You need a government-issued photo ID for domestic flights, but a passport is not required

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification for domestic flights within the United States. A passport will work, but it is not the only option and not the most common choice. A driver's license, state ID card, or military ID will get you through security just as easily.

The rule is straightforward: you must show a valid, government-issued photo ID at the security checkpoint. The TSA does not distinguish between a passport and other forms of ID — they all satisfy the requirement equally. If you have a driver's license, you already have what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for domestic flights and is what most travelers use.
  • A passport works for domestic flights but is unnecessary unless you are also traveling internationally.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and certain other government documents also meet TSA requirements for domestic travel.
  • You must present your ID at the security checkpoint; the name on your ID should match your airline ticket.
  • If your ID is expired, TSA rules vary by state — some accept expired licenses while others do not.

What forms of ID the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory is the most common choice. A state ID card — the non-driver version issued by your state's motor vehicle department — works identically. Both must be current and show your photograph.

A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies the requirement, as does a military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve). Tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized tribes are also accepted. If you hold a permanent resident card (green card), that works too. The TSA also accepts certain other documents like merchant mariner credentials and transportation worker identification credentials (TWIC), though these are less common.

The key requirement is that your ID must be government-issued, must include a photograph, and must be valid (not expired, with limited exceptions). The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly, or you may be stopped at the checkpoint.

Why a passport is unnecessary for domestic travel

A passport is designed for international travel and costs money to obtain — currently $130 for an adult passport book, plus execution fees that vary by location. If you are only flying within the United States, you are spending money and time on a document you do not need. A state ID card or driver's license is free or low-cost and serves the same purpose at security.

The only reason to carry a passport on a domestic flight is if you are connecting to an international flight, or if your driver's license is expired and you do not have another form of ID available. Otherwise, leave it at home where it is safer — losing a passport while traveling is far more complicated than losing a driver's license.

What happens if your ID is expired

TSA rules on expired ID vary by state. Some states' driver's licenses are accepted even after expiration, while others are not. The safest approach is to assume an expired license will not work and obtain a replacement before your flight.

If your license expired during the COVID-19 pandemic, some states extended the grace period for acceptance at TSA checkpoints, but those extensions have ended in most places. Check your state's motor vehicle department website or call TSA directly at 1-855-787-2227 if you are unsure whether your specific expired ID will be accepted.

How to prepare your ID for the security checkpoint

Have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the TSA agent. Remove your ID from your wallet or bag so you can hand it over when ready. The agent will compare your ID to your boarding pass to confirm the names match.

If your name has changed since your ID was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you may need additional documentation. Some airlines require a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change. Contact your airline before you travel if your boarding pass name differs from your ID name.

What to do if you lost your ID before your flight

If your driver's license or state ID is lost or stolen, you can still travel, but the process is slower. TSA allows travelers without ID to proceed through security with additional screening, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes longer. You will need to answer security questions and may be patted down.

This option works only if you arrive at the airport with extra time. For a domestic flight, plan to arrive at least two hours early if you do not have ID. A better solution is to visit your state's motor vehicle department and request an emergency replacement ID before your flight if time allows.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights after May 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all travelers to present either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or another acceptable form of ID such as a passport. A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

Most states have already issued REAL ID-compliant licenses. You can check whether your license is compliant by looking for a star or marking in the upper right corner of the card — your state's motor vehicle department website will show what symbol your state uses. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you can still use a passport, military ID, or other acceptable document listed above. You do not need to rush to replace your license unless you prefer to use only a driver's license for all your travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and works at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book ($35 versus $130 for adults), though it cannot be used for international air travel — only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.

Do I need my passport if I am flying to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient. You would only need a passport if you were flying to a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are considered international destinations for TSA purposes.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket exactly?

Contact your airline when ready to correct the ticket. The TSA will not let you through security if the names do not match. If you recently changed your name, bring documentation of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to the airport, though the airline should have already corrected your ticket before you arrive.

Can I use a photo ID from another country for a domestic U.S. flight?

No. The TSA requires a U.S. government-issued ID for domestic flights. A foreign driver's license or passport from another country will not work. If you are a visitor to the United States without a U.S. ID, a valid passport from your home country is your best option.

Do children need ID for domestic flights?

Children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights. An adult traveling with them must present ID. However, the child's name must still match the airline ticket, so bring a birth certificate or other document showing the child's name if there is any question.