You do not need a passport to fly between US 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 plane from New York to California, Texas to Florida, or any other domestic route with just your driver's license.

A passport becomes necessary only when you leave the country — flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or any destination outside US borders. For flights within the 50 states, Washington DC, and US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, a regular state-issued ID is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is all you need for any domestic flight within the United States.
  • Passports are required only for international travel — flights to other countries or certain US territories outside the continental US.
  • The TSA accepts driver's licenses, state IDs, military IDs, and several other forms of government-issued ID at security checkpoints.
  • If your ID is expired, you may still pass security, but the TSA agent has discretion to deny entry — bring a backup form of ID if possible.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are now required for domestic flights, but most states have already updated their licenses to meet this standard.

What forms of ID the TSA actually accepts

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic flights. A valid driver's license from any state is the most common choice. A state ID card (the non-driver version) works equally well. Military ID, including dependent ID cards, also passes security.

Less common but still valid options include a passport card (the wallet-sized version, not the booklet), a tribal ID, a merchant mariner card, or a US Coast Guard transportation worker ID. If you have lost your license and do not have a state ID, you can bring two forms of secondary ID — a birth certificate plus a credit card, for example — though this route takes longer at security and the TSA agent has final say on whether to allow it.

Expired IDs are a gray area. The TSA does not automatically reject an expired license, but the security officer can refuse entry if they judge the ID too old to verify your identity. If your license expired more than a year ago, bring a second form of ID to be safe.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights

Starting in 2025, the TSA is enforcing Real ID compliance for all domestic flights. This means your driver's license or state ID must meet federal security standards — a higher bar than a regular license. Most states have already updated their licenses to include a gold star or other marking showing Real ID compliance.

If your license does not have this marking, you can still fly domestically by bringing a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. You do not need to rush to your state's DMV unless you want to update your license. The Real ID requirement applies only to flights; you can still drive across state lines with a non-compliant license.

To check whether your state's license is Real ID-compliant, visit the Department of Homeland Security website or ask at your state's DMV. If you need a Real ID license before your next flight, contact your local DMV — processing times vary by state but typically take two to four weeks.

When you do need a passport for US travel

A passport is required for flights to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean islands, Central America, and South America. It is also required for flights to Hawaii and Alaska if you are connecting through a foreign country, though direct flights to those states do not require one.

Certain US territories outside the continental US have different rules. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands do not require a passport for US citizens — a driver's license is sufficient. However, some other territories and freely associated states (like the Marshall Islands or Palau) do require a passport even though they have ties to the US.

If you are unsure whether your destination requires a passport, check the State Department's travel advisory website or call your airline directly. It is better to confirm before you arrive at the airport.

What to do if you lost your ID before your flight

If your driver's license is lost or stolen and you have a flight coming up, you have several options. You can visit your state's DMV and request an expedited replacement — many states offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address to speed up the process.

If there is not time for a replacement, bring a passport or passport card if you have one. If you do not have a passport, bring two secondary forms of ID — a birth certificate and a credit card, a utility bill and a bank statement, or similar combinations. Arrive at the airport extra early; the TSA will likely send you to a supervisor who will verify your identity through additional questions and may request your Social Security number.

This secondary ID route is not may provide to work, so it should be your backup plan, not your first choice. If you have time before your flight, getting an expedited replacement license is the safest path.

Traveling with children on domestic flights

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued ID for domestic flights. The TSA allows children to board with just a parent or guardian present. You do not need to bring a birth certificate, passport, or any other document for the child — your own ID at security is sufficient.

This applies to all domestic flights, including those to Hawaii, Alaska, and US territories. If you are traveling with a child who is not your own (a grandchild, niece, or friend's child), the TSA does not require custody paperwork for domestic flights, though some airlines may ask questions if the adult and child have different last names.

For international flights with children, a passport is required for each child, even infants. A birth certificate alone is not enough to leave the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired driver's license?

The TSA does not have a strict rule against expired IDs, but the security officer has discretion to reject one if it is too old to verify your identity. If your license expired within the last year, you will likely pass. If it expired more than a year ago, bring a second form of ID to avoid delays or denial.

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

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so a valid driver's license is all you need for a direct flight. A passport is required only if you are connecting through a foreign country on the way to either state.

What if I have a passport card instead of a full passport?

A passport card works for domestic flights and is accepted by the TSA. However, a passport card is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for international air travel to other countries. For most international flights, you need the full passport booklet.

Can I use a photo ID from my job instead of a driver's license?

A work ID is not accepted by the TSA for airport security, even if it has your photo and is government-issued. You need a state or federal ID — a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or one of the other forms on the TSA's official list.

Do I need to show my ID at the gate when boarding?

You show your ID at the security checkpoint before you enter the terminal. At the gate, the airline staff will ask for your boarding pass and may ask your name to verify it matches your ticket, but they do not typically ask to see your ID again unless there is a discrepancy.