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 range of documents at airport security checkpoints, and a passport is just one option among several. For most domestic travel, a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the standard choice and works at every U.S. airport.

The confusion often comes from mixing domestic and international travel rules. Domestic flights — any flight between two points within the U.S., including to and from Alaska and Hawaii — only require proof of identity and citizenship. A passport proves both, but so do several other documents that are easier to carry and faster to renew.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the easiest and most common form of ID for domestic flights and works at all U.S. airports.
  • The TSA accepts military IDs, tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and other federal documents for domestic flights without a passport.
  • A regular (non-Real ID) driver's license still works for domestic flights, though Real ID compliance became the standard in 2025.
  • You will need a passport only if you are flying to another country, even if that country is Canada or Mexico.

What documents the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic air travel. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the primary option — these have a gold star or other marking in the upper right corner and are issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. If your license does not have this marking, it is still valid for domestic flights, though Real ID became the federal standard in 2025.

Beyond a driver's license, the TSA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, federal employee ID, tribal ID, permanent resident card (green card), and several other federal or state documents. You only need one form of ID. If you have lost your driver's license or do not have one, any of these other documents will work at the checkpoint.

The document must be current and not expired. An expired passport or military ID will not pass security. If your ID is expiring soon, you can still use it for flights scheduled before the expiration date, but renewing it beforehand avoids any last-minute problems.

Real ID compliance and what changed in 2025

Real ID is a federal security standard that most states now use for driver's licenses and state ID cards. Starting in 2025, the TSA began enforcing Real ID requirements more strictly, meaning a non-compliant license may eventually be rejected at airport security. However, this does not mean you must have a passport — it means your state ID should have the Real ID marking.

If your driver's license does not have the gold star or marking, you can still fly domestically by bringing a second form of ID from the TSA's accepted list. Many people carry both a driver's license and a passport for this reason, though a passport is not necessary if your license is Real ID-compliant or if you have another accepted document.

To check whether your state's ID is Real ID-compliant, visit the TSA website or your state's DMV website. Getting a Real ID-compliant license is free or low-cost and involves visiting your local DMV with proof of identity and residency — the same process as renewing a regular license.

When you do need a passport for air travel

A passport becomes required the moment you cross a U.S. border by air. This includes flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and any other country. It also includes flights to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands if you are a non-citizen — U.S. citizens can enter these territories with a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport card.

If you are planning any international travel, even a short flight to Canada or Mexico, bring your passport. A driver's license alone will not work at the border, even if it is Real ID-compliant. Passport cards (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport) work for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but a full passport is safer for air travel because some airlines and countries have stricter rules.

What to bring to the airport for a domestic flight

Bring one valid form of ID from the TSA's accepted list. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most straightforward choice. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight (three hours for international flights, though you will need a passport for those). Have your ID ready before you reach the security checkpoint — the TSA agent will ask to see it along with your boarding pass.

If you are traveling with children under 18, they do not need an ID for domestic flights. An adult traveling with them must have ID, and the adult's name should match the child's ticket or reservation. Infants do not need a ticket if they are sitting on an adult's lap, but they still need a name on the reservation.

What happens if you show up without ID

If you arrive at security without any ID, the TSA can conduct additional screening to verify your identity. This process is called Secondary Verification of Identity and involves answering questions about your background, providing a credit card or other identifying information, and waiting while the TSA confirms your identity. It can add 30 minutes to an hour to your airport time.

You will not be automatically turned away, but you may miss your flight if the verification takes too long. The best approach is to bring ID. If you have lost your wallet or ID before traveling, contact your state's DMV about an emergency replacement or bring another accepted document like a passport card, military ID, or tribal ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a photo ID from my job or school?

No. The TSA only accepts government-issued IDs from federal or state agencies. A work badge, school ID, or library card will not work. Bring a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, tribal ID, or one of the other documents on the TSA's official list.

Do I need a passport to fly from the mainland to Alaska or Hawaii?

No. Alaska and Hawaii are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A Real ID-compliant driver's license or other accepted state or federal ID is sufficient. A passport is only required if you are flying from Hawaii or Alaska to another country.

What if my driver's license is expired but I have a valid passport?

Your passport will work at the security checkpoint. The TSA accepts a valid passport for domestic flights even if your driver's license has expired. However, if you are renting a car at your destination, you may need a valid driver's license, so check with the rental company.

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for domestic flights?

Yes. A passport card is valid for domestic flights and is easier to carry than a full passport. However, it is not valid for international air travel — you need a full passport book for flights outside the U.S.

Do I need to renew my ID before flying if it expires soon?

No, as long as your ID is not expired on the day of your flight. An ID that expires next month is still valid today. However, if your flight is scheduled after the expiration date, renew your ID before traveling to avoid any issues at the checkpoint.