You need a government-issued photo ID to fly domestically in the US

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires a valid government-issued photo ID to board a domestic flight. A driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card will work. If you don't have one of these, you can still fly — TSA has a process called Verification of Identity that takes longer but doesn't require you to turn back.

The ID doesn't have to match your ticket name exactly. TSA officers compare your face to the photo and check that the name on your ID is reasonably close to your booking. Minor differences like a middle initial or a married name won't stop you from boarding.

International flights have stricter rules. You must have a valid passport, and some countries require a visa as well. A passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for flights.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, state ID, passport, or passport card satisfies TSA requirements for domestic flights.
  • Your ID name doesn't have to match your ticket exactly — TSA allows minor variations like middle initials or name changes.
  • If you arrive without ID, TSA can verify your identity through additional questions and a background check, though this adds 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time.
  • International flights require a valid passport; a passport card works only for land and sea travel to nearby countries.
  • Expired IDs are not accepted, but IDs expiring soon are fine — TSA checks the expiration date at the time you fly, not when you book.

What counts as valid government-issued photo ID

TSA accepts a US driver's license, a state-issued ID card, a US passport, or a US passport card. Military ID also works. Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted. If you have a REAL ID-compliant license or state ID (marked with a gold star or star outline), it works the same way as a regular one — the star just means it meets federal standards for other purposes like entering federal buildings.

Your ID must not be expired. TSA checks the expiration date printed on the card at the time you arrive at security, not when you book your flight. If your license expires next month but you're flying today, it's valid. If it expired last month, it's not.

The photo on your ID should look like you now. Significant changes in appearance — a new hairstyle, glasses, or weight loss — won't disqualify you, but TSA officers compare your face to the photo as part of their standard check. If you look very different, tell the officer before they compare; they may ask follow-up questions but will usually let you through.

Flying without an ID: the Verification of Identity process

If you arrive at the airport without ID, TSA can verify your identity through additional screening. You'll be taken to a separate area where an officer asks questions about your personal history — your address, date of birth, previous addresses, and sometimes details about your credit or background. TSA runs a background check using the information you provide.

This process takes 15 to 30 minutes longer than standard screening. You must arrive at the airport earlier than usual — TSA recommends arriving three hours before a domestic flight if you don't have ID, instead of the usual two hours. Even after verification, you may be subject to additional screening at the gate.

Verification of Identity is not may provide to work. TSA may deny you boarding if they cannot confirm your identity or if your background check raises concerns. You cannot appeal the decision at the airport. If this happens, you'll need to reschedule your flight and bring ID next time.

International travel and passport requirements

A US passport is the only document TSA accepts for international flights. A passport card works for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean if you're traveling by air, but not for flights to other countries. A driver's license or state ID is not sufficient for any international flight, even to nearby countries.

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, so check the entry requirements for your destination before you book. A passport that expires in two weeks may be rejected at your destination's border even if TSA lets you board.

If you're a US citizen living abroad or a permanent resident, the same rules explore — you need a valid passport for international flights. If you're a citizen of another country, you need a valid passport from your country and may need a visa depending on where you're flying.

Expired, lost, or damaged ID before your flight

If your ID is expired, you cannot use it for TSA screening. You'll need to go through Verification of Identity instead, which takes longer. Renewing your driver's license or state ID before your flight is faster than relying on the verification process — most states offer expedited renewal at a higher cost if you're in a hurry.

If your ID is lost or stolen, you have two options: get a replacement before your flight, or use Verification of Identity at the airport. Getting a replacement is usually faster. Most states can issue a replacement driver's license or ID card within one to two weeks, and some offer same-day service at certain locations.

If your ID is damaged — torn, water-damaged, or the photo is no longer visible — TSA may not accept it. Whether they do depends on how much damage there is and whether the officer can still read the information and see your photo. If you're unsure, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement before your flight.

TSA PreCheck and Real ID: do they change what ID you need

TSA PreCheck is a program that speeds up security screening; it does not change what ID you need. You still need a valid government-issued photo ID to board. TSA PreCheck members go through a faster screening line and don't have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets, but the ID requirement is the same.

REAL ID is a federal standard that some states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. A REAL ID-compliant license is marked with a gold star or star outline. Starting in May 2025, you'll need either a REAL ID-compliant license, a passport, or a passport card to fly domestically. A regular (non-REAL ID) driver's license will no longer work for flights. Check your state's DMV website to see if your license is already REAL ID-compliant or if you need to renew it.

If you have a passport or passport card, the REAL ID important date does not affect you — those documents already meet federal standards and will work for flights indefinitely.

What happens if your name on your ID doesn't match your ticket

TSA allows minor name differences between your ID and your ticket. A middle initial missing from one or the other, or a name change due to marriage, is not a problem. TSA officers are trained to recognize common variations and will let you through if the names are reasonably close.

If your name has changed significantly — for example, you legally changed your first name — bring documentation of the change along with your ID. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change helps TSA officers understand the discrepancy. Without documentation, they may ask additional questions but will usually still let you board if they can verify your identity through other means.

If your ticket name is spelled very differently from your ID — for example, your ticket says "Jon" but your ID says "Jonathan" — tell the airline before you go to the airport. They can correct the ticket name to match your ID. If you don't catch it until security, TSA may still let you through, but it's safer to fix it in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID, which means an ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. A school ID, work ID, or passport from another country does not meet this requirement. Your only options are a driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe.

What if I'm flying with a child who doesn't have an ID?

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically. TSA screens them based on their name on the ticket and their appearance. An adult traveling with the child must have a valid ID. For international flights, children need a passport regardless of age.

Do I need to bring my original ID or can I show a photo on my phone?

You must bring the physical ID card. TSA does not accept photos of IDs on a phone or printed copies. The officer needs to see the actual card, feel its texture to check for tampering, and compare your face to the photo in person.

Can I fly if my ID is about to expire?

Yes. TSA checks whether your ID is expired on the day you fly, not on the day you book or the day you return. If your license expires next week but you're flying today, it's valid. Once it expires, you cannot use it for flights.

What if I'm a permanent resident but don't have a US passport yet?

You can use your permanent resident card (green card) as ID for domestic flights. For international flights, you need a passport from your country of citizenship or a travel document issued by your country's government. A green card alone is not sufficient for international flights.