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

A passport is not required for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a range of documents to verify your identity at airport security. A regular state-issued driver's license or ID card is sufficient for any flight between US airports.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules. A passport is mandatory only when you cross a border — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or any country outside the US. Domestic flights, even to Alaska and Hawaii, do not require one.

You do need some form of identification. TSA will not let you through security without it, and you cannot board without clearing security. But that ID does not have to be a passport.

Key Takeaways

  • A state driver's license or ID card is the standard document for domestic flights and is accepted at every US airport.
  • A passport works for domestic flights but is not necessary and takes longer to obtain than a state ID.
  • TSA also accepts military IDs, tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and several other documents if you do not have a driver's license.
  • Flights to Hawaii and Alaska are domestic and do not require a passport, even though they are not on the mainland.

What documents TSA will accept at security

TSA maintains a list of acceptable IDs for domestic travel. A state-issued driver's license is the most common and fastest to show. A state ID card (non-driver) works equally well. Both must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

If you do not have a state ID, TSA also accepts a US passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, permanent resident card (green card), enhanced driver's license, or a Real ID-compliant driver's license. You need only one of these. A passport is one option among many, not a requirement.

TSA does not accept expired passports for domestic flights, even if they are only slightly out of date. If your passport is your only ID and it has expired, you will need to renew it or obtain a state ID before flying.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for domestic flights

Starting in May 2025, TSA will require all domestic air travelers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID. A Real ID is a state driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. Most states have already issued them, and you can check whether yours is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking on the card itself.

If your state ID is not yet Real ID-compliant, you can still fly domestically — you just need to bring an alternative document from TSA's list. A passport, military ID, or permanent resident card will work. You do not need to rush to get a Real ID unless you want to simplify the process and carry only one document.

Real ID does not change the rule about passports. You still do not need one for domestic flights. Real ID is straightforward a security standard that some state IDs now meet.

Why people think they need a passport for domestic flights

The confusion usually stems from one of three sources. First, many people assume that because a passport is required for international travel, it must be required for all air travel. Second, some travelers have heard about Real ID and mistakenly believe it means a passport is now mandatory. Third, a few states have taken longer to issue Real ID-compliant IDs, leading some residents to think they need a passport as a backup.

None of these are true. A passport is one acceptable document among many, not a prerequisite. If you already have a valid state driver's license, you have everything you need to board a domestic flight.

How to prepare your ID for airport security

Bring your ID in a form that is straightforward to hand to TSA. A driver's license or ID card in a wallet works fine. Have it ready before you reach the security checkpoint — TSA agents will ask to see it, and you should be able to produce it quickly.

Check the expiration date before you travel. TSA will not accept an ID that expired more than five years ago. If your ID is close to expiring, renew it before your flight to avoid delays or being turned away at security.

If you are traveling with children under 18, they do not need an ID for domestic flights. TSA will ask the adult traveling with them to show ID, but the child does not have to present one.

What to do if you do not have an acceptable ID

If you have lost your ID or never obtained one, you have options. You can explore for a state ID card at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. The process usually takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you have a flight scheduled.

If your flight is sooner and you cannot get a state ID in time, you can obtain a passport or passport card. A passport card is smaller and faster to process than a full passport book in some cases, though processing times vary by state and demand. Check your state's passport agency website for current timelines.

As a last resort, TSA offers a secondary verification process if you arrive at the airport without ID. You will be asked additional questions to verify your identity, and TSA may conduct a more thorough search. This process takes significantly longer and is not may provide to get you on your flight, so obtaining an ID before you travel is always the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for a domestic flight?

No. TSA does not accept expired passports for domestic flights. If your passport is your only ID and it has expired, you will need to renew it or obtain a state driver's license or ID card before flying.

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

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so flights there are domestic. A state driver's license is sufficient. A passport is required only when you leave the US entirely, such as flying to a foreign country.

What if I have a passport card instead of a full passport?

A passport card is accepted by TSA for domestic flights. It works the same way as a full passport book. However, a passport card cannot be used for international travel by air, so if you plan to leave the country, you will need the full book.

Is a Real ID the same as a passport?

No. A Real ID is a state driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards. A passport is a separate document issued by the federal government. Real ID does not require a passport, and a passport is not required to get Real ID.

Can I use a photo from my passport as ID at the airport?

No. TSA requires a physical ID document, not a photo. You must bring the actual passport, driver's license, or other acceptable ID card to the security checkpoint.