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

A passport is not required for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts many forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, and a passport is just one of them. For flights between U.S. states, you can use a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or several other documents instead.

The confusion often comes from the fact that a passport is required for international travel. But if you are flying from one U.S. state to another, TSA will accept a standard driver's license or state-issued ID card as your primary form of identification.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the most common and easiest form of identification for domestic flights.
  • TSA accepts over a dozen forms of ID at security checkpoints, including military IDs, tribal IDs, and passport cards.
  • Your ID must not be expired, though TSA allows some grace period for IDs that expired during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • If you do not have an acceptable ID, you can still fly but will go through additional screening that takes longer.

What forms of ID the TSA will accept

TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification documents for domestic flights. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the standard choice. Real ID is a federal security standard that most states now issue automatically when you renew your license. If your license was issued before your state adopted Real ID, it may still work, but you should check your state's DMV website to confirm.

Beyond a driver's license, TSA accepts military ID cards, passport books, passport cards, tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes, permanent resident cards (green cards), and U.S. citizen ID cards. You can also use a commercial driver's license (CDL), an enhanced driver's license, or a state ID card instead of a regular driver's license. If you have any of these, you do not need a passport.

Your ID must be current and not expired. TSA made a temporary exception during the COVID-19 pandemic for IDs that expired between March 1, 2020, and May 19, 2021, but that grace period has ended. If your ID is expired now, you will need to renew it before you fly, or you will face additional screening.

What happens if you do not have acceptable ID

You can still board a domestic flight without an acceptable ID, but the process takes longer. TSA will direct you to secondary screening, where an officer will ask you questions to verify your identity. You may be asked about your address, date of birth, or other personal details that match your airline reservation.

This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time, depending on how busy the checkpoint is. You will also need to bring your airline confirmation or boarding pass so TSA can match your name to your reservation. If you are flying soon and do not have an acceptable ID, contact your airline before you arrive at the airport to ask what documents you should bring.

Real ID requirements and important date

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to all domestic flights. Most states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses automatically, but some states still issue older licenses that do not meet the standard. You can check whether your license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a star or marking on the front of your card—most states put a small star in the upper right corner.

If your license does not have the Real ID marking, you can still use it for domestic flights. Real ID is required for federal buildings and military bases, but TSA has not enforced a hard important date for domestic air travel. However, it is a good idea to upgrade to a Real ID license when you renew, since the rules may change and a Real ID license is accepted everywhere a regular license is.

Flying with a passport instead of a driver's license

If you want to bring your passport instead of a driver's license, you can. A passport book or passport card is an acceptable form of ID for domestic flights. Some travelers prefer to carry a passport card—a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book—because it takes up less space and works for both domestic and international travel.

However, there is no advantage to using a passport for a domestic flight. A driver's license is faster to present at security, and you do not need to worry about your passport being damaged or lost during your trip. Save your passport for international travel and use your driver's license for flights within the United States.

What to do if you lost your ID before your flight

If your ID was lost or stolen and you are flying soon, contact your state's DMV to see if you can get an emergency replacement. Some states can issue a temporary ID or expedited replacement within a few days. Call your DMV directly rather than visiting in person, since wait times are often long and you may be able to explain your situation and get faster service.

If you cannot get a replacement ID in time, you can still fly using secondary screening. Bring your airline confirmation and any other documents that show your name and address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. TSA will use these documents along with your reservation to verify your identity. Call your airline before you arrive at the airport to let them know you will be using secondary screening, so they can advise you on what to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID if I am flying domestic?

No, TSA requires your ID to be current and not expired. The temporary grace period for IDs that expired during the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you fly, or you will go through secondary screening instead.

Do I need a passport card for domestic flights?

No, a passport card is not required. A driver's license or state ID card is simpler and faster to use. A passport card is acceptable, but there is no reason to carry it for a domestic flight when a regular ID works just as well.

What if my driver's license is from another country?

TSA does not accept foreign driver's licenses for domestic flights. You will need a U.S. passport, passport card, or other acceptable U.S. ID. If you are a permanent resident, your green card will work. If you do not have any of these, you can use secondary screening.

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a physical ID?

No, TSA requires a physical ID document. A photo on your phone is not acceptable. You must bring an actual ID card or document with you to the airport.

Do I need to show my ID at the gate as well as at security?

Yes, you will show your ID at the security checkpoint and again at the gate when you board. Bring your ID with you throughout your airport visit, and keep it easily accessible in your carry-on or pocket.