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

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires all passengers 18 and older to show a valid government-issued photo ID at airport security. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. If you arrive at security without one, TSA officers can attempt to verify your identity through other means — asking security questions about your background — but this process takes extra time and may delay your flight. You cannot board a domestic flight without either a photo ID or a successful identity verification.

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically. They can travel with a parent or guardian who has valid identification. International flights have different rules: all passengers, including children, need a passport or other travel document accepted by the destination country.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights require a government-issued photo ID for passengers 18 and older; a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
  • Children under 18 can fly domestically without an ID if traveling with an adult who has valid identification.
  • If you arrive without an ID, TSA can verify your identity through security questions, but this adds 10 to 15 minutes to your screening time.
  • International flights require a passport or travel document for all passengers, regardless of age.
  • Expired IDs are accepted for domestic flights if they are still recognizable; TSA does not require the ID to be current.

What counts as valid government-issued photo ID

TSA accepts a specific list of documents. A U.S. driver's license, passport, passport card, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID — marked with a gold star in the upper right corner — it meets federal standards. A regular driver's license without the star also works for domestic flights; the star is only required for federal buildings and certain other facilities, not for flying.

Documents that do not work include a Social Security card, birth certificate, school ID, library card, or credit card. If you have lost your ID or it was stolen, you can still fly domestically by arriving early and allowing TSA extra time to verify your identity through questioning. Bring any documents that help prove who you are — a credit card with your name, a recent utility bill, or a bank statement — though TSA is not required to accept them.

Expired IDs and when they still work

An expired ID is acceptable for domestic flights as long as it is still recognizable and was issued by a government agency. TSA does not require the ID to be current. However, if your ID expired more than five years ago, some airlines may refuse to accept it at check-in, even though TSA will accept it at security. Call your airline before you travel to confirm their policy on older expired IDs.

If your ID is damaged, torn, or the photo is no longer recognizable, TSA may not accept it. In that case, you will need to go through the identity verification process with security questions instead. If you know your ID is in poor condition, bring a second form of ID if you have one — a passport, military ID, or passport card — to speed up the process.

What happens if you arrive without an ID

TSA has a process called Contingency Procedures that allows passengers without ID to be screened. An officer will ask you a series of security questions about your background — your address history, previous employers, family members, or financial accounts. The questions are designed so that only you would know the answers. If you answer correctly, you can proceed through security and board your flight.

This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes longer than normal screening. You should arrive at the airport earlier than usual — at least two hours before a domestic flight instead of the standard 90 minutes. Be prepared to answer questions honestly and completely. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, or if the officer believes you are not who you claim to be, you will not be allowed to board.

Real ID requirements and what changed

Real ID is a federal standard that applies to domestic flights. Starting in May 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant documents for domestic flights — a driver's license or state ID with a gold star, a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A regular driver's license without the star will no longer work for flying domestically after that date.

If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID-compliant license, you can still fly using a passport or passport card. To get a Real ID driver's license or state ID, visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. Processing times vary by state, from a few days to several weeks. Check your state's DMV website for current wait times and required documents.

International flights and passport requirements

For flights leaving the United States to another country, all passengers — including infants and children — must have a valid passport. A driver's license or state ID is not enough. Some destinations also require a visa, which is a separate document you obtain from that country's embassy or consulate. A few countries allow U.S. citizens to enter with a passport card instead of a full passport, but most require the full book.

Passport processing takes four to six weeks for a new process and two to three weeks for a renewal. If you need a passport quickly, you can pay for expedited processing, which takes two to three weeks, or explore in person at a passport acceptance facility for faster service. Check the State Department's website to find the nearest facility and current processing times in your area.

Traveling with a real ID or passport card

A passport card is a wallet-sized version of a passport that works for domestic flights and for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It does not work for international air travel to other countries. A Real ID driver's license works only for domestic flights; it does not work for international travel at all. If you plan to fly internationally, you need a full passport book.

A passport card is faster to obtain than a full passport if you already have a passport — you can explore by mail in two to three weeks. If you do not have a passport yet, explore for a full passport takes the same time as explore for a card, so most people choose the full passport for flexibility. Keep your passport in a safe place at home and bring it with you when you travel internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of an ID?

No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID — a physical document issued by a government agency. A photo on your phone, a printed photo, or a digital ID does not meet the requirement. You must have the actual ID card with you at the airport.

What if my name changed and my ID does not match my airline ticket?

Your name on your ID must match your airline ticket. If you recently changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, update your ID before you fly. If you cannot update it in time, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your old and new IDs. Contact your airline before you travel to confirm what documents they need.

Do I need an ID to book a flight online?

No. You need an ID only when you arrive at the airport for security screening. You can book a flight online using any name and payment method. However, the name on your airline ticket must match the name on your ID when you check in.

Can I use a military dependent ID if I am not active duty?

Military dependent IDs issued by the Department of Defense are accepted by TSA. If your ID is current and shows your photo and name, it works for domestic flights. Bring it to security along with your airline ticket.

What if my state has not issued Real ID yet?

As of now, all states have Real ID programs in place. However, if you do not yet have a Real ID-compliant license, you can fly domestically using a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID until you obtain one. Visit your state's DMV website to see how to request a Real ID upgrade.