What ID You Can Use to Fly Domestically

You can fly within the United States with a regular state driver's license or ID card. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts any state-issued driver's license or non-driver ID as valid identification for domestic flights. You do not need a passport, REAL ID-compliant license, or any special document — a standard ID that shows your name, date of birth, and photo is enough.

The key requirement is that your ID must be current and not expired. If your license or ID card has passed its expiration date, TSA will not accept it, and you will not be allowed through security. Check your ID before you head to the airport.

This applies to all domestic flights, regardless of the airline or the distance you are traveling. Whether you are flying from New York to California or taking a short regional flight, a regular state ID works.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard state driver's license or ID card is acceptable for domestic flights as long as it is not expired.
  • You do not need a passport or REAL ID-compliant license for flights within the United States.
  • Your ID must include your name, date of birth, and a photo for TSA to accept it.
  • International flights require a passport or other travel document — a regular ID will not work outside the country.
  • If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you can pass through airport security.

When REAL ID Compliance Becomes Required

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require a REAL ID-compliant license or passport for all domestic flights. A regular state driver's license that does not meet REAL ID standards will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints.

REAL ID-compliant licenses have a gold or metallic star in the upper right corner. If your current license does not have this star, you will need to visit your state's DMV to upgrade it before May 2025. The process typically involves bringing proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Until that date, your regular ID continues to work. After May 7, 2025, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a tribal ID to fly domestically.

International Flights and Passport Requirements

A regular state ID does not work for international flights. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or any other country outside the United States, you must have a passport. TSA will not let you through security without one, and the airline will not let you board.

A passport card — a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport — works for flights to Canada and Mexico but not for flights to other countries. A regular driver's license has no validity for international travel under any circumstance.

If you do not have a passport and need one for an upcoming international flight, explore at your local passport acceptance facility as soon as possible. Standard processing takes several weeks, and expedited processing costs extra.

What Happens If Your ID Is Expired

TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few days. You will be turned away at the security checkpoint and will not be able to board your flight. If your ID expires before your travel date, renew it at your state's DMV before you go to the airport.

If you discover your ID is expired when you arrive at the airport, you have limited options. Some airlines may allow you to board if you have other documents that prove your identity — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID — but this is not may provide and depends on the airline's policy. Do not count on this. Renew your ID before your flight.

ID Requirements for Different Types of Travelers

Adults need a photo ID to fly. Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult, though some airlines ask for a birth certificate. Check with your airline before you travel.

Military personnel can use a military ID instead of a driver's license. Native Americans can use a tribal ID. If you have one of these documents and it is current, it will work for domestic flights.

If you are a permanent resident or non-citizen, a valid passport from your country of origin works for domestic flights. Some states also issue ID cards to non-citizens, and these are accepted by TSA as long as they meet the same standards as a driver's license.

Renewing Your ID Before Your Flight

If your ID is expired or expiring soon, visit your state's DMV website to find your local office and check what documents you need to bring. Most states require proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not count.

Processing times vary by state. Some DMVs can issue a replacement license on the same day; others take several weeks. If you are cutting it close to your flight date, call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you can make an appointment.

If you cannot renew your ID in time, contact your airline to ask what other documents they will accept as proof of identity. This is not a reliable solution, but it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have other documents?

TSA requires a valid, unexpired photo ID. Other documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card do not substitute for an expired driver's license at the security checkpoint. Some airlines may make exceptions, but this is not standard and you should not count on it.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A regular state driver's license works as long as it is not expired and you are flying before May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or passport.

What if I lost my ID right before my flight?

Contact your airline when ready. Some airlines allow you to board with a birth certificate and another form of ID like a Social Security card, but policies vary. You will also need to go to your DMV to get a replacement ID as soon as possible after your trip.

Is a school ID or work ID acceptable for flying?

No. TSA only accepts government-issued photo IDs: state driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, military IDs, tribal IDs, and passport cards. School IDs and work IDs do not count.

Can I use my ID from another country to fly domestically in the U.S.?

A foreign passport works for domestic U.S. flights. A foreign driver's license does not. If you are a non-citizen without a U.S. passport, check with your airline about what documents they will accept.