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

A passport is not required for travel between US states, US territories, or from the mainland to Hawaii or Alaska. The federal government does not ask for a passport when you cross a state line by car, train, or domestic flight. You will need a valid form of identification — but that can be a driver's license, state ID card, or other documents the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts. A passport is only required when you leave the country or enter a US territory from outside US borders.

The confusion often comes from mixing up domestic travel (staying within US jurisdiction) with international travel (crossing into another country). If you are flying from New York to California, or driving from Texas to Colorado, or taking a ferry to Puerto Rico as a US citizen, you do not need a passport. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or any country outside US borders, then a passport becomes necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic air travel within the US requires a valid ID such as a driver's license or state ID card, but not a passport.
  • Driving between US states requires no federal ID at all, though police can ask for a driver's license during a traffic stop.
  • US citizens traveling to Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam do not need a passport because these are US territories.
  • A passport becomes necessary only when traveling to foreign countries or when entering the US from abroad.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses are now required for domestic flights, but a standard driver's license issued before the Real ID important date still works in most cases.

What ID you actually need for domestic flights

The TSA accepts several forms of identification for domestic flights. A driver's license or state-issued ID card is the most common and easiest to use. You can also use a passport card (the smaller, wallet-sized version), a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a US passport — but you do not have to carry a passport just to fly domestically.

Since May 2025, the TSA has required that driver's licenses and state ID cards meet Real ID standards, which means they have a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this marking, you can still use it for domestic flights through a grace period, but you may face longer lines at security. The easiest solution is to renew your driver's license at your state's DMV and request a Real ID-compliant card at the same time.

Traveling by car between states

You do not need any federal ID to drive between states. You do need a valid driver's license to operate a vehicle legally, and police can ask for it during a traffic stop. But there is no checkpoint at state borders, no document inspection, and no requirement to carry a passport or any federal ID.

If you are crossing into Canada or Mexico by car, the rules change. US citizens need a passport, passport card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) to re-enter the United States. An EDL is a driver's license with a radio frequency identification chip that proves citizenship; not all states issue them. Check your state's DMV website to see if an EDL is available where you live.

US territories and when you do not need a passport

Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are US territories. US citizens do not need a passport to travel to these places because they are part of US jurisdiction. You will need a valid ID — a driver's license works — to fly there, just as you would for any domestic flight.

However, if you are not a US citizen, the rules are different. Permanent residents and other non-citizens may need a passport or travel document to enter US territories, even though they are US soil. If you are unsure of your citizenship status, contact the US State Department or your nearest embassy before booking travel.

When you do need a passport

A passport is required when you travel to any country outside the United States. This includes Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean nations (except US territories), Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. You also need a passport to re-enter the United States if you have left it.

Some countries also require a visa in addition to a passport, and some require advance travel authorization such as an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visa-waiver countries. The US State Department website lists entry requirements for every country. If you do not have a passport and plan to travel abroad, you will need to explore for one at your local passport acceptance facility, which is often a post office, courthouse, or library. Processing times vary but typically range from several weeks to several months, depending on demand.

Real ID and what changed in 2025

Real ID is a federal security standard that all driver's licenses and state ID cards must meet. The important date for compliance was originally 2020, but was extended multiple times. As of May 7, 2025, the TSA requires that all driver's licenses and state IDs used for domestic flights meet Real ID standards.

If your license does not have the Real ID marking (usually a gold star), you can still fly domestically, but you may be asked to provide additional documents at security, which can slow down the process. The simplest solution is to visit your state's DMV, renew your license, and request a Real ID-compliant card. The process is the same as a regular renewal and usually costs the same fee. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

Traveling with children

Children do not need a passport for domestic flights. They need a valid form of ID, though TSA rules are more flexible for minors. A school ID, birth certificate, or passport card all work. For very young children, the adult traveling with them can usually vouch for their identity.

If you are traveling internationally with a child, each child needs their own passport, even infants. Both parents or legal guardians must consent to the passport process, and you will need to bring the child in person to the passport acceptance facility. Processing times are the same as for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly from one US state to another with just a birth certificate?

No. The TSA requires a government-issued photo ID for all passengers 18 and older. A birth certificate is not a photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID will work. Children under 18 have more flexibility and can sometimes use a school ID or birth certificate, but policies vary by airport.

Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so domestic travel rules explore. You need a valid ID such as a driver's license for flights, but not a passport. The same is true for any US state, regardless of how far it is from the mainland.

What if my driver's license expired but I am still within the grace period?

An expired driver's license is generally not accepted by the TSA, even during a grace period. Renew your license before you travel. If you are in a bind, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or other TSA-accepted ID instead.

Do permanent residents need a passport for domestic flights?

Permanent residents (green card holders) do not need a passport for domestic flights. A valid driver's license or state ID card works. However, if you are traveling internationally or re-entering the United States, you will need your green card and a passport from your country of origin.

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

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of ID for domestic flights and is smaller and easier to carry than a full passport. However, you cannot use a passport card for international travel — you need the full passport booklet for that.