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

A passport is not required for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at airport security checkpoints, and a passport is only one of many options. For flights within the U.S., a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID will get you through security just as easily as a passport would.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules, which do require a passport. But if you are flying from one U.S. state to another, you have multiple ways to prove your identity without one.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card is the most common and straightforward form of identification for domestic flights.
  • The TSA accepts military ID, tribal ID, permanent resident cards, and several other documents if you do not have a standard state ID.
  • If you have no ID at all, you can still fly domestically, but you will go through additional screening that takes longer.
  • A passport works for domestic flights but is unnecessary — save it for international travel.

What the TSA accepts at security checkpoints

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic travel. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is what most travelers use. Real ID is a federal standard that most states have adopted; your state ID will have a star or marking in the upper right corner if it meets this standard. If your state ID does not have this marking yet, it still works for domestic flights — the Real ID requirement applies to federal facilities and some other settings, but the TSA accepts non-compliant IDs for flights.

Beyond a driver's license, the TSA accepts military ID, passport cards, permanent resident cards (green cards), tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes, and enhanced driver's licenses from states that issue them. You can also use a U.S. passport, though it is overkill for a domestic flight.

If your ID is expired, the TSA may still accept it depending on how long ago it expired and what type of document it is. An expired driver's license from within the last five years is generally acceptable; check the TSA website or call ahead if your ID is older than that.

Flying without any ID at all

If you arrive at the airport with no identification, you can still board a domestic flight. The TSA will not turn you away. Instead, you will go through additional screening, which includes answering security questions and possibly a more thorough physical search of your belongings and person. This process takes significantly longer — plan for an extra 15 to 30 minutes at security.

The TSA officer will ask you questions designed to verify your identity: your full name, date of birth, address, and other personal details. They may also ask about your travel plans or run a background check in real time. If you pass this screening, you proceed to your gate like any other passenger.

This option is legal but impractical if you fly often or are in a hurry. It is most useful as a backup if you genuinely forgot your ID, not as a primary strategy.

Real ID and what it means for domestic flights

Real ID is a federal security standard that most states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant ID, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted document to board a domestic flight at a commercial airport. However, this does not mean you need a passport — a Real ID driver's license works just as well.

If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID card, you can request one at your local DMV. The process usually takes a few weeks. In the meantime, if your current driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly domestically using the ID-free screening process described above, or you can bring a passport if you have one.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current ID is Real ID-compliant. Most states now issue Real ID by default, so if you renewed your license in the past few years, you likely already have one.

Traveling with children

Children under 18 do not need to show ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with them must have acceptable identification. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, the situation becomes more complex — contact your airline directly before booking to understand what documentation they require.

Infants and toddlers do not need ID or a ticket if they are sitting on an adult's lap, though most parents purchase a seat for safety reasons. Once a child has a ticket, they should have some form of ID, though enforcement varies by airline.

What to bring to the airport

Bring your primary ID — a driver's license or state ID card — along with your boarding pass. Your boarding pass can be digital on your phone or printed on paper; the TSA accepts both. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight, or one hour if you are flying from a small regional airport.

If you are concerned about your ID status, bring a backup document: a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. This takes the pressure off and speeds up the security line if there is any question about your primary ID.

Do not assume your ID is acceptable just because you have flown before. If you recently moved states or renewed your license, double-check that your new ID is in your wallet before you leave home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a photo from my phone or a printed copy of my ID?

No. The TSA requires a physical ID document. A photo or printout is not acceptable. You must bring the actual ID card itself.

What if my ID was lost or stolen right before my flight?

You can still fly using the TSA's ID-free screening process. Bring any other documents that help verify your identity — a credit card with your name, a utility bill, or a bank statement. The TSA officer will use these along with security questions to confirm who you are. Expect the process to take longer than normal.

Do I need a passport if I am flying 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. A passport is only required for flights leaving the United States entirely.

Will my expired passport work if I do not have a current ID?

Yes. An expired U.S. passport is still accepted by the TSA for domestic flights. Bring it along with any other documents that help verify your identity.

What if my state has not issued Real ID yet and my license expires before May 2025?

When you renew your license, request a Real ID-compliant version. Most states now issue these automatically, but confirm with your DMV. If your state has not adopted Real ID by May 2025, the TSA will accept a passport or military ID as an alternative for domestic flights.