You need one form of government-issued photo ID to board a domestic flight

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one acceptable form of identification to board any domestic flight in the United States. A driver's license, passport, or passport card will get you through security. You do not need a passport for flights within the country — a standard state driver's license works fine. The ID must be current and not expired, and the name on it must match your airline ticket exactly.

If you do not have a driver's license, several other documents work. A state ID card (non-driver), military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card all satisfy TSA requirements. Even if your ID is slightly worn or the photo is old, as long as it is not expired and shows your face clearly enough for the TSA officer to match it to you, you can board.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the fastest way through security for domestic flights.
  • Your ID must not be expired, and the name on it must match your airline ticket word-for-word.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card works but is not required for domestic travel.
  • If you have lost your ID or it is expired, you can still fly with secondary documents and extra screening time.
  • TSA PreCheck and Real ID cards speed up the security line but are not required to fly.

What counts as acceptable ID at the security checkpoint

The TSA maintains a list of documents that work at the checkpoint. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory is the most common. A state ID card (the non-driver version issued by your DMV) is equally valid. Military ID cards, including dependent IDs, work. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. A permanent resident card (green card) works. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works. A U.S. merchant mariner document works if you have one.

The document must show your photograph, your full name, and an expiration date. It must not be expired. The name printed on the ID must match the name on your airline ticket — if your ticket says "Robert James Smith" but your ID says "Bob Smith," you will need to correct your ticket before you board, or bring a document that shows both names (like a marriage certificate or court order).

What to do if your ID is expired or you do not have one

An expired ID will not work at the checkpoint. However, you can still fly. The TSA allows passengers without valid ID to board after additional screening. You will need to arrive earlier than usual — the TSA recommends two hours for domestic flights when you do not have ID — and you will go through extra verification steps. A TSA officer will ask you questions to confirm your identity and may ask to see secondary documents like a credit card, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name and address.

If you have lost your ID entirely, the same process applies. Bring whatever secondary documents you have: a birth certificate, Social Security card, insurance card, or a recent utility bill. The TSA officer will use these to verify you are who you say you are. This takes longer than showing a valid ID, but you can still board your flight. Plan for extra time at the airport.

Real ID and TSA PreCheck: what they are and whether you need them

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. Starting in May 2025, a Real ID-compliant license will be required to board domestic flights. Most states have already issued Real ID licenses — you can tell by a small star or marking on the card. If your current license does not have this marking, you can renew it at your state's DMV and request a Real ID version. The process is the same as a regular renewal and costs the same.

TSA PreCheck is a separate paid program that lets you go through a faster security line. It costs $78 to $85 for five years and requires an in-person appointment at an enrollment center. You still need a valid ID to use TSA PreCheck, but you move through security faster and do not have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets. It is convenient but not required to fly.

Name mismatches between your ID and your ticket

Your airline ticket must match your ID exactly. If you recently married and changed your name, or if you go by a nickname on your ticket but your ID shows your legal name, you need to fix this before you arrive at the airport. The easiest solution is to change your ticket to match your ID. Most airlines let you do this online or by phone at no charge if you catch it before you check in.

If you cannot change your ticket in time, bring a document that shows both names. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order changing your name will help the TSA officer understand the discrepancy. Bring the original or a certified copy. This slows down the process, so arrive extra early. Going forward, update your ID to match your legal name so future flights go smoothly.

International travel and domestic flights: why a passport is not required

A passport is not required for domestic flights because you are not crossing an international border. The TSA only cares that you are who you say you are — they do not need proof of citizenship. A driver's license proves identity; a passport proves both identity and citizenship. For flights within the United States, a driver's license is sufficient.

If you are flying to a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam, you still do not need a passport — a driver's license works. These are U.S. territories, not foreign countries. However, if you are flying to any country outside U.S. territory, you will need a passport.

What to bring to the airport and when to arrive

Bring your ID and your airline ticket (digital or printed). Have both ready when you reach the TSA checkpoint. If your ID is expired or you do not have one, bring secondary documents: a birth certificate, Social Security card, credit card, or utility bill. Keep these in an straightforward-to-reach pocket.

Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight if you have valid ID. Arrive three hours early if you do not have ID or if your ID is expired, because the extra screening takes longer. If you are flying from a very busy airport during peak hours, add another 30 minutes. Check your airline's website for their specific recommendations — some airports move slower than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. School IDs and work IDs do not count as government-issued photo ID. You need an ID issued by a government agency — federal, state, tribal, or military. A driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID are your best options.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket because of a recent name change?

Change your ticket to match your ID before you arrive at the airport — most airlines do this free online. If you cannot change it in time, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Arrive early so the TSA officer has time to review it.

Do I need a Real ID license right now to fly domestic?

As of now, a standard driver's license works. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license. If your current license does not have a star or marking indicating Real ID compliance, renew it at your state's DMV and request the Real ID version.

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have other documents?

Yes. An expired ID alone will not work, but you can board with secondary documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill. You will go through extra screening and should arrive three hours early instead of two.

Is TSA PreCheck worth it for occasional domestic flights?

TSA PreCheck costs $78 to $85 for five years and speeds up security screening. If you fly domestically more than once or twice a year, it saves time and stress. If you fly rarely, a standard ID is fine and you do not need it.