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. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity at airport security. You can board a domestic flight with just your state-issued ID, even if it has expired within the last five years.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules. If you are flying to another country — Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else outside U.S. borders — then you will need a passport. But for any flight that departs from and lands in the United States, a passport is not necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid or recently expired state driver's license or ID card is sufficient for domestic flights within the United States.
  • TSA accepts military ID, tribal ID, and several other forms of government-issued identification instead of a driver's license.
  • A passport is only required when flying to another country, not for flights between U.S. states.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are becoming standard but are not yet mandatory for all domestic flights.
  • If you do not have a state ID, you can still board a domestic flight by going through additional TSA verification steps.

What forms of ID the TSA accepts at security

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic flights. A current or expired (within five years) state driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. Military ID cards, including dependent ID cards, work as well. If you have a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, that also counts.

Other accepted documents include a U.S. passport card (not the full passport book, though that works too), a permanent resident card, an employment authorization document, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Some states issue enhanced driver's licenses that meet federal standards — these are marked with a star or special marking and work for both domestic flights and land border crossings to Canada and Mexico.

The document must show your name, date of birth, and a photo. It does not have to be current — TSA allows licenses and IDs that expired within the last five years. If your ID is older than that, bring a second form of identification such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or insurance card along with an expired ID to help verify your identity.

What happens if you do not have a state ID

You can still board a domestic flight without a driver's license or state ID card. TSA has a process called Secondary Verification that takes longer but does not prevent you from flying. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity and travel itinerary — typically a birth certificate or passport combined with a plane ticket or confirmation number.

Arrive at the airport earlier than usual if you do not have photo ID, as the verification process adds 15 to 30 minutes to your security screening. TSA officers will ask you questions about your identity and may search your carry-on bags more thoroughly. Once verified, you proceed through security and board normally.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for you

Starting in 2025, the TSA will require all travelers to have either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative form of ID for domestic flights. Real ID is a federal security standard that requires state IDs to include specific security features and verification of your identity during issuance.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses, marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this marking, you can still use it for domestic flights through 2024, but you should contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to upgrade before the important date. The upgrade process is straightforward — you visit your local DMV with proof of identity and residency, pay a small fee (usually $10 to $30), and receive a compliant license.

If you do not upgrade before the important date, you can still fly domestically by using one of the other accepted forms of ID listed above, such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Real ID does not affect international travel — you will still need a passport for flights outside the United States regardless of whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant.

Flying to U.S. territories and when you need a passport

U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa are part of the United States for travel purposes. You do not need a passport to fly there from the mainland — your state ID or driver's license is sufficient. However, some travelers choose to bring a passport anyway because it is useful if you want to visit a nearby foreign country during the same trip.

The moment you cross into a foreign country — even a short ferry ride to the British Virgin Islands from the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a flight to Mexico or Canada — you will need a passport. If you are unsure whether your destination is a U.S. territory or a foreign country, check the State Department's website or ask your airline before booking.

What to bring to the airport for a domestic flight

Bring your state driver's license, state ID card, or one of the other forms of ID listed above. Have it easily accessible in your carry-on or pocket — you will show it to TSA at security and possibly again at the gate. If your ID is expired beyond five years, bring a second form of identification as backup.

You do not need to bring your passport, Social Security card, or birth certificate unless your primary ID is missing or unacceptable. Keep your boarding pass (digital or printed) with you as well, though TSA primarily checks your ID and name against the flight manifest. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight to allow time for security screening and any unexpected delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. An expired passport is an acceptable form of ID for domestic flights as long as it shows your name, date of birth, and photo. You do not need a current passport for domestic travel — your state ID or driver's license is simpler and faster at security.

Do I need a passport to fly from California to Hawaii?

No. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so a passport is not required. Your state driver's license or ID card is sufficient. You would only need a passport if you were flying from Hawaii to a foreign country like Japan or Fiji.

What if my driver's license was issued by another country?

A foreign driver's license is not accepted by TSA for domestic U.S. flights. You will need to use your passport, a U.S. state ID, a military ID, or go through Secondary Verification with a birth certificate and plane ticket. If you live in the U.S., you can obtain a state driver's license through your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Can I use a school ID or work ID to fly domestically?

School IDs and most work IDs are not accepted by TSA. You need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. Some federal employee IDs may be accepted — check the TSA website or call your airport's TSA office if you have questions about a specific ID.

Do children need ID to fly domestically?

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA security if they are traveling with an adult who has acceptable ID. The adult's ID is checked, and the child proceeds through security with them. Minors traveling alone or with another minor will need their own acceptable form of ID.