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

A passport is a document issued by the U.S. State Department that proves your citizenship and identity to foreign countries. You need one to leave the U.S. and enter another country, but traveling from one U.S. state to another requires different identification.

For domestic travel — flying between states, driving across state lines, or taking a train within the country — you need a form of identification that shows your name and date of birth, but it does not have to be a passport. A driver's license, state ID card, or other approved document works.

Key Takeaways

  • Passports are only required when you travel outside the United States to another country.
  • For flights within the U.S., the TSA accepts a driver's license, state ID, passport card, or military ID as proof of identity.
  • Driving between states requires no federal ID at all, though you should carry your driver's license in case of a traffic stop.
  • If you plan to visit Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you will need either a passport or a passport card.
  • A passport card costs less than a passport book and works for land and sea travel to nearby countries, but not for air travel to those destinations.

What identification works for domestic flights

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checks your identity at airport security before domestic flights. They accept several forms of ID, and a passport is only one of them. A valid driver's license from any U.S. state is the most common choice and is accepted at every airport.

Other documents the TSA accepts include a state ID card (issued by your state's DMV even if you do not drive), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. You need the document to be current or expired no more than five years ago — the TSA has specific rules about how old an ID can be.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still fly, but you will go through additional screening. The TSA calls this a "secondary verification" process, and it takes longer. You will answer questions about your identity and address, and the agent may ask for additional documents like a birth certificate or utility bill.

Driving and traveling by car within the U.S.

You do not need any federal ID to drive between states. However, you must carry your driver's license or state ID while driving — it is the law in every state. If a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, you must show your license or face additional penalties.

For road trips that stay entirely within the U.S., you need nothing beyond your driver's license. This applies whether you are driving to a neighboring state or across the country. Your license proves you are legally allowed to drive and serves as identification if you need it.

When you do need a passport for travel

A passport becomes necessary when you cross into another country. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, you need either a passport book or a passport card. The same applies to travel to Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere outside U.S. territory.

Cruise ships that leave from U.S. ports and visit foreign countries also require a passport, with one exception: some cruises that visit only Canada and Mexico from U.S. ports accept a passport card or an enhanced driver's license instead. Check with your cruise line before booking.

U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa do not require a passport — they are part of the United States, so domestic ID is sufficient.

Passport cards versus passport books

A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book. It costs less to obtain and renew, and it works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. However, a passport card does not work for air travel to those countries — you must have a passport book for flights.

A passport book is the traditional document and works for all international travel by any method: air, sea, or land. It costs more than a card but is necessary if you plan to fly internationally. If you travel by car or cruise ship to nearby countries, a passport card may be sufficient and will save you money.

Both documents take time to obtain. The State Department processes standard passport applications in 6 to 8 weeks, though expedited service (2 to 3 weeks) is available for an additional fee. If you need a passport urgently, some passport acceptance agencies offer same-day or next-day service for an extra cost.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights

Starting in 2025, the TSA began enforcing a rule called Real ID at airport security. This rule requires that your driver's license or state ID meet certain security standards set by the federal government. Most states have already updated their licenses to meet these standards, but some have not.

If your state ID or driver's license does not meet Real ID standards, you can still fly domestically, but you will need to bring an additional document such as a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your license is Real ID compliant — most state IDs issued in the last few years are.

Traveling with children

Children do not need passports for domestic flights or car travel within the U.S. A birth certificate or school ID is often sufficient for flights, though the TSA rules for minors are less strict than for adults. If your child is very young and has no ID, you may be asked to provide proof of their identity, such as a birth certificate.

For international travel, children need the same documents as adults: a passport book for flights, or a passport card for land and sea travel to nearby countries. Both parents or guardians typically must consent to a child's passport process, and you will need the child's birth certificate and proof of citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly to Hawaii or Alaska without a passport?

Yes. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so travel there is domestic. You need only a driver's license or state ID, the same as flying to any other state. A passport is not required.

What if my driver's license is expired?

An expired driver's license may still work for TSA screening if it expired less than five years ago, though rules vary slightly by state. Check the TSA website or call your airport ahead of time. If your license is older than five years, bring a passport or other accepted ID instead.

Do I need a passport to visit Puerto Rico?

No. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so it is considered domestic travel. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient. You do not need a passport.

Can I use a passport card for a flight to Mexico?

No. A passport card works only for land and sea travel to Mexico. If you are flying to Mexico, you must have a passport book. A passport card is not valid for air travel to any country.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the time the State Department receives your process. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional fee. Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service in person for an extra cost, but availability varies by location.