You need a government-issued ID to fly domestically only if you are 18 or older

Children under 18 do not need an ID to board a domestic flight in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows minors to pass through security checkpoints with just a birth certificate or a parent or guardian present. However, the rules change once you turn 18 — at that point, you must show a valid government-issued ID to get through security and onto your plane.

The ID requirement applies to all domestic flights, regardless of distance. A flight from New York to Florida requires the same ID as a short hop within your state. International flights have stricter rules and require a passport for all passengers, regardless of age.

Key Takeaways

  • Children under 18 can fly domestically without an ID if a parent or guardian is present or if they carry a birth certificate.
  • Once you turn 18, you must show a valid government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card to pass through TSA security.
  • International flights require a passport for all passengers of any age.
  • If you are 18 or older and do not have an ID, you can still board by going through additional TSA verification, though this takes extra time.
  • Expired IDs are generally not accepted, though TSA has made temporary exceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What counts as a valid ID for domestic flights

The TSA accepts several forms of government-issued photo ID for domestic travel. A driver's license or state ID card is the most common choice. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID also work. If you have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID — marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator — it meets federal standards.

Your ID must not be expired. The TSA checks the expiration date on the ID itself, not the date you are traveling. If your license expired last month, it will not work at security, even if you are renewing it. Some states have extended expiration dates during certain periods, so check your state's DMV website if you are unsure whether yours is still valid.

Flying without an ID at 18 or older

If you are 18 or older and arrive at the airport without a valid ID, you can still fly, but the process is slower. TSA officers will take you to a secondary screening area and ask you questions to verify your identity — your name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. They may also ask about your travel plans or run a background check. This verification can take 15 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the airport is and how quickly TSA can confirm your information.

Bring something with your name on it, even if it is not a government ID. A credit card, school ID, library card, or utility bill can help TSA officers verify who you are. The more documents you have, the faster the process usually goes. However, none of these will replace a government ID — they are only helpful during the secondary screening.

Real ID requirements and state compliance

Starting in 2025, the TSA began enforcing Real ID requirements for all domestic flights. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses, but a few states are still in the transition period.

If your state has not yet fully complied with Real ID standards, you can still use a non-compliant driver's license for now, but check your state's DMV website to see the current important date. You can also use a passport instead, which always meets federal standards. The Real ID requirement applies to all passengers 18 and older, the same as the basic ID requirement.

International flights and passport requirements

International flights require a passport for all passengers, including infants and children. A driver's license or state ID is not enough, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico. You must have a valid U.S. passport book or passport card. Passport cards are smaller and cheaper than passport books but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel to other countries.

Passports take several weeks to arrive, so plan ahead if you are booking an international trip. If you need a passport quickly, you can pay for expedited processing, though this costs extra and still takes at least one to two weeks. Check the State Department's passport website for current processing times in your area.

What happens if you turn 18 right before your flight

If your 18th birthday is the same day as your flight or the day before, you still need a valid ID to board. The TSA does not make exceptions based on age milestones. If you just turned 18 and do not yet have a driver's license or state ID, bring your birth certificate and any other ID you have — school ID, passport, or even a learner's permit — along with a document showing your current address. TSA officers can use these to verify your identity during secondary screening.

The best approach is to get a state ID or driver's license before you travel if you know you will be 18 soon. Most states can issue a state ID within a few days if you go in person to a DMV office, even if a driver's license takes longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a school ID work instead of a government ID?

A school ID alone will not get you through security, but it can help during secondary screening if you do not have a government ID. Bring it along with your birth certificate or passport if you are 18 or older and do not have a driver's license or state ID.

Do I need an ID if my parent is traveling with me?

If you are under 18, you do not need an ID even if a parent is with you. However, if you are 18 or older, you must show a government-issued ID regardless of who is traveling with you. The parent's presence does not change the requirement.

What if my ID was lost or stolen right before my flight?

You can still fly by going through TSA's secondary screening process. Bring any documents with your name on them — credit cards, school records, utility bills — and be prepared to answer identity verification questions. The process takes longer but does not prevent you from boarding.

Does a learner's permit count as a valid ID?

A learner's permit is not a standard government ID for TSA purposes, but it can help during secondary screening if you do not have a driver's license or state ID. Bring it along with your birth certificate or passport to speed up the verification process.

Do I need a Real ID to fly if I have a passport?

No. A passport always meets federal standards and works for domestic flights even if it is not Real ID-compliant. You do not need to upgrade to a Real ID license if you have a valid passport.