What ID You Need to Fly in the United States

Real ID and Standard Licenses Work for Domestic Flights

For domestic flights within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card as your primary form of identification. A Real ID is a standard driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set after 2001. Most states have been issuing these since 2020, and they have a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card.

If your driver's license or state ID does not have the Real ID marking, you can still fly domestically—but you will need to bring a second form of identification along with it. The TSA maintains a list of acceptable secondary documents on their website, which includes documents like a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. Checking whether your license is Real ID-compliant takes 30 seconds: look for the star symbol or contact your state's DMV.

Real ID requirements have been in place since May 2023, so if you have renewed your license or ID card in the past few years, it almost certainly complies. If you have an older card from before 2020, you may need to renew it or carry a backup document.

Key Takeaways

A Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card is the easiest single document to bring for any domestic flight.
If your license does not have the Real ID star marking, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or tribal ID.
A U.S. passport or passport card works alone for both domestic and international flights.
Children under 18 do not need a Real ID for domestic flights but must have some form of identification, usually a school ID or birth certificate.
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry members still need to show a valid ID at the airport, even though they have already been vetted.

Passports and Passport Cards for International Travel

For any international flight, you need a U.S. passport or passport card. A passport is a booklet issued by the U.S. Department of State, and a passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version that works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Both are valid for air travel to any country. A passport card cannot be used for flights to countries outside those regions, so if you are flying to Europe, Asia, or South America, you must have the full booklet.

Getting a passport takes time. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks, and expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks—both timelines have been longer during peak travel seasons. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, courthouse, or library. Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for a renewal). The cost is around $130 for a passport booklet and $35 for a passport card, though fees vary slightly by state.

If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but this requires an appointment and costs extra. Check the State Department's website to find the nearest agency and whether appointments are available.

What Children Need to Bring

Children under 18 do not need a Real ID for domestic flights, but they do need some form of identification. The TSA accepts a school ID, a state ID card, a passport, or even a birth certificate. In practice, many families bring a birth certificate because it is free and already in their documents. If your child has a passport, that works for both domestic and international flights.

For international travel, children must have their own passport—they cannot travel on a parent's passport. Infants and newborns need passports too. The process process is the same, but you must explore in person and bring the child with you. Processing times are the same as for adults.

If you are traveling with a child who is not your own, bring a notarized letter of consent from the parent or guardian. This is not strictly required by TSA, but airlines may ask for it, and it protects you if questions arise.

TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Do Not Replace ID Requirements

Having TSA PreCheck or Global Entry does not mean you can skip bringing an ID to the airport. Both programs speed up the security screening process—TSA PreCheck lets you keep shoes and light jackets on and leave laptops in your bag, while Global Entry expedites customs when you return to the United States. But you still must show a valid ID at the security checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck requires a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or other approved document. Global Entry requires a valid passport. If your ID has expired, neither program will get you through security without a current ID. Renew your ID before your trip if it is expiring soon.

Expired IDs and What Happens at Security

The TSA will not accept an expired driver's license or state ID for domestic flights. If your ID expired, you will be turned away at the security checkpoint and will not be able to board your flight. Renewing a driver's license or state ID usually takes a few weeks through your state's DMV, though some states offer expedited renewal for an extra fee.

If you are flying soon and your ID is expired or expiring within the next month, contact your state DMV when ready to see if you can renew in person at a local office. Some states allow same-day or next-day renewal if you visit in person. A passport, by contrast, can be renewed by mail if you still have it and it is not too old, which can be faster than renewing a driver's license.

If your ID is lost or stolen, you can still fly—bring a second form of ID from the TSA's approved list, such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. You will likely be asked additional security questions, but you will not be denied boarding.

International Flights and Country-Specific Requirements

A U.S. passport is required for any international flight, but some countries also require a visa or have additional entry rules. A visa is a stamp or document in your passport that permits you to enter a country. The European Union, Canada, Mexico, and many other countries do not require U.S. citizens to have a visa for short visits, but you still need your passport. Other countries, such as China, India, and Russia, require a visa, which you must obtain before you travel.

Check the U.S. State Department's website or your destination country's embassy website at least two months before your trip to see what documents you need. Some countries also require proof of vaccination, travel insurance, or a return ticket. These requirements change, so do not rely on information from a previous trip.

If you are a permanent resident or green card holder, you need your green card and a valid passport from your country of origin to fly internationally. You cannot use a U.S. driver's license alone. If you are a citizen of another country, bring your passport and check whether you need a U.S. visa to return—some countries' citizens do.

Real ID Compliance by State

All 50 states now issue Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards, but the timeline for when they began varies. States that started early, such as Vermont and Washington, have had Real ID cards since the mid-2010s. States that started later, such as Missouri and South Carolina, began issuing them around 2020 or 2021. If you renewed your license after your state began issuing Real IDs, yours almost certainly complies.

To check whether your state's current licenses are Real ID-compliant, look at your card for the star symbol in the upper right corner. If you do not see it, your card is not Real ID-compliant, and you will need a second form of ID for domestic flights. You can renew your license at your state's DMV office or, in many states, online or by mail. The cost of renewal is the same whether you get a Real ID or a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with just a passport card?

A passport card works for domestic flights and for international flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by air. If you are flying to any other country, you need the full passport booklet. For domestic flights, a passport card is acceptable but not necessary—a Real ID driver's license is simpler to carry.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Bring a second form of ID from the TSA's approved list, such as a passport, military ID, birth certificate, or tribal ID. You will go through additional security screening and answer more questions, but you can still fly. If you have time, you can also visit your state DMV for an emergency replacement ID, though availability varies by state.

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

No. A passport works for both domestic and international flights and is accepted at security checkpoints. You do not need a Real ID if you have a valid passport. However, most people carry a driver's license for everyday use, so getting a Real ID is convenient for frequent flyers.

Can my child fly with a school ID?

Yes. The TSA accepts a school ID for children under 18 on domestic flights. A birth certificate, state ID card, or passport also work. For international flights, your child must have their own passport.

How long does it take to get a Real ID?

Getting a Real ID takes as long as renewing a standard driver's license in your state, usually 2 to 4 weeks. You explore at your state's DMV office in person and bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, and a government-issued photo ID. Some states offer expedited renewal for an extra fee. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.