You can fly domestically in the US without a passport, but you need a different form of ID

A passport is not required for flights between US states. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic travel. The most common alternative is a state-issued driver's license or ID card, which works for all domestic flights.

The key requirement is that your ID must be current and government-issued. It does not have to be a passport. If you do not have a driver's license, other documents work as well — you straightforward need to know what TSA accepts and bring the right one to the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • A state driver's license or ID card is the standard document for domestic US flights and requires no passport.
  • TSA accepts military IDs, tribal IDs, permanent resident cards, and other government documents if you lack a driver's license.
  • Your ID must be current and not expired; TSA will not accept an expired document even for domestic travel.
  • If you have no government-issued ID at all, you can still board a domestic flight but expect a longer security screening process.

State driver's license and ID card

A state-issued driver's license is the fastest way through TSA security for domestic flights. Every US state issues driver's licenses and non-driver ID cards that TSA accepts. You do not need to be a licensed driver — many people carry a state ID card instead of a license, and it works identically at airport security.

The ID must be current, meaning not expired. TSA checks the expiration date on your card. If your license or ID expired more than a year ago, you may want to renew it before your flight, though TSA policy technically allows expired IDs for domestic travel under certain circumstances — the rules changed during the pandemic and vary slightly by state. Call your state's DMV or check their website to confirm the current rule in your state.

Military ID, tribal ID, and other government documents

If you do not have a state driver's license or ID card, TSA accepts a range of other government-issued documents. These include a military ID card (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent), a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), and a US passport card (the small card version, not the booklet).

You can also use a passport for domestic flights, though it is unnecessary and most people reserve passports for international travel. Each of these documents must be current and not expired. If you carry one of these IDs, bring it to the airport and present it at the TSA checkpoint just as you would a driver's license.

What to do if you have no government ID

You can still board a domestic flight without any government-issued ID, but the process takes longer. TSA will conduct what they call a "secondary screening," which means additional questions and verification steps. You will need to provide your name and date of birth, and TSA may ask for other information to confirm your identity.

Secondary screening typically adds 15 to 45 minutes to your airport arrival time. TSA may ask you to provide information they can verify on the spot — such as a credit card in your name, a utility bill, or other documents that show your address. Arrive at the airport earlier than usual if you plan to use this route. Not all airports handle secondary screening the same way, so call ahead to ask what documents TSA at your specific airport prefers you to bring.

Renewing an expired ID before your flight

If your driver's license or ID card is expired and you want to renew it before flying, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person. Online and mail renewals usually take one to two weeks; in-person renewals at a DMV office often take the same day or a few days.

Check your state's DMV website to see which renewal method is available to you and how long it typically takes. If your flight is within a week and you cannot renew in time, you can still fly using secondary screening, or you can use a passport if you have one. Some states offer expedited in-person renewal for a higher fee if you need the ID quickly.

International flights and connections

A passport is required only if you are flying to another country or connecting through another country. If your flight goes from one US city to another US city with no international stops, you do not need a passport. However, if your itinerary includes a stop in Canada, Mexico, or any other country — even a brief layover — you must have a passport.

Check your airline's routing before you book. Some flights that appear domestic may actually connect through an international hub. If you are unsure, call your airline and ask whether your specific flight crosses an international border or lands in another country.

TSA PreCheck and Real ID compliance

TSA PreCheck is a paid program that speeds up security screening, but it is not required for domestic flights. If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use it with any of the IDs listed above — driver's license, military ID, or passport. TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and is worth considering if you fly more than once or twice a year.

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued IDs that took effect in 2025. Most states now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, marked with a small star or indicator on the card itself. Real ID compliance is required for domestic flights starting in 2025, though TSA has extended important date before and may do so again. If your state-issued ID is current, it almost certainly meets Real ID standards. If you are unsure, check your state's DMV website or ask at your local DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with just a photo of my ID on my phone?

No. TSA requires a physical, government-issued ID card. A photo or digital copy on your phone does not work. You must bring the actual card to the checkpoint.

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

Your name on your ID must match your airline ticket exactly. If they do not match, contact your airline before your flight to correct the ticket. TSA will not let you through security if the names do not align, even if the ID is valid.

Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are US states, so flights there are domestic. A state driver's license or other government ID is sufficient. A passport is required only if you are flying to a country outside the US.

Can I use a school ID or work ID instead of a driver's license?

No. TSA does not accept school IDs or most work IDs for security screening. Your ID must be government-issued. A state driver's license, military ID, tribal ID, or passport are the documents TSA recognizes.

What happens if I lose my ID at the airport?

Contact TSA at the checkpoint when ready. You can still board your flight using secondary screening, though it will take longer. After your trip, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement ID card.