What You Can Use to Fly Domestically

You can fly within the United States without a passport or a Real ID driver's license. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. A regular state driver's license issued before your state's Real ID important date works fine for domestic flights. You can also use a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. passport.

The key requirement is that your ID must be current and not expired. TSA agents will check that the name on your ticket matches the name on your ID. If you have changed your name since your ID was issued, bring a document that shows the legal change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order—so you can explain the difference.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still board a domestic flight, but you will go through additional screening. TSA calls this a "secondary verification process." An agent will ask you questions about your identity and may search your bags more thoroughly. This takes extra time, so arrive at the airport earlier than usual.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular state driver's license works for domestic U.S. flights even if it is not Real ID compliant.
  • Military IDs, tribal IDs, passport cards, and permanent resident cards are all accepted at TSA checkpoints.
  • You can fly without any ID, but you will undergo additional screening that adds 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card—no other ID will work at the border.
  • If your name does not match your ticket, bring a legal document showing your name change.

International Travel Requires a Passport

If you are flying outside the United States, you must have a passport or a passport card. TSA will not let you through security without one, and even if you somehow made it to the gate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not let you leave the country. A Real ID driver's license does not work for international flights under any circumstance.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, costs around $130, and works for flights to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It does not work for flights to other countries or for cruises that leave from U.S. ports. A full passport book costs around $165 and works everywhere. Both take several weeks to arrive, so if you need one soon, you will have to pay an expedited fee.

What Happens at Security Without an ID

If you arrive at the airport without any identification, tell the TSA agent at the checkpoint before you get in line. The agent will direct you to a secondary screening area. You will be asked to answer questions about yourself—your address, date of birth, where you work, and details about your flight. The agent may also ask you to provide information that only you would know, like the last four digits of your Social Security number.

TSA will search your carry-on and checked bags more thoroughly than usual. The whole process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the airport is and how quickly you can answer the questions. You will still make your flight in most cases, but you need to arrive at least two hours early instead of the usual 90 minutes.

After you pass secondary screening, you board normally. The secondary process is only at the checkpoint—it does not affect your flight itself or your arrival at your destination.

Real ID important date and What They Mean

Real ID is a federal security standard that all states must follow when issuing driver's licenses. The important date for Real ID compliance has been extended multiple times. As of now, you do not need a Real ID to fly domestically. A regular state driver's license still works.

Real ID will eventually become required for domestic flights, but that date has not been set. When it does take effect, you will have time to get a Real ID license before you cannot fly. Your state's DMV can tell you whether your current license is Real ID compliant—look for a star symbol in the upper right corner of your license, or ask at the counter. Getting a Real ID license takes a few weeks and requires documents like a birth certificate and proof of address.

Documents That Do Not Work for Flying

A passport is not required for domestic flights, but a regular state ID is. Do not bring only a school ID, a work badge, a library card, or an expired ID. TSA will not accept these at the checkpoint. A photo ID from your employer might work if it is a government-issued photo ID—ask the TSA agent, but do not count on it.

If you have a state ID card instead of a driver's license, that works the same way a driver's license does. If you have a learner's permit, it also works for domestic flights as long as it is current. Expired IDs do not work, even if they expired recently.

How to Prepare for Your Flight

Check your ID before you leave for the airport. Make sure it is not expired and that the name matches your ticket exactly. If your name has changed, bring the legal document that proves it. If you do not have an ID at all, arrive at the airport at least two hours early and tell the TSA agent when ready.

If you are flying internationally, check your passport expiration date. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your trip ends. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before you book your flight. If you do not have a passport yet and need one for an international trip, start the process as soon as you know your travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for a domestic flight?

Yes. A passport card works for domestic flights the same way a driver's license does. It is smaller and less expensive than a full passport book, but it is not required for domestic travel—a regular ID is enough.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

You can still fly. Go to the airport and tell TSA you do not have an ID. You will go through secondary screening, which takes longer but is not a barrier to flying. Arrive two hours early to give yourself time. After your trip, contact your state's DMV to get a replacement ID.

Does my military ID work for international flights?

No. Military IDs work for domestic flights but not for international travel. You need a passport or passport card to leave the country, even if you are in the military.

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a physical ID?

No. TSA requires a physical ID document. A photo on your phone does not work. If you do not have a physical ID, you can still fly domestically by going through secondary screening.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Getting a Real ID license takes about two to four weeks at most state DMVs, though some states are faster. You need to visit in person with documents like a birth certificate and proof of address. Since Real ID is not yet required for domestic flights, you do not need to rush to get one.