You do not need a new ID to fly domestically, but your current ID must be real and not expired

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a wide range of identification documents for domestic flights. You do not have to get a new ID before your trip — you can fly with a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or several other documents you may already have. The document must be current (not expired) and must be issued by a state or federal government body.

If your ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you fly. The TSA will not accept an expired document, even if it is only expired by a few days. Renewal timelines vary by state and by document type, so check your state's DMV website or the relevant agency to see how long the process takes where you live.

The only situation in which you must get a new ID specifically for flying is if you live in a state that has not met federal Real ID standards and you do not have a passport or military ID. Starting in May 2025, the TSA will not accept driver's licenses or state ID cards from non-compliant states for domestic air travel. However, most states have already upgraded their ID systems, so this affects very few people.

Key Takeaways

  • A current driver's license, state ID card, or passport is sufficient for domestic flights — you do not need to obtain a new document.
  • Your ID must not be expired; the TSA checks the expiration date at the checkpoint.
  • If your state's ID does not meet Real ID standards and you do not have a passport or military ID, you will need to get a compliant ID or passport before May 2025.
  • Passport renewal or new passport applications can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you are relying on a passport for an upcoming flight.

Which documents the TSA accepts for domestic flights

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic travel. A current driver's license or state ID card issued by any U.S. state or territory is acceptable. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID also works. You can also fly with a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization document, or a merchant mariner card.

You do not need to carry all of these — you only need one. Most people use a driver's license because they already carry it. If your driver's license is expired, you can use a passport or military ID instead, provided those documents are current.

What happens if your ID is expired

The TSA will not allow you to pass through security with an expired ID. You will be turned away at the checkpoint. If you discover your ID is expired on the day of your flight, you cannot fly that day.

Renewing a driver's license or state ID card is faster than obtaining a passport. Most states process renewals in one to four weeks if you explore in person at a DMV office. Some states offer expedited renewal for an additional fee. Check your state's DMV website for the exact timeline and whether you can renew online or must visit in person.

Real ID compliance and what it means for your ID

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must meet for their driver's licenses and ID cards to be accepted for domestic air travel. Most states have already upgraded their ID systems to meet this standard. Starting in May 2025, the TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant documents for domestic flights, along with passports, military IDs, and a few other federal documents.

If you live in a state that has not yet met Real ID standards, your current driver's license will not work for flying after May 2025. You will need to get a Real ID-compliant driver's license from your state, or you can use a U.S. passport or military ID instead. Check your state's DMV website to see whether your state is compliant. As of now, nearly all states have already upgraded, so this is unlikely to affect you.

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card looks similar to a regular one but usually has a star or other marking in the upper right corner. When you renew your driver's license, ask the DMV clerk whether the new card will be Real ID-compliant. In most states, it will be automatically.

Getting a passport if you do not have one

A U.S. passport is always acceptable for domestic flights, regardless of Real ID compliance. If you do not have a passport and want one as a backup ID for flying, you can obtain one through the State Department. A new passport process takes four to six weeks for a regular passport book, or two to three weeks if you pay for expedited processing.

You must explore for a passport in person at a passport acceptance facility, which includes most post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport). The cost is around $130 for a passport book plus execution fees, though prices vary slightly by location.

If your flight is sooner than four weeks away and you do not have a current ID, expedited passport processing may not be fast enough. In that case, your only option is to renew your driver's license or state ID card instead, which is usually faster.

What to bring to the airport besides your ID

Your ID alone is not enough to board a flight. You must also have a boarding pass, which you can get from the airline's website, mobile app, or at the airport check-in counter. The boarding pass must match the name on your ID exactly.

If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport. For domestic flights, a driver's license or state ID is sufficient. Bring your ID and boarding pass to the TSA checkpoint, and the agent will verify that the name and photo match you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an ID that expires next month?

No. The TSA requires your ID to be current on the day of your flight. If your ID expires before your travel date, you must renew it before you go to the airport. Check your state's DMV website to see how long renewal takes.

What if I lost my ID and do not have time to get a new one?

You can still fly if you have another acceptable document, such as a passport, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you have none of these, you will not be able to fly domestically. The TSA does not accept expired IDs or documents from non-government sources.

Do I need a Real ID to fly right now?

Not yet. As of now, a current driver's license from any state is acceptable for domestic flights. Real ID becomes required in May 2025. After that date, you will need a Real ID-compliant ID, a passport, or a military ID.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for flying?

Yes. A passport card is a valid form of identification for domestic flights and is acceptable to the TSA. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it cannot be used for international travel by air.

Can I fly with a temporary ID or paper license?

It depends on your state. Some states issue temporary paper licenses while you wait for your permanent card. The TSA will accept a temporary license if it is issued by your state and has not expired. Call the TSA's Ask TSA service or check your state's DMV website to confirm whether your temporary ID is acceptable.