You do not need a passport to fly between US states
A passport is not required for domestic flights — flights that stay within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity at airport security. You can board a domestic flight with just one of these documents.
A passport becomes necessary only when you fly to another country or to US territories like Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, or Guam. For flights that land in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you will need a passport or other travel document that proves citizenship.
If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, the TSA accepts other forms of identification, including a passport. But you are not required to carry one for a flight from New York to California or from Texas to Florida.
Key Takeaways
- A valid driver's license or state ID card is all you need for any domestic flight within the 50 states.
- A passport is required only for flights to other countries or to US territories outside the continental United States.
- If you lack a driver's license, the TSA accepts military ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID at security.
- Real ID-compliant licenses (marked with a gold star or similar indicator) are now required for domestic flights, though standard licenses issued before the important date are still accepted during a transition period.
What the TSA accepts at airport security for domestic flights
The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic air travel. A Real ID-compliant driver's license — one that meets federal standards — is the fastest way through security. Most states now issue these by default, and they are marked with a gold star, a circle, or another symbol on the front.
If your license does not have that marking, it may still work. The TSA has extended acceptance of non-compliant licenses through a transition period that varies by state. You can check your state's important date on the TSA website, but in practice, standard driver's licenses issued before the important date continue to be accepted.
Other documents that work at security include a state ID card, military ID, passport, passport card, tribal ID, or an enhanced driver's license (available in some states). You need only one form of photo ID issued by a government agency.
When you will need a passport instead
A passport is required for any flight that lands outside the United States. This includes flights to Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere else. Even a short flight to Cancun or Toronto requires a passport.
US territories are treated differently. Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are US soil, but the TSA treats flights there as international. You will need a passport, passport card, or a Real ID-compliant driver's license plus a birth certificate to board a flight to these destinations.
If you are unsure whether your destination is a US territory or a separate country, check the TSA website or call your airline. The rules can seem counterintuitive — for example, Puerto Rico is part of the United States, but you still need a passport to fly there.
Real ID compliance and what it means for your license
Starting in 2025, the TSA began enforcing Real ID requirements more strictly for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is marked with a star or circle on the front. Most states have issued these for years, so your current license may already comply.
If your license does not have the marking, you have two options: renew it to get a compliant version, or bring an additional document to the airport. Acceptable secondary documents include a passport, passport card, military ID, or birth certificate. You do not need to renew your license when ready — the TSA continues to accept non-compliant licenses during the transition, though this window is closing.
Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is compliant and when the transition period ends in your state. If you travel frequently, renewing to a Real ID-compliant license eliminates one thing to remember at the airport.
What happens if you arrive at security without acceptable ID
If you reach the TSA checkpoint without a valid ID, you will not be turned away when ready. The TSA officer will ask you to step aside and answer questions to verify your identity — your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. This process is called secondary verification and can take 15 to 30 minutes.
After answering questions, you may be allowed to proceed to your gate, but this is not may provide. The TSA has discretion to deny boarding if they cannot verify your identity. To avoid this delay, bring your ID to the airport, even if you think you will not need it.
If you are traveling with children, they do not need ID for domestic flights. Only adult passengers must present identification at security.
Traveling with an expired license or ID
An expired driver's license or state ID is generally not accepted at airport security. The TSA requires the ID to be valid and not expired. If your license expired recently, renewing it before your flight is the safest approach.
If you cannot renew in time, bring a passport or passport card instead — these have different expiration rules. A US passport is valid for travel even if it expired within the last five years, as long as you are renewing it by mail. However, for airport security, the TSA prefers a currently valid document.
If you are in a bind, call the TSA at 1-866-289-9673 or check the TSA website for your specific situation. The rules can vary slightly depending on your state and the type of ID you hold.
Passport cards and passport books for domestic travel
A passport card is a wallet-sized version of a passport that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. For air travel to those destinations, you need a full passport book, not a card. However, a passport card is accepted as ID at domestic airport security, just like a driver's license.
A passport book is also accepted at domestic security and is useful if you travel internationally. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a separate ID for domestic flights — your passport serves that purpose.
Getting a passport card takes about the same time as renewing a driver's license, but it is more expensive. For domestic travel alone, a driver's license is simpler and cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly domestically with just a birth certificate?
No, a birth certificate alone is not accepted at TSA security for domestic flights. You need a photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. A birth certificate is used to support other documents or to board flights to US territories.
Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?
No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so flights there are domestic. A driver's license or state ID is all you need. You do not need a passport unless you are continuing on to another country from Hawaii or Alaska.
What if my driver's license is from another country?
A foreign driver's license is not accepted at TSA security for domestic US flights. You need a US government-issued ID — a US driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. If you are a visitor to the US, a passport is your best option.
Can I use a student ID or work ID to fly domestically?
A student ID or work ID is not accepted at TSA security, even if it has a photo. You need a government-issued photo ID. The only exception is a military ID, which is government-issued and widely accepted.
How far in advance should I renew my license before flying?
Renewing a driver's license typically takes two to four weeks, depending on your state. If you are flying soon and your license is expired or non-compliant, start the renewal process when ready or bring a passport or passport card to the airport instead.