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

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

What matters is that you bring one valid form of government-issued photo ID to the checkpoint. The TSA checks your ID against your boarding pass to confirm you are the person who booked the flight. A passport works for this, but so does a driver's license, and a driver's license is faster to produce and less risky to carry on a plane.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the standard form of ID for domestic flights and is accepted at every U.S. airport.
  • A passport is accepted but not required — it is one of several valid options the TSA recognizes.
  • You must bring one government-issued photo ID; flying without any ID is possible but involves additional screening that takes longer.
  • If your ID is expired, the TSA may still accept it depending on the type and how long ago it expired — call ahead if you are unsure.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses have a star or marking in the upper right corner and are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

What the TSA accepts at the checkpoint

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable IDs on its website. For domestic flights, the most common are a current driver's license, a state ID card, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green card). You need only one of these.

A driver's license is the fastest option because TSA agents see them constantly and the verification takes seconds. A passport works just as well but is less convenient — it is a larger document, it is harder to replace if lost, and carrying it through security and onto a plane means carrying your international travel document where it can be damaged or stolen.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is a good backup. If you have neither, you can still fly, but the TSA will conduct additional screening that may add 15 to 30 minutes to your checkpoint time.

Real ID requirements starting May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all domestic flyers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID standards will no longer be accepted for domestic flights.

A Real ID-compliant license has a star or marking (usually gold or gold-colored) in the upper right corner. Most states have already issued these; you can check your license now. If yours does not have the marking, you can renew it at your state's DMV and request a Real ID version. The process is the same as a regular renewal and usually costs the same amount.

If you have a passport or passport card, you do not need to worry about this change — those are always accepted. If you have a military ID, tribal ID, or green card, those are also always accepted.

What happens if your ID is expired

The TSA may accept an expired driver's license or state ID for domestic flights, depending on how long it has been expired and the type of ID. Generally, the more recently it expired, the more likely the TSA will accept it. An ID that expired within the last year is usually accepted without question.

If your ID expired more than a year ago, call the TSA's Ask TSA service on Twitter or Facebook, or call your local airport's TSA office before you travel. Do not assume it will be rejected — the rules vary slightly by state and by agent — but do not assume it will be accepted either. Getting an answer before you arrive at the airport is faster than arguing at the checkpoint.

Flying without an ID

You can fly domestically without an ID, but it requires additional screening. The TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity — your name, address, date of birth, and details about your booking. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes longer than a normal checkpoint.

If you have lost your ID and your flight is soon, this is a workable option. If you have time before your flight, renewing your driver's license at your state's DMV is usually faster than dealing with the extra screening at the airport. A state ID card can often be issued the same day or within a few days.

Bringing a passport on a domestic flight

A passport is safe to bring on a domestic flight. The TSA does not confiscate passports, and airport security does not require you to hand it over. You present it at the checkpoint, the agent scans or reads it, and you keep it with you through security and onto the plane.

The main reason not to bring a passport on a domestic flight is practical: if it is lost or damaged, replacing it takes weeks and costs money. A driver's license is easier to replace and is the standard choice for domestic travel. Save your passport for international flights or for times when you do not have another form of ID available.

What to bring if you are a minor

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at the TSA checkpoint if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must show their own ID. If a minor is traveling alone or with another minor, they will need to show ID just as an adult would.

For a minor traveling alone, a school ID, passport, or state ID card all work. A driver's license is not an option for most minors, so a passport or school ID is the practical choice. Check with your airline before you book — some airlines have their own rules about unaccompanied minors and may require additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport if I have a driver's license?

No. A valid driver's license is all you need for a domestic flight. A passport is accepted but not required. Bring whichever form of ID you have that is current and government-issued.

What if I lost my ID and my flight is tomorrow?

You can still fly. Arrive at the airport early and tell the TSA agent you do not have an ID. They will conduct additional screening to verify your identity using questions about your personal information and your booking. This takes longer but is allowed.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for flying?

Yes, for domestic flights. A passport card is a valid form of ID at the TSA checkpoint. It is smaller and easier to carry than a passport book, though it cannot be used for international air travel to most countries.

Can I use an expired passport if my driver's license is also expired?

An expired passport is generally not accepted, even if your driver's license is also expired. The TSA prefers current ID. If both are expired, your best option is to fly without an ID and go through additional screening, or to renew one before your flight.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport or passport card is always accepted for domestic flights, regardless of the Real ID important date. Real ID requirements only explore to driver's licenses and state ID cards. If you have a passport, you are not affected by the May 7, 2025 change.