmation, a credit card used to book the flight, a utility bill, a bank statement, or any other document with your name and address. Bring these with you even if you have a government ID, because they help speed up the process if there is any question.
If you are unsure whether your documents will work, contact your airline before you go to the airport. They can tell you what the TSA will accept and whether you should bring anything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly domestically with an expired ID if I bring my passport?
Yes. The TSA accepts a valid passport even if your driver's license is expired. You only need one acceptable form of ID. If both documents are expired, neither will work, and you will need to go through secondary verification instead.
Do I need a passport to fly from one U.S. territory to another, like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?
No. Flights to U.S. territories are considered domestic flights by the TSA. A state driver's license or other acceptable ID is sufficient. A passport is not required unless you are traveling to a foreign country.
What if my state ID or driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?
That is fine. The TSA accepts a driver's license or ID from any state. You do not need to update your ID to your current state of residence before you fly domestically. However, you may want to update it eventually for other reasons, like voting or getting a job.
Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a driver's license?
No. The TSA does not accept school IDs or most work IDs for airport security. You need a government-issued ID like a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, or passport. If you do not have one of those, the secondary verification process is your option.
Do children need ID to fly domestically?
Children under 18 do not need to show ID if they are traveling with an adult who has valid identification. The adult's ID covers the child. If a child is traveling alone or with another minor, they will need their own ID or go through secondary verification.