A passport alone will not work for domestic flights after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require a REAL ID-compliant document for domestic air travel. A passport is REAL ID-compliant, but only if it is a U.S. passport book or passport card. However, a passport by itself creates a problem: TSA agents need to match your face to your document, and they also need to verify your identity against their databases in real time. A passport alone does not give them access to the same verification systems that a REAL ID driver's license does.

The practical answer is that yes, you can use a U.S. passport book or passport card to board a domestic flight after May 7, 2025—but you should also carry a secondary form of identification, such as a state ID or driver's license, to speed up the screening process. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a passport is your best option, but expect the screening to take longer.

Key Takeaways

  • A U.S. passport book or passport card meets REAL ID requirements for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
  • TSA can accept a passport as your sole travel document, but screening may be slower because TSA cannot access the same verification databases with a passport that it can with a state ID.
  • Bringing both a passport and a secondary ID (such as a state driver's license) will speed up the screening process.
  • A passport is not REAL ID-compliant if it is expired, and TSA will not accept it for domestic air travel.
  • If you do not have a passport or REAL ID-compliant state ID, you will need to obtain one before May 7, 2025, or explore for a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card.

What counts as REAL ID-compliant identification

The TSA accepts several forms of REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic air travel. These include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. passport book, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), and a U.S. Enhanced Driver's License. Each of these documents has been verified by the federal government to meet REAL ID standards, which means they contain security features that make them harder to forge and include information that TSA can verify electronically.

A U.S. passport is one of the oldest and most widely recognized forms of federal identification. The passport book has been issued since 1926, and the passport card, a smaller wallet-sized version, has been issued since 2008. Both are produced by the U.S. Department of State and both meet REAL ID requirements. However, a passport is not the same as a state driver's license in terms of how TSA screens it. When you present a state driver's license, TSA can run your name and information against multiple databases in seconds. With a passport, the process is slightly different and may require additional steps.

Why TSA screening takes longer with a passport

When you hand a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to a TSA agent, the agent scans it and the system when ready verifies your identity against the state motor vehicle database and other federal records. This automated process takes seconds. A passport, by contrast, does not connect to the same real-time verification systems. TSA agents can verify that your passport is genuine and that you are the person in the photograph, but they cannot access the same electronic databases they use for state IDs.

This does not mean you cannot use a passport—you absolutely can—but it means the agent may need to manually verify additional information or take extra steps to confirm your identity. In practice, this usually adds a few minutes to the screening process, especially during busy travel times. If you are traveling during peak hours (early morning, late afternoon, or holidays), bringing a secondary form of ID alongside your passport can help move you through the line faster.

Passport requirements for air travel

Your passport must be valid and unexpired to be accepted by TSA for domestic air travel. An expired passport will not work, even if it is only expired by a few days. If your passport is expiring soon, you should renew it before your travel date. The U.S. Department of State processes passport renewals by mail (for passports that are not damaged and were issued when you were 16 or older) in approximately 6 to 8 weeks during normal processing, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing for an additional fee.

Your passport must also be a U.S. passport book or passport card issued by the U.S. Department of State. Foreign passports do not meet REAL ID requirements for domestic U.S. air travel. If you are a foreign national living in the United States, you will need to obtain a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or state ID card, or use a valid U.S. visa or permanent resident card (green card) along with your foreign passport.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant driver's license if you do not have a passport

If you do not have a passport and do not want to obtain one, you can get a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card from your state's motor vehicle department. Every state now issues REAL ID-compliant licenses and IDs, though the process and timeline vary by state. Most states require you to visit a motor vehicle office in person, bring specific documents (such as a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address), and pay a fee that typically ranges from $20 to $50.

Processing times also vary by state. Some states issue REAL ID-compliant licenses on the spot; others mail them to you within 1 to 3 weeks. If you are planning to travel after May 7, 2025, and you do not yet have a REAL ID-compliant document, you should contact your state's motor vehicle department now to find out what documents you need and how long the process takes in your state. Many states have seen long wait times as the May 7 important date approaches, so explore early is wise.

What happens if you do not have REAL ID-compliant identification on May 7, 2025

If you arrive at the airport on or after May 7, 2025, without a REAL ID-compliant document—including a valid passport—TSA will not allow you to pass through security for a domestic flight. You will be turned away and will not be able to board. This applies to all domestic flights, including short regional flights and flights to U.S. territories.

The only exception is if you have a valid military ID, which is exempt from the REAL ID requirement and has always been accepted by TSA. If you are military or a military dependent, your military ID will continue to work. For everyone else, having a valid passport or REAL ID-compliant state ID is mandatory after May 7, 2025.

Passport card versus passport book for air travel

Both the passport card and the passport book meet REAL ID requirements and both are accepted by TSA for domestic air travel. The passport card is smaller and fits in a wallet, making it convenient for domestic travel. The passport book is larger but is required if you plan to travel internationally by air, because some countries do not accept the passport card at their borders. If you travel internationally at all, the passport book is the better choice.

The passport card costs less to obtain than the passport book if you are renewing an existing passport (the card is $35 versus $130 for the book as of 2024, though fees may change). However, if you are explore for a passport for the first time, the fees are closer. If you only travel domestically and want the most affordable option, the passport card is sufficient. If you travel internationally or think you might in the future, the passport book is worth the extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport to board a domestic flight?

No. Your passport must be valid and unexpired. TSA will not accept an expired passport, even if it is only expired by one day. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before your travel date. Standard renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks; expedited renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for an additional fee.

Do I need both a passport and a driver's license to fly domestically after May 7, 2025?

No, you need only one REAL ID-compliant document. A valid passport alone is sufficient. However, bringing a secondary form of ID can speed up TSA screening because the agent can verify your identity faster using a state driver's license database.

Will a foreign passport work for domestic U.S. air travel?

No. Only a U.S. passport book or passport card meets REAL ID requirements. Foreign nationals must obtain a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or state ID card, or use a valid U.S. permanent resident card (green card) or visa.

What if I lose my passport before my flight?

Report the loss to the U.S. Department of State when ready and explore for an emergency passport replacement. If you are traveling within the next few days, visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency in person and request expedited replacement. You can also use a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or state ID card as your backup document for domestic air travel.

Can I use a passport card for international travel?

The passport card can be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, but not for international air travel. For flights outside the United States, you must have a passport book.