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 pass through security at any U.S. airport for a domestic flight. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. You do not need a passport for flights within the United States — a regular driver's license is sufficient. The ID must not be expired, though TSA allows IDs that expired during the COVID-19 pandemic under certain conditions (check TSA.gov for current rules if your ID expired between March 2020 and May 2021).

The ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly. If your ticket says "Robert James Smith" but your ID says "Bob Smith," you may be stopped at security. Contact your airline before your flight to correct the name on your reservation if it does not match your ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license or state ID card is all you need for domestic flights — you do not need a passport.
  • Your ID must be government-issued, have a photo, and not be expired (with limited exceptions for IDs that expired during 2020–2021).
  • The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly, or you will be held up at security.
  • If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID will work instead.
  • TSA agents may ask follow-up questions if your ID looks altered or if something seems inconsistent, so arrive early if you are concerned.

What counts as acceptable ID for TSA security

TSA accepts a long list of government-issued photo IDs. The most common are a driver's license or state ID card from any U.S. state or territory. A U.S. passport or passport card also works. If you have a military ID (active duty, retired, or dependent), that is acceptable. A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is accepted as well.

Less common but valid options include a U.S. merchant mariner credential, a commercial driver's license (CDL), a permanent resident card (green card), and a U.S. military dependent ID. If you hold a state-issued ID for people with disabilities, check with TSA directly — some states' disability IDs include a photo and are accepted, while others do not.

The ID must have a photo of you on it. It must be issued by a government body — federal, state, territorial, or tribal. Library cards, school IDs, and company badges do not work, even if they have a photo.

What happens if your ID is expired or does not match your ticket

An expired ID will usually stop you at security. TSA agents will not let you through with an ID that expired before March 2020 or after May 2021. If your ID expired within that window, you may still be allowed through, but TSA may ask additional questions. Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a credit card with your name, a birth certificate, or a Social Security card can help TSA verify your identity if your primary ID is expired.

If your name on your ticket does not match your ID, TSA will likely deny you entry to the gate. A middle initial missing, a nickname instead of your legal name, or a recent name change (marriage, divorce, legal change) can all cause a mismatch. Contact your airline as soon as you notice the problem — they can correct the ticket, and the correction usually takes minutes if done before you arrive at the airport. If you discover the mismatch at security, ask to speak to a supervisor; some airlines have staff at the airport who can issue a corrected boarding pass on the spot.

Renewing your ID before your flight

If your ID is expired or will expire before your flight, you can renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office. Most states allow you to renew online, by mail, or in person. In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Online and mail renewals can take two to four weeks, so plan ahead if your flight is coming up.

Some states offer expedited renewal for an extra fee (usually $10 to $30). If your flight is within a week and your ID is expired, call your local DMV to ask about same-day or next-day renewal options. A few states offer walk-in appointments or extended hours during peak travel seasons.

If you cannot renew your ID in time, you can still fly with an expired ID if it expired between March 2020 and May 2021 — bring it along with a second form of ID (birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name) to security. For any other expired ID, you will need to renew before your flight.

What to bring to the airport if you are unsure about your ID

Bring your ID and your airline boarding pass (digital or printed). If you have any doubt about whether your ID will work — because it is expired, does not have a current photo, or the name does not match your ticket — bring a second form of ID as backup. A birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, or utility bill with your name on it can help TSA verify your identity if there is a question.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. This gives you time to work through any ID issues with TSA or your airline without missing your flight. If you know your ID is problematic, arrive even earlier — three hours is safer.

ID requirements for minors and children

Children under 18 do not need an ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult traveling with them must have a valid ID. However, some airlines ask for a birth certificate or other proof of the child's age and identity, especially if the child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than a parent. Check your airline's website before your flight to see what they require for children.

If a child is traveling alone (unaccompanied minor), the airline may require an ID or birth certificate. Most airlines require unaccompanied minors to be at least 5 years old and charge a fee for the service. Contact your airline directly to ask what ID or documents they need for an unaccompanied minor.

Special situations: name changes, lost ID, and international travel

If you recently changed your name (marriage, divorce, or legal change), your ID and airline ticket must match. If your ID still shows your old name, you have two options: renew your ID before your flight, or contact your airline and ask them to change your ticket to match your current ID. Bring both your old ID and a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to security if you are flying with an ID that does not match your ticket.

If your ID is lost or stolen, go to your state's DMV and request an emergency replacement. Many states can issue a temporary ID on the spot that is valid for flying. If you cannot get a replacement in time, bring a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID to security and explain the situation to TSA.

For flights to U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam), a driver's license or state ID is still sufficient — you do not need a passport. For flights to other countries, you will need a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have a passport?

Yes. Bring your passport instead of the expired ID. A passport is a valid government-issued photo ID and does not need to be renewed as often as a driver's license. TSA will accept it at security.

What if my driver's license has a different address than my current home?

The address on your ID does not need to match your current address. TSA only checks that the photo matches you and that the name matches your ticket. An old address on your ID is not a problem.

Do I need to show my ID at the gate when I board the plane?

Yes. You show your ID to TSA at security, and then you show your boarding pass (and sometimes your ID again) to the airline gate agent when you board. Have both ready.

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

Yes. A U.S. passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. It works the same way as a full passport at TSA security.

What if I am a permanent resident (green card holder) but not a U.S. citizen?

A permanent resident card (green card) is a valid government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. You do not need a passport or any other document. Your green card is sufficient to pass through TSA security.