You do not need a passport to travel within the United States

A passport is not required for domestic travel — flying between US states, driving across state lines, or taking a train within the country. You will need a form of identification, but it does not have to be a passport. A driver's license, state ID card, or military ID will work for most domestic travel situations.

The confusion often comes from international travel rules. If you are leaving the US or entering from another country, that is when a passport becomes necessary. But moving around inside US borders is different.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic air travel requires a government-issued ID like a driver's license or state ID, but not a passport.
  • A passport is only required when crossing into another country or returning to the US from abroad.
  • Traveling by car, bus, or train within the US does not require any federal ID at all.
  • US territories like Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam have different rules — you may need a passport or passport card depending on how you travel there.
  • Real ID-compliant driver's licenses became required for domestic flights in May 2025, so check your state ID if you fly.

What ID you need for domestic flights

If you are flying between US states, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a government-issued photo ID. A standard driver's license from any state works. A state ID card (the non-driver version) also works. A military ID, tribal ID, or passport will all get you through security.

Starting in May 2025, your driver's license or state ID must be Real ID-compliant to use it for domestic flights. Most states have already issued Real ID licenses — they have a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. If your license does not have that star, you can still fly with a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. Check your state's DMV website to see if you need to renew your license for Real ID compliance.

You do not need to carry your passport for a domestic flight. Bringing it is optional and adds no benefit for travel within the US.

Traveling by car, bus, or train within the US

No federal ID is required to drive a car across state lines or to ride a bus or train within the country. You can travel freely without a passport, driver's license, or any identification document. However, if you are stopped by police while driving, you are required to show a driver's license.

Some private transportation companies may ask for ID at check-in — Amtrak, for example, may request it — but a passport is never the only option. A driver's license or state ID will satisfy any such request.

US territories and special cases

Travel to US territories is treated differently from travel to the 50 states. Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands are US soil, but the rules for getting there vary by territory and by how you travel.

If you fly to Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands from the mainland, you do not need a passport — a Real ID-compliant driver's license works the same as for any domestic flight. However, if you arrive by cruise ship, some cruise lines require a passport or passport card. Guam and American Samoa have stricter requirements: you typically need a passport or passport card even for air travel from the mainland. Check with your cruise line or airline before booking, because rules differ by carrier.

If you are a US citizen returning to the mainland from a US territory by air, a Real ID driver's license is sufficient. By cruise ship, requirements vary — some cruise lines accept a passport card or enhanced driver's license, while others require a full passport.

What happens if you do not have a Real ID driver's license

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID star and you want to fly domestically, you have options. You can bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. You can also renew your driver's license at your state DMV to get a Real ID version — this usually takes a few weeks to a few months depending on your state's processing time.

Some states offer an expedited Real ID renewal if you visit the DMV in person. Others allow you to renew by mail. Check your state's DMV website for the process and timeline. You will need to bring documents proving your identity, citizenship, and current address — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease.

Traveling with children

Children do not need a passport for domestic flights. They need the same ID as adults — a Real ID-compliant driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. If a child does not have any of these, TSA allows parents or guardians to vouch for the child's identity at the airport. Bring a birth certificate or school ID as backup documentation.

For car, bus, or train travel within the US, children need no ID at all. There are no age restrictions on domestic travel by these methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of ID for domestic flights and works the same way as a full passport. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, though it cannot be used for international air travel — only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to fly soon?

You can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID instead. If you do not have any of these, contact your state DMV about getting a replacement driver's license — many states can issue one within days if you visit in person. You can also get a passport card faster than a full passport in some cases, though processing times vary.

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

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so the same domestic flight rules explore. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is all you need. A passport is not required.

What if I am a permanent resident or visa holder traveling within the US?

Permanent residents and visa holders can travel domestically using their green card or visa along with a passport. A green card alone is not accepted as ID for TSA screening, so bring your passport as well. For car, bus, or train travel, no ID is legally required, though you may want to carry identification in case of a traffic stop.

Can I travel domestically with an expired passport?

An expired passport is not accepted as ID for domestic flights. Use a valid driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card instead. You do not need to renew your passport for domestic travel — a non-expired form of ID is sufficient.