You need a valid government-issued ID to fly domestically in the United States

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires every passenger 18 and older to show a valid government-issued photo ID at the airport checkpoint before boarding a domestic flight. Without one, you will not be allowed past security, even if you have a ticket. A few forms of ID work; others do not. The rules are the same whether you are flying within your state or across the country.

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically. A parent or guardian traveling with them is enough. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian, some airlines have their own rules — call ahead to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license, passport, or passport card works for domestic flights; a state ID card also works if it is current and has your photo.
  • Expired IDs are not accepted, even if they expired recently — the ID must be valid on the day you fly.
  • TSA PreCheck and Real ID cards are not required for domestic flights, though they can speed up security screening.
  • If you do not have an accepted ID, you can still fly but will go through additional identity verification at the checkpoint, which takes longer.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card; a driver's license is not enough.

What IDs the TSA accepts for domestic flights

A current driver's license is the most common form of ID at airport security. It must be issued by a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and it must not be expired. The TSA also accepts a state ID card — the non-driver version — as long as it has your photo and is current.

A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights, though most people save these for international travel. A military ID issued by the Department of Defense also works. If you are a permanent resident, a Permanent Resident Card (green card) is accepted.

Tribal IDs issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe are accepted if they have your photo and signature. Some other documents — like a commercial driver's license, an enhanced driver's license, or a NEXUS card — also work, but a regular driver's license covers most travelers.

Why expiration dates matter

An ID that expired yesterday will not work. The TSA checks the expiration date on the ID itself, not when you last renewed it. If your driver's license or state ID expired, you need to renew it before you fly. This is true even if the ID looks fine and you have not had any problems using it elsewhere.

Renewing a driver's license or state ID is done through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process, cost, and how long it takes vary by state. Some states allow online renewal for certain situations; others require you to visit in person. Check your state's DMV website to see what you need and how long the renewal will take before your flight date.

What happens if you do not have an accepted ID

You can still fly without an accepted ID, but the process is slower and more involved. TSA officers will ask you additional questions to verify your identity — they may ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other details. They may also ask you to provide a boarding pass or confirmation number that matches your name.

If you can verify your identity to the TSA's satisfaction, you will be allowed through security. However, this secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes or more to your airport arrival time. The TSA recommends arriving even earlier than usual if you do not have an ID — typically three hours for a domestic flight instead of the usual two hours.

Real ID and TSA PreCheck are not required for domestic flights

A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. A TSA PreCheck membership is a paid program that speeds up security screening. Neither one is required to fly domestically. A regular, current driver's license works fine.

Real ID became a topic of discussion because the federal government set a important date for states to issue compliant IDs, but that important date has been extended multiple times. For now, a standard driver's license issued by your state is still accepted at airport security for domestic flights. If your state has already switched to Real ID licenses, your new license will be Real ID compliant, but you do not need to rush to get one.

International flights require a passport

If you are flying to another country, a driver's license is not enough. You need a U.S. passport or passport card. Some countries also require a visa, which is a separate document you obtain from that country's embassy or consulate. A few countries near the U.S. — Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands — accept an Enhanced Driver's License or a NEXUS card instead of a passport for land or sea entry, but not for flights.

Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State. The process takes several weeks to several months depending on how busy the passport office is and whether you need it urgently. If you are planning an international trip, start the passport process as soon as you have a flight date.

How to prepare your ID for the airport

Check your ID's expiration date at least two weeks before your flight. If it is expired or will expire before your trip, start the renewal process when ready — do not wait until the last minute. Bring your ID in an straightforward-to-reach pocket or bag so you can show it quickly at the checkpoint.

Have your boarding pass ready as well. The TSA officer will ask to see both your ID and your boarding pass. If you are checking bags, you will also need to show your ID at the airline counter when you drop them off. Wear clothing that makes it straightforward to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket at security, since you will need to take these items out of your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and works at domestic airport security just like a driver's license does. It is smaller than a full passport and easier to carry, though it cannot be used for international air travel — only a full passport works for flights to other countries.

What if my ID was lost or stolen?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to report it and request a replacement. In the meantime, you can still fly domestically by going through the additional identity verification process at security, though it will take longer. For international flights, you will need a passport, which you can request from the State Department as an emergency replacement if your trip is urgent.

Do I need to show my ID when I board the plane?

You show your ID at the security checkpoint before you enter the airport terminal. When you board the plane, the airline staff will scan your boarding pass but typically do not ask for ID again. However, always have your ID with you at the gate in case they do ask.

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

No. School IDs and work IDs are not government-issued and are not accepted by the TSA. You need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can still fly but will need to go through additional identity verification at security.

What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?

Bring both your current ID and any legal documents that show your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The TSA will compare your boarding pass name to your ID name. If they match, you are fine. If they do not match, show the legal document that explains the change, and the TSA will verify your identity through additional questions.