You do not need a passport for domestic flights within the United States

A passport is not required for any domestic travel — flights, trains, buses, or driving — anywhere within the 50 states, Washington D.C., or U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity at airport security.

The confusion often comes from the fact that you do need a passport for international travel, even to nearby countries like Canada or Mexico. But if you are staying within U.S. borders, a passport is not part of the requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for domestic flights and all other domestic travel within the United States.
  • A passport becomes necessary only when traveling outside the U.S. to another country, including Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
  • If your driver's license is expired, the TSA will not accept it — you will need another form of valid ID like a passport, military ID, or state ID card.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses are now required for domestic flights, though standard licenses issued before the important date may still work depending on your state.

What ID the TSA actually accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable forms of identification for domestic air travel. A current driver's license from any state is the most common choice. State ID cards (non-driver IDs) work equally well. Military ID cards, including dependent IDs, are also accepted. A passport or passport card will work too, though carrying one for a domestic flight is unnecessary.

The key word is current. An expired driver's license will be rejected at security. If yours has expired, bring a different form of valid ID instead — a passport, military ID, or a state ID card that is still valid.

Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized Native American tribes are accepted. So are permanent resident cards (green cards) and employment authorization documents. If you do not have a driver's license and do not have another form of ID from the list above, contact your airline before you travel — some have procedures for passengers without standard identification.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights

Starting in May 2025, all passengers on domestic flights must present a Real ID-compliant driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses. When you renew your license or get a replacement, your state will issue a Real ID version by default in most cases. You can check whether your current license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card — the exact symbol varies by state.

If your license does not have the Real ID marking and you fly domestically after May 2025, bring a passport, military ID, or passport card instead. You do not need to rush to renew your license just for domestic travel — a passport works fine as an alternative.

When you do need a passport for travel

A passport is required the moment you cross into another country. This includes flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or anywhere else outside U.S. territory. A passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport) works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel — you need a full passport book for flights.

U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands are considered domestic travel, so a passport is not needed. However, if you are traveling to the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, or any other independent nation, you will need a passport.

Traveling by car, train, or bus within the U.S.

Domestic car travel requires no ID at all — you do not need a passport or even a driver's license to sit as a passenger in a vehicle. If you are driving, you need a valid driver's license, but not a passport.

Train travel on Amtrak within the U.S. does not require a passport. Amtrak does not check ID for domestic routes. Bus travel on Greyhound or regional carriers also does not require ID for domestic trips.

The only time you need ID for ground transportation is if you are crossing an international border — for example, driving into Canada or Mexico. At that point, a passport or passport card is required.

What to bring if you do not have a driver's license

If you do not drive and do not have a driver's license, you have other options for domestic air travel. A state ID card (available from your state's DMV) works exactly like a driver's license for TSA purposes. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. Military ID, including dependent IDs, is accepted. A permanent resident card (green card) or employment authorization document (EAD) will work as well.

If you have none of these documents, contact your airline at least 72 hours before your flight. Some airlines have procedures for passengers without standard ID, though the process is slower and you may face additional screening. Having some form of ID makes the process much simpler.

Traveling with children on domestic flights

Children under 18 do not need to show ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with them must have valid ID. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian, the situation becomes more complex — contact your airline directly about what documentation is needed.

For international travel, children do need a passport, even infants. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient for crossing into another country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for domestic travel?

No. The TSA requires a current, valid form of ID. An expired passport will not work. Use a valid driver's license, state ID card, or military ID instead. If all your ID is expired, renew at least one form before you travel.

Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so domestic travel rules explore. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient. A passport is only needed if you are flying to a country outside the United States.

What if I lost my driver's license and have no other ID?

Contact your state's DMV to get a replacement or explore for a state ID card — both can usually be obtained within days. If you need to travel before that, a passport works for domestic flights. Call your airline at least 72 hours ahead to explain your situation.

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

For domestic flights, a passport card works fine. For international air travel, you need a full passport book — a passport card is not accepted for flights outside the U.S., though it works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

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 only need a passport for travel to independent countries outside U.S. territory.