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

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one valid, government-issued photo ID to board any domestic flight in the United States. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. You do not need a passport for flights within the country — a standard driver's license is sufficient. TSA agents will check your ID against your boarding pass to confirm your name matches.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you have other options. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card (green card) all meet TSA requirements. The key requirement is that the ID must be current and show your photograph and full name.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID accepted at airport security for domestic flights.
  • Your ID must be government-issued, show your photograph, and have your full name — expired IDs are not accepted.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or green card will work instead.
  • You must present your ID at the TSA checkpoint and it will be checked against your boarding pass to verify your name.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are required starting May 7, 2025, for domestic flights, though standard driver's licenses issued before that date remain valid.

What counts as valid government-issued photo ID

TSA maintains a list of documents that meet the photo ID requirement. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory works. A state ID card (sometimes called a non-driver ID) issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles also works. These are the two most common forms people bring to the airport.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, other documents work: a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve), a Department of Defense ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, a permanent resident card (green card), or a U.S. Merchant Mariner credential. Each of these is accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.

Expired ID and Real ID requirements

Your ID must be current — TSA will not accept an expired driver's license or state ID. If your ID expired, you will need to renew it before you fly. Renewal is handled by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and typically takes one to four weeks depending on your state.

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require all driver's licenses and state ID cards used for domestic flights to be Real ID-compliant. Real ID is a federal security standard that requires additional verification when you renew or replace your license. Your state's DMV can tell you whether your current license meets Real ID standards — most licenses issued after 2020 do. If your license is not Real ID-compliant and expires after May 7, 2025, you will need to renew it to a Real ID version before flying, or bring a passport instead.

What to do if you do not have an ID

If you do not have a driver's license, state ID, passport, or any of the other accepted documents, you can still board a domestic flight, but the process is longer. TSA allows passengers without ID to go through secondary screening, which involves additional identity verification. You will be asked questions about your personal history, and TSA may ask to see other documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill to confirm your identity.

Secondary screening typically adds 15 to 30 minutes to your airport arrival time. If you fly regularly, getting a state ID card or passport is simpler than going through secondary screening each time. A state ID card costs between $10 and $30 depending on your state and does not require you to have a driver's license.

ID requirements for minors and children

Children under 18 do not need to show ID to board a domestic flight if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with the child must have valid ID. If a minor is traveling alone or with another minor, they will need their own ID — a school ID does not work, but a state ID card, passport, or other government-issued photo ID does.

If you are traveling with a child and do not have custody documents, TSA may ask to see a birth certificate or other proof of relationship. This is more common when one parent is traveling with a child without the other parent present. Bringing a birth certificate or custody order is not required but can speed up the process if questions arise.

ID for international connections and returning to the U.S.

If your domestic flight connects to an international flight, or if you are returning to the United States from abroad, the rules change. You will need a passport or passport card for any international leg, even if the first leg is domestic. A driver's license is not sufficient for international travel.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, your green card works for re-entry. For other international destinations, you need a passport or passport card. Plan ahead — passport processing takes several weeks, and expedited processing costs extra.

What to bring to the airport

Bring your ID and your boarding pass to the TSA checkpoint. Your boarding pass can be printed or on your phone. TSA will scan your boarding pass and check your ID to confirm your name matches. Have your ID ready before you reach the agent — this speeds up the process.

If your name has changed since your ID was issued (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. TSA agents can usually process this quickly, but having the document ready prevents delays. If your ID name does not match your boarding pass name, you will not be allowed through security.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. School IDs and work IDs are not government-issued, so TSA does not accept them. You need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can go through secondary screening instead.

What if my ID name does not match my boarding pass?

TSA will not let you through security if your names do not match. If your name changed, bring documentation like a marriage certificate or court order showing the change. If the boarding pass has a typo, contact your airline before you go to the airport to correct it.

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

Not yet. Standard driver's licenses issued before May 7, 2025, remain valid for domestic flights. After that date, TSA will require Real ID-compliant licenses. Check with your state's DMV to see if your current license is compliant, or bring a passport instead.

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID for domestic flights and is smaller and cheaper than a full passport. However, passport cards cannot be used for international air travel — only a full passport works for flights leaving the country.

What happens if I forget my ID at home?

You can still fly, but you will go through secondary screening at the TSA checkpoint. This takes longer and requires you to answer identity verification questions and possibly show other documents like a birth certificate or utility bill. Plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.