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

A passport is not required for flights between US cities. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at airport security, and a passport is one option — but it is not the only one and not the most common choice. Most domestic travelers use a driver's license or state ID card instead.

What matters is that your ID must be real, current, and match the name on your airline ticket. If your ID has expired, TSA will not accept it for domestic flights. If your name on the ticket does not match your ID — for example, you booked under a maiden name but your license shows your married name — you may be delayed at security or denied boarding, so contact your airline before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the standard form of identification for domestic US flights and is faster and easier than a passport.
  • TSA accepts a passport as ID for domestic flights, but you do not need one unless you are also traveling internationally.
  • Your ID must not be expired, and the name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly.
  • If you do not have a driver's license or passport, TSA has other acceptable forms of ID, including military ID, tribal ID, and certain work credentials.
  • If your ID is lost or expired and you cannot replace it before your flight, contact your airline — some allow boarding with other documents like a birth certificate plus a second form of ID.

What forms of ID TSA accepts for domestic flights

TSA maintains a list of acceptable identification documents for domestic air travel. A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest option — most airports process these in seconds at security. A passport works but takes longer to verify because TSA staff must check the security features more carefully.

Other acceptable forms include a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), a US passport card (the wallet-sized version), a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, and certain work credentials like a federal employee ID or railroad retirement board ID. If you have none of these, TSA may accept a combination of documents — typically a birth certificate or Social Security card plus a second form of ID with a photo, such as a school ID or work badge.

The key requirement is that your ID must be current and not expired. TSA does not accept expired identification for domestic flights, even if the ID was valid when you booked your ticket. If your license or passport expired, you will need to renew it before you travel, or you will need to bring alternative documents that TSA lists as acceptable.

When your name does not match your ticket

Your airline ticket must show the same name that appears on your ID. If you recently changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — and your ID shows your new name but your ticket shows your old name (or vice versa), you must contact your airline before you arrive at the airport. Some airlines allow you to update the name on your ticket at no cost if you contact them in advance; others charge a fee or require you to cancel and rebook.

If you arrive at the airport with a name mismatch and have not contacted the airline, you may be denied boarding. TSA will not override the airline's ticket, so the problem must be fixed with the airline, not at security. The safest approach is to call or use the airline's website to update your ticket as soon as you notice the mismatch — most airlines allow this up to 24 hours before departure.

What to do if your ID is lost or expired before your flight

If your driver's license is lost or expired and your flight is soon, you have a few options. First, check whether your state's DMV offers expedited renewal or same-day replacement at certain locations. Some states issue temporary licenses on the spot if you bring proof of identity and residency; others mail replacements within days.

If you cannot renew your ID in time, contact your airline before you travel. Some airlines allow boarding with a birth certificate plus a second form of ID (such as a school ID, work badge, or credit card with your name). TSA may also accept a combination of documents if you explain the situation at security. Bring whatever identity documents you have — the more you bring, the more options you have. Do not wait until you are at the airport to figure this out; call the airline's customer service line at least a day before your flight.

REAL ID requirements and when they matter

Starting in May 2025, TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID for domestic flights. 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 licenses, and you can tell if yours is compliant by looking for a star or marking in the upper right corner of the card.

If your current license does not have this marking, you can still use it for domestic flights until May 2025. After that date, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another form of ID from TSA's acceptable list. You do not need to rush to get a REAL ID now — your current license will work for the next several months — but if your license is expiring soon anyway, explore for a REAL ID when you renew is simpler than waiting until the important date.

To get a REAL ID, visit your state's DMV website and bring the documents they require, which typically include proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The process is the same as renewing a regular license, but the fee may be slightly higher. Processing times vary by state, so check your DMV's website for current wait times.

Traveling with children

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued ID for domestic flights. TSA allows children to travel with a parent or guardian without presenting identification at security. The adult traveling with the child must have valid ID, and the child's name should match the airline ticket, but the child does not need to show a document.

If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, check with your airline about their unaccompanied minor policy. Some airlines require additional documentation or charge a fee for unaccompanied minors, but this is an airline rule, not a TSA rule. TSA security will not stop an unaccompanied minor, but the airline may require proof of the adult's relationship to the child or written permission from a parent.

International flights and when you do need a passport

A passport is required for any flight that leaves the United States, even if the destination is a US territory like Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside US borders, you must have a valid passport. A driver's license is not sufficient for international travel, and TSA will not let you through security without one.

If you are planning a domestic flight now but thinking about international travel later, a passport takes 6 to 12 weeks to arrive through the standard process, or 2 to 3 weeks through expedited processing (which costs extra). Do not wait until you have booked an international flight to explore. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date — most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, so renew it early if it is close to expiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a birth certificate?

No, a birth certificate alone is not acceptable. TSA requires a photo ID. However, if your driver's license is lost or expired, you may be able to use a birth certificate plus a second form of ID with a photo, such as a school ID or work badge. Call your airline before you travel to confirm they will accept this combination.

What happens if I show up at the airport without any ID?

TSA has a process for passengers without ID. You will be taken aside for additional screening, which includes answering security questions and providing personal information that TSA can verify. This process takes 15 to 30 minutes and may cause you to miss your flight if you arrive close to departure time. Bring whatever documents you have — even expired ID or documents without photos help TSA verify your identity.

Do I need a passport if I am flying to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so flights there are domestic. You need only a valid driver's license or state ID. A passport is required only if you are flying outside the United States.

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for domestic flights?

Yes. A US passport card is a valid form of ID for domestic flights and is smaller and cheaper than a full passport. However, a passport card cannot be used for international air travel — only a full passport book works for flights outside the US. If you think you might travel internationally, get a full passport instead.

What if my ID name does not match my ticket and I am at the airport?

Go to the airline's ticket counter when ready and explain the situation. Do not go to TSA security first. The airline must fix the ticket before you can board, and they may charge a fee or require you to rebook depending on when you notify them. If you contact the airline before you arrive at the airport, you have more options and may avoid a fee.