You can fly domestically without a driver's license, but you will need an approved form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a driver's license specifically. What they require is a valid form of identification that matches your name on your airline ticket. A driver's license is the most common choice, but it is not the only one that works at airport security.

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents. For domestic flights, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, tribal ID, permanent resident card, or several other government-issued documents. The key requirement is that the name on your ID matches the name on your airline ticket exactly.

International flights have stricter rules. You must have a passport or passport card — no other ID will work. A driver's license will not get you through security for any flight leaving the United States, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico.

Key Takeaways

  • A state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID can all get you through TSA security without a driver's license.
  • Your ID name must match your airline ticket name exactly, or you will be turned away at security.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card — a driver's license or state ID will not work.
  • If you do not have an approved ID, you can request secondary security screening, but this takes extra time and is not may provide to work.
  • Real ID compliant documents are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, so check your ID's status before you travel.

What counts as acceptable identification at TSA security

The TSA accepts a range of government-issued IDs for domestic travel. A state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) is the most direct replacement for a driver's license. You get it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency, and it works exactly like a driver's license for airport security purposes — it just does not authorize you to drive.

A U.S. passport or passport card works for both domestic and international flights. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, but it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for flights. A full passport book works everywhere.

Military personnel can use a military ID card. Tribal members can use a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe. If you are a permanent resident, your green card (Permanent Resident Card) is acceptable. The TSA also accepts certain other documents like a commercial driver's license from another country (if you are a foreign visitor) or a U.S. Merchant Mariner document.

All of these documents must be current and not expired. An expired ID will not work, even if it is only expired by a few days.

Real ID compliance and what changes in 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all IDs used for domestic flights to be Real ID compliant. This is a federal security standard that most states have already adopted. A Real ID compliant driver's license or state ID has a star or other marking in the upper right corner of the card.

If your state ID or driver's license does not have this marking, you will still be able to fly domestically after May 7, 2025, but only if you also have a passport, passport card, military ID, or another federally issued ID. Check your current ID now — if it does not have the Real ID marking, you have time to renew it before the important date, or you can get a passport as a backup.

This requirement applies only to domestic flights. International flights have always required a passport, and that does not change.

How to request secondary security screening if you have no ID

If you arrive at the airport without any of the accepted forms of identification, you can request secondary security screening. TSA officers will ask you additional questions to verify your identity — questions about your background, addresses, and personal history that only you should know. This process takes significantly longer than normal security screening, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes or more.

Secondary screening is not may provide to get you through security. The TSA officer makes the final decision based on whether they can verify your identity through questioning. If they cannot, you will not be allowed to board your flight. This is why having an ID is much more reliable than counting on secondary screening.

If you know you will not have an ID, call your airline before you go to the airport. Some airlines will not let you board without ID even if TSA clears you, so confirming their policy in advance saves you a wasted trip.

Getting a state ID card if you do not drive

A state ID card is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — some states call it the Department of Public Safety or Bureau of Motor Vehicles). You do not need a driver's license to get one. The process is similar to getting a driver's license: you bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, then pay a fee.

Proof of identity can be a passport, birth certificate, or other government document. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address. The fee varies by state but is usually between $15 and $50. Processing time is typically same-day or within a few days.

If you are explore for the first time, some states require you to pass a vision test. You do not have to pass a written test or driving test — those are only for driver's licenses. Check your state's DMV website for the exact documents you need and current wait times.

Traveling with a passport instead of a driver's license

A passport works for any flight, domestic or international. If you do not have a driver's license and do not want to get a state ID card, a passport is a solid alternative. A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes 6 to 8 weeks to arrive by mail, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay for expedited processing. You can also explore in person at a passport acceptance facility and sometimes get same-day service.

A passport card costs $35 and takes the same amount of time. It is valid for domestic flights and land/sea travel to nearby countries, but not for international flights by air. If you think you might fly internationally someday, the passport book is worth the extra cost.

You will need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or naturalization certificate), proof of identity, and proof of residency — the same documents as for a state ID card. You can explore at your local post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance facility. Check the State Department's website to find the nearest location and current processing times.

What happens if your ID name does not match your ticket

Your ID name must match your airline ticket name exactly. If your ticket says "Robert James Smith" but your ID says "Bob Smith," TSA will likely stop you at security. The same applies if you recently married and changed your name — your ticket and ID must match.

If you know your names do not match, contact your airline before you go to the airport. Most airlines will change your ticket name for free if you ask before your flight. Some will do it at the airport, but this adds time and stress. It is much easier to fix it online or by phone a day or two before you travel.

If you have a legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order), update your ID first, then book your ticket under your new name. If you book under your old name and your ID shows your new name, you will have the same mismatch problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have nothing else?

No. The TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if it is only expired by a few days. Your only option would be to request secondary security screening, which is not may provide to work. If you know your ID is about to expire, renew it before your trip.

Do I need a real ID compliant card right now, or only after May 2025?

Right now, any valid ID works for domestic flights. After May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID compliant ID or a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally issued document. If your current ID does not have the Real ID star, you have time to renew it or get a passport before the important date.

Can I use a school ID or work ID to fly?

No. School IDs and work IDs are not government-issued and do not work at TSA security. You need a government-issued ID like a driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID.

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

You can request secondary security screening, but it is not may provide to work and will take extra time. Your better option is to get an emergency state ID or passport if your state offers same-day service. Call your DMV or local passport facility when ready to ask about emergency appointments. If neither is possible, contact your airline to see if they have any options.

Do I need a passport card or a full passport book?

A passport card works for domestic flights and land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. A passport book works for all international flights. If you think you might fly internationally, get the book — it costs only $95 more and is valid for 10 years, so the extra cost per trip is small.