Yes, you can fly domestically with a valid driver's license

A driver's license counts as acceptable identification for domestic flights in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints for flights within the country. You do not need a passport for a domestic flight — your driver's license is enough.

The license must be current and not expired. It must also be a real ID-compliant license, or you will need to bring a second form of identification. Real ID compliance became mandatory for domestic air travel in 2025, so if your license was issued before your state adopted Real ID standards, check whether yours displays the gold star or other Real ID marker in the upper right corner.

International flights are different. A driver's license alone will not work for travel outside the United States. You will need a passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license is acceptable identification for domestic flights within the United States.
  • Your license must be Real ID-compliant as of 2025, or you must bring a second form of ID to the checkpoint.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card — a driver's license is not sufficient.
  • The license must not be expired; TSA will reject an expired license even if it is Real ID-compliant.
  • You should bring your license to the airport even if you have a passport, because it is the fastest form of ID to present at security.

What Real ID compliance means for your driver's license

Real ID is a federal security standard that states adopted over time. A Real ID-compliant license shows a gold star, an eagle, or another state-specific marker, usually in the upper right corner of the card. If your license has this marker, it meets TSA requirements for domestic air travel.

If your license does not have the marker, it was issued before your state met Real ID standards. You can still fly domestically, but you must bring a second form of identification to the security checkpoint. Acceptable second forms include a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card that is Real ID-compliant.

You can check your state's DMV website to see whether your license is Real ID-compliant. Most states show this information in your online account or on the license itself. If you are unsure, bring a second ID to be safe — TSA agents at the checkpoint can tell you when ready whether your license meets the standard.

Expired licenses and what happens at security

TSA will not accept an expired driver's license, even if it is Real ID-compliant. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card, and agents check it before you pass through the checkpoint. If your license expired, you will need to bring another form of valid identification.

If you arrive at the airport and realize your license is expired, you have options. A passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card will work. If you have none of these, TSA can conduct additional screening, but this takes longer and may cause you to miss your flight. Renewing your license before your trip is the safest approach.

International travel requires a passport

A driver's license is not accepted for international flights, even if it is Real ID-compliant. You must have a passport or passport card. Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport, depending on your citizenship and destination.

A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For air travel to any other country, you need a full passport book. If you are unsure which document you need, check the State Department website or contact the airline before you book.

What to bring to the airport besides your license

Bring your driver's license and your boarding pass — either printed or on your phone. TSA agents will ask to see both. If your license is not Real ID-compliant, bring a second form of ID as well.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or other documents for a domestic flight. TSA uses your license and boarding pass to verify your identity and confirm you are on the flight manifest. Bringing extra documents will not speed up the process and may slow it down if agents need to examine them.

Real ID important date and state-by-state differences

Real ID compliance became mandatory for all domestic flights on May 7, 2025. Before that date, TSA accepted non-compliant licenses with a second form of ID. Now, a non-compliant license requires a second ID every time you fly.

Each state adopted Real ID standards at different times. Some states issued compliant licenses years ago; others are still in transition. If you are not sure whether your state has completed the rollout, check your DMV website or call your local office. They can tell you whether new licenses issued today are Real ID-compliant and whether you can renew yours to get a compliant version.

If you hold a license from a state that has not yet fully implemented Real ID, you can still fly domestically — you just need to bring a second ID. This situation is temporary and will change as more states complete their Real ID programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired driver's license if I bring a passport?

Yes. TSA will not accept the expired license, but your passport is valid identification for domestic and international flights. Bring the passport to the checkpoint instead of the license.

Do I need to renew my driver's license before flying if it expires soon?

Not if your flight is before the expiration date. Your license is valid up to and including the expiration date printed on it. If your flight is after that date, renew before you travel.

What if my driver's license was issued in another country?

TSA does not accept foreign driver's licenses for domestic flights. You need a U.S. passport, passport card, or other federally approved travel document. An international driving permit is also not accepted.

Can I use a digital or mobile driver's license at the airport?

Some states offer digital licenses through their DMV apps, but TSA does not yet accept them at security checkpoints. Bring your physical license card. Check your state's DMV website for updates on whether digital licenses will be accepted in the future.

What happens if I lose my driver's license before my flight?

Bring any other acceptable ID — a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If you have none of these, contact your state DMV when ready to request an emergency replacement. Some states can issue a temporary license the same day.