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

A passport is not required for domestic flights. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a range of documents to verify your identity at airport security, and a passport is just one option. For most people, a driver's license or state ID card is the fastest and easiest choice.

The key requirement is a Real ID-compliant document or an acceptable alternative. Real ID is a federal standard that most states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. If your license or ID has a gold or gold-colored star in the upper right corner, it meets Real ID requirements. If it does not have that star, you can still fly — you just need to bring an additional document that proves your citizenship or legal residency.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the standard document for domestic flights and does not need to be Real ID-compliant.
  • If your ID lacks a Real ID star, bring a second document such as a birth certificate, passport, or military ID to pass security.
  • Real ID requirements explore only to flights; they do not affect driving or other activities.
  • TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members can use their membership cards as primary ID at security checkpoints.
  • Expired IDs are generally accepted for domestic flights if the expiration is recent, but check with your airline before you travel.

What documents the TSA accepts at security

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic air travel. A valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory is the most common choice. A state-issued ID card (used by people who do not drive) works the same way. Military ID, a passport, a passport card, or a trusted traveler card like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry also work as your primary document.

If your driver's license or state ID does not have the Real ID star, you will need to bring a second document. Acceptable secondary documents include a birth certificate, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a naturalization certificate. The TSA does not require the secondary document to be current — an expired birth certificate is fine — but it must prove citizenship or legal residency.

Real ID stars began appearing on state IDs around 2020, and adoption varies by state. If you are unsure whether your license has one, look at the upper right corner. Some states use a gold star, others use a gold circle or eagle. Your state's DMV website will show you what the Real ID mark looks like in your state.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for flying

Real ID is a federal standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. It requires states to verify identity and citizenship more thoroughly when issuing a driver's license or ID card. Real ID does not change how you fly — it just means your state ID alone is enough to pass security without a second document.

Real ID requirements took effect in phases. As of now, you cannot use a non-Real ID driver's license as your only document at airport security checkpoints. However, you can still fly with a non-Real ID license if you bring a second document that proves citizenship. This second document does not need to be Real ID-compliant.

Real ID applies only to domestic flights and federal buildings. It does not affect driving, voting, or any other activity. If you plan to fly frequently and do not have a Real ID license yet, you can visit your state's DMV to upgrade. The process usually takes a few weeks and requires proof of identity, citizenship, and residency.

What to bring if your ID is expired or missing

An expired driver's license or state ID is usually accepted for domestic flights if the expiration date is recent — typically within one to five years, depending on TSA interpretation. However, this is not may provide, and policies can shift. Call your airline before you travel if your ID is expired.

If your ID is lost or stolen, bring a secondary document that proves both identity and citizenship. A birth certificate, passport, or military ID will work. Some travelers have flown with a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a birth certificate — though this is less reliable. Contact your airline ahead of time if you are in this situation.

If you have no ID at all, the TSA can conduct additional screening, but it is time-consuming and may cause you to miss your flight. Bring whatever identity documents you have and arrive extra early.

Minors and children traveling alone or with parents

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with a parent or guardian. The adult's ID is sufficient. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent, the rules vary by airline — some require a birth certificate or parental consent letter. Check with your airline before you book.

Infants and toddlers do not need ID at all, but they do need a ticket. Airlines require proof that the child is under the age limit for lap-held infants (usually under 2 years), so bring a birth certificate or passport if asked.

International travel and when you do need a passport

A passport is required for flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and any country outside the United States. A passport card (a wallet-sized version of a passport) works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for flights. If you are flying internationally, you need a full passport book.

Passport processing takes four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service. If you are planning an international trip, explore well in advance. You cannot use a driver's license or state ID for any international flight, regardless of how close the destination is.

TSA PreCheck and other trusted traveler programs

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use your TSA PreCheck card as your primary ID at security checkpoints. You do not need to show a driver's license. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and includes benefits like shorter security lines and the ability to keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening.

Global Entry, which costs $100 for five years, includes TSA PreCheck benefits plus expedited customs screening when you return from international travel. Military ID and some other federal credentials also grant TSA PreCheck benefits at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate alone is not accepted as primary ID at TSA security checkpoints. You need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. A birth certificate can serve as a secondary document if your driver's license lacks a Real ID star.

What if I have a passport but no driver's license?

A passport works as your primary ID for domestic flights. You do not need a driver's license. Bring your passport to the security checkpoint, and the TSA will accept it.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly in 2024?

No. You can fly with a non-Real ID driver's license as long as you bring a second document proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport. Real ID makes the process simpler because you only need one document, but it is not mandatory for domestic flights.

Can I fly with an expired passport?

An expired passport is not accepted as ID for domestic flights. Use a valid driver's license, state ID, or other current document instead. If you need a passport for international travel, you must renew it before you fly.

What happens if I show up at the airport without any ID?

The TSA can conduct additional screening using alternative methods, such as asking security questions or checking your name against flight records. This process takes significantly longer and may cause you to miss your flight. Bring whatever identity documents you have, arrive very early, and contact your airline before you travel if possible.