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

A passport is not required for domestic flights 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 fly from New York to California, Texas to Florida, or any state to any other state with just a valid driver's license or state-issued ID.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules. A passport is required only when you cross into another country — Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, or anywhere outside U.S. borders. Domestic flights, no matter how far, use the same security checkpoint rules as a short regional flight.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for all domestic flights between U.S. states.
  • A passport is required only for flights leaving the United States or entering another country.
  • TSA accepts driver's licenses from any state, even if you are flying to a different state.
  • If your ID is expired, you may still pass security, but TSA may ask additional questions to verify your identity.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are becoming standard, but non-compliant licenses still work for domestic flights through 2025.

What ID the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable forms of identification for airport security. A current or recently expired driver's license from any U.S. state works. A state ID card (the non-driver version issued by your state's motor vehicle department) also works. A military ID, passport card, or tribal ID are all acceptable as well.

Your ID does not have to match the state you are flying to or from. A person with a California driver's license can fly to any other state without issue. The ID straightforward needs to be issued by a U.S. state, territory, or federal authority and contain your photograph.

If your ID is expired, TSA may still let you through security, but officers may ask additional questions to confirm your identity. A passport, if you happen to have one, also works at domestic security checkpoints, but it is not necessary.

Real ID requirements and domestic flights

Real ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. Starting in 2025, TSA will require a Real ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID for domestic flights. However, this does not mean you need a passport — it means your state ID needs to meet the Real ID standard.

Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses. You can check whether your license is compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID license, you can still fly domestically with a passport, military ID, or passport card in the meantime.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license is straightforward: visit your state's motor vehicle department office, bring proof of identity and residency, and request the Real ID version. The process is the same as renewing a standard license, though some states charge a small additional fee.

Flying to U.S. territories and possessions

U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam are considered domestic destinations for TSA purposes. You do not need a passport to fly there from the mainland — a driver's license or state ID is sufficient. These islands are U.S. soil, so the same domestic flight rules explore.

However, some of these territories have their own entry requirements. Puerto Rico, for example, does not require a passport for U.S. citizens but may require proof of citizenship. A driver's license alone may not be enough to prove citizenship if you are asked. Bringing a birth certificate or passport card as backup is wise, even though it is not technically required by TSA.

What happens if you forget your ID at home

If you arrive at the airport without any ID, TSA can still allow you to fly, but the process takes longer. Officers will ask you additional questions to verify your identity — your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. They may also ask about recent travel or other biographical information.

TSA may ask you to provide information that matches records in their system or other government databases. This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time. You will not be automatically denied a flight, but you should plan to arrive earlier than usual.

If you are a frequent flyer, having TSA PreCheck or Clear can help speed up this process, though neither replaces the need for ID entirely. For future flights, keep your ID in an straightforward-to-reach place in your carry-on bag.

International flights and passport requirements

The moment you cross into another country — even a short flight to Mexico or Canada — you need a passport. A driver's license is not accepted at international borders. If you are flying from the United States to anywhere outside U.S. territory, a valid passport is required by both the TSA and the destination country's customs authority.

A passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a full passport) works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for air travel to those destinations. For any international flight, you need a full passport book. Getting a passport takes several weeks through the State Department, so plan ahead if you are considering international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired driver's license?

TSA may allow you through security with an expired license, but officers will likely ask additional questions to verify your identity. It is better to bring an unexpired ID if possible. If your license is only recently expired, you may have an easier time than if it expired years ago.

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

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so they are considered domestic destinations. A valid driver's license or state ID is all you need, just as it is for any other state-to-state flight.

What if my state hasn't issued Real ID licenses yet?

You can still fly domestically with a passport, military ID, or passport card. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to see when Real ID licenses will be available. Most states have already rolled them out or have announced a timeline.

Can I use a passport card for domestic flights?

Yes, a passport card is acceptable at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. However, it is not required — a standard driver's license works just fine and is easier to carry.

What if I'm flying with a child?

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA checkpoints if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with them must have valid ID. Children 18 and older need their own ID, just like adults.