You do not need a passport to fly between U.S. states

A passport is not required for domestic flights — flights that stay within the United States. You can fly from New York to California, from Texas to Florida, or anywhere else within U.S. airspace using only a state-issued ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at airport security, and a passport is not among the standard ones they ask for.

What you do need is a valid form of identification that shows your name, date of birth, and a photo. A driver's license, state ID card, or military ID will get you through security. If you do not have one of these, other documents work too — but a passport is unnecessary for the trip itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights require a government-issued photo ID, but a passport is not one of the accepted forms.
  • A driver's license or state ID card is the fastest way through airport security for flights within the U.S.
  • If you do not have a standard ID, the TSA has a process to verify your identity at the airport, though it takes longer.
  • International flights — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside U.S. territory — do require a passport.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs are becoming standard at TSA checkpoints, though non-compliant IDs still work for now.

What the TSA accepts at security checkpoints

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable IDs for domestic flights. A driver's license issued by any U.S. state is the most common choice. A state ID card — the non-driver version — works just as well. Military ID cards, including dependent IDs, are also accepted. Native American tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes work too.

If you have a passport, you can use it at security, but you do not need to carry it for a domestic flight. Many travelers keep their passport at home specifically to avoid the risk of losing it during a trip. Bring whichever ID you have that is easiest to travel with.

The ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If your driver's license expired six years ago, you will need to renew it before flying, or bring a different form of ID that is still valid.

What happens if you do not have a standard ID

If you arrive at the airport without a driver's license, state ID, or military ID, the TSA does not turn you away. Instead, you go through a secondary verification process called Verified Passenger Program. A TSA officer will ask you questions about your identity — your address, date of birth, and other personal details — and cross-reference your answers against databases.

This process takes longer than a standard ID check, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes. You will miss your flight if you arrive too close to departure time. Plan to arrive at the airport even earlier than usual if you do not have an ID — the TSA recommends two hours for domestic flights, but without ID you should aim for three hours.

You can bring documents to help speed this up: a birth certificate, Social Security card, or recent utility bill with your name and address. These do not replace an ID, but they help the officer confirm who you are.

When you do need a passport for U.S. travel

A passport becomes necessary when you leave U.S. territory. Flights to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean islands, Central America, or South America all require a passport. So do flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere else outside the United States.

Some U.S. territories — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam — are considered domestic for TSA purposes, meaning you do not need a passport to fly there from the mainland. You can use a driver's license. However, if you are a U.S. citizen traveling to a foreign country and want to return, you will need a passport to re-enter the United States, even if you are a citizen.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, the rules are different. Permanent residents and visa holders need a passport or travel document from their country of origin, plus any required visa, to fly internationally. For domestic U.S. flights, a valid passport works at TSA security just like a driver's license does.

Real ID requirements and what is changing

Starting in 2025, the TSA is moving toward Real ID-compliant identification as the standard. Real ID is a federal security standard that requires driver's licenses and state IDs to meet certain requirements — they must show your full legal name, date of birth, address, a photo, and a signature, and the state must verify your Social Security number and citizenship status.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses. You can tell if yours is compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the top right corner of your license. If your license does not have this marking, it is still valid for domestic flights right now, but the TSA may eventually require Real ID compliance for all travelers.

If you do not have a Real ID-compliant license and do not want to renew your driver's license, a passport works as an alternative document that meets federal standards. You can use it at security instead of a state ID.

Preparing your ID for your flight

Before you head to the airport, make sure your ID is in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. The TSA checks it at security before you reach the gate. Keep it easily accessible — you will need to show it multiple times: at the ticket counter, at the security checkpoint, and sometimes when you board the plane.

If your ID is damaged, faded, or hard to read, consider bringing a backup form of identification. A passport, military ID, or state ID card can serve as a second form if the first one is unclear. The TSA officer will use whichever one clearly shows your identity.

If you are traveling with children, they do not need an ID to fly domestically. Children under 18 can go through security with an adult who has a valid ID. However, the adult must be able to confirm the child's identity if asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. An expired passport is still accepted at TSA security for domestic flights, as long as it is not more than five years expired. However, most people use a driver's license because it is easier to carry and less risky to travel with.

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

A foreign driver's license is not accepted by the TSA for domestic U.S. flights. You will need a U.S. state ID, military ID, passport, or go through the Verified Passenger Program. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder, your passport works at security.

Do I need a passport to fly 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 all you need. You only need a passport if you are flying to a foreign country.

Can I use a school ID or work ID to get through security?

School IDs and work IDs are not accepted by the TSA. You need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport, or tribal ID. If you do not have one, you can go through the Verified Passenger Program.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if you can get an emergency replacement. Many states can issue a temporary ID the same day or next day. If that is not possible, bring documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card to the airport and go through the Verified Passenger Program. Arrive very early — at least three hours before departure.