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 can fly from New York to California, from Texas to Florida, or between any two U.S. states using only a state-issued ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity at airport security.

The rule is straightforward: if your flight departs from a U.S. airport and lands at a U.S. airport, you need only a valid government-issued photo ID. A passport works, but it is not necessary. Many people carry a passport anyway out of habit or because they travel internationally often, but the TSA does not require it for domestic travel.

The confusion often arises because international flights do require a passport. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside U.S. territory, a passport becomes mandatory. But within the 50 states, a standard ID is all you need.

Key Takeaways

  • A state driver's license or ID card is sufficient for all domestic flights within the United States.
  • A passport is not required for flights between U.S. states, though it is valid as an ID if you have one.
  • International flights to Canada, Mexico, and other countries require a valid passport.
  • The TSA also accepts military ID, tribal ID, and certain other government-issued photo identification for domestic flights.
  • You must present your ID at airport security; the name on your ID should match your airline ticket.

What the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel. A driver's license from any U.S. state is the most common choice. A state-issued ID card — which many states issue to people who do not drive — works just as well. Both must be current and have not expired.

Military ID cards, including those issued to active-duty service members, retirees, and dependents, are also accepted. Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted as well. Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses that include a radio frequency identification chip; these are accepted for domestic flights and also for land and sea travel to Canada and Mexico.

Your ID must have a photo, your name, and an expiration date. The name on your ID should match the name on your airline ticket exactly. If your name has changed since your ID was issued — through marriage, legal name change, or other means — bring a document that shows the connection between the two names, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

When you might want to carry a passport anyway

Although a passport is not required for domestic flights, some travelers choose to carry one. If you are flying to Hawaii or Alaska and plan to leave the country during your trip, having your passport with you saves a trip home to retrieve it. If you travel internationally several times a year, carrying your passport simplifies packing.

A passport can also serve as a backup if your driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged on the day of your flight. The TSA will accept it as valid identification. However, if your only form of ID is a passport and it is expired, the TSA will not accept it — expired passports do not work for domestic flights, just as expired driver's licenses do not.

If you do not yet have a passport and are planning only domestic travel, there is no reason to obtain one. A state ID or driver's license is faster and cheaper to renew or replace if needed.

Flights to U.S. territories: passport rules vary

U.S. territories — including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa — are part of the United States. Flights to these destinations are considered domestic flights by the TSA, and a passport is not required. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient.

However, the rules for returning to the mainland United States from these territories can be more complex. U.S. citizens do not need a passport to return from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, but they do need proof of citizenship. A passport is the easiest proof, but a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or even a driver's license with a birth certificate can work. If you are not a U.S. citizen, the rules are different and you should check with the specific territory's entry requirements before traveling.

What happens if you arrive at the airport without acceptable ID

If you reach airport security without a valid ID, the TSA can still allow you to board, but the process takes longer. A TSA officer will ask you questions to verify your identity — your full name, date of birth, address, and other personal information. They may also ask about your travel plans or recent flights.

This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time. You will likely be patted down and your carry-on bags will be searched more thoroughly. If the officer cannot verify your identity to their satisfaction, you will not be allowed to board.

To avoid this delay, bring a valid ID. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway — the TSA may still accept it for domestic flights, though policies can vary by airport. Call your airline before you travel if you are unsure whether your ID will be accepted.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights after May 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all travelers on domestic flights to present either a passport or a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card. A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses. Your license is Real ID-compliant if it has a star or other marking in the upper right corner. If your state ID or driver's license does not have this marking, you can renew it at your state's DMV and request a Real ID-compliant version. The process is usually straightforward and costs the same as a standard renewal.

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 tribal ID. But if you want to use only a driver's license, it must be Real ID-compliant. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license meets the standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The TSA may accept an expired driver's license for domestic flights, but policies vary by airport and officer. To be safe, renew your license before traveling. If you cannot renew in time, bring your expired license and be prepared for additional screening questions.

Do I need a passport to fly from the mainland to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient. You need a passport only if you plan to leave the United States while you are there.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket?

The TSA requires your ID name to match your ticket name. If they do not match, bring a document showing the connection — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. Contact your airline before your flight to explain the situation.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for domestic flights?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of identification for domestic flights and works the same way as a passport book. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel — only a passport book can. For domestic flights only, either one works.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if they can issue an emergency replacement. If not, bring any government-issued photo ID you have — a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have none, arrive at the airport very early and be prepared for extensive secondary screening.