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, passport, passport card, or military ID 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.

The ID must not be expired. TSA checks the expiration date printed on the document itself. If your license or passport expired yesterday, it will not work, even if you have a renewal process in progress. Plan ahead and renew before your travel date if you notice your ID is expiring soon.

Key Takeaways

  • A current driver's license is the most common ID accepted for domestic flights and is sufficient on its own.
  • Your ID must be government-issued and include a photo — student IDs, work badges, and expired documents will not work.
  • TSA agents verify your ID matches your name on the boarding pass, so book your ticket using the exact name on your ID.
  • You should arrive at the airport with enough time for TSA screening, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes but can be longer during peak travel times.

Types of ID that TSA accepts

A U.S. driver's license or state ID card is the standard choice. Every state issues these, and TSA accepts them from all 50 states. The ID must show your full name, date of birth, and a photo that looks reasonably like you now — TSA agents compare your face to the photo.

A U.S. passport or passport card also works. The passport card is smaller than a full passport and costs less to obtain, but it serves the same purpose for domestic flights. A military ID (active duty, reserve, retired, or dependent) is accepted. Native American tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are accepted as well.

Temporary or paper IDs issued by your state DMV while you wait for your permanent license are accepted if they are government-issued and include a photo. However, some states issue temporary licenses without photos — those will not work. Call your state's DMV to confirm whether your temporary ID includes a photo before you travel.

What happens if your name on your ID does not match your boarding pass

Your name on the boarding pass must match the name on your ID exactly. If you book a ticket as "Robert James Smith" but your driver's license says "Bob Smith," TSA will stop you. The mismatch does not have to be large — even a missing middle initial can cause a delay.

If you notice a mismatch before you travel, contact the airline and ask them to reissue your boarding pass with the correct name. Most airlines can do this at no charge if you catch it in advance. If you discover the problem at the airport, go to the airline's ticket counter before you reach TSA screening — they may be able to correct it on the spot, though this depends on how close you are to your departure time.

If you recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal process, update your ID before you travel. A marriage certificate or court order does not work as a boarding document — only the ID itself matters.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID for all domestic flights. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Most states have already issued Real ID licenses, but not all.

You can tell if your license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card — the exact symbol varies by state. If your license does not have this marking, you can still travel domestically after May 7, 2025, but you will need to bring an additional document: a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID.

If you are unsure whether your state has issued you a Real ID license, contact your state's DMV or check their website. You can also bring a passport or passport card to the airport as backup — this covers you regardless of whether your license is Real ID-compliant.

What to bring if you do not have a current ID

If your ID is expired or lost, you have options. TSA can verify your identity using secondary documents if you do not have a photo ID. Bring documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or bank statement with your name and address. TSA will ask you additional questions to confirm your identity — this process takes longer than a standard ID check, typically 10 to 15 minutes.

However, this secondary verification is not may provide to work, and TSA agents have discretion to deny boarding if they cannot verify your identity. The safest approach is to renew your ID before you travel. Most states offer expedited renewal services at DMV offices, and some allow online renewal for driver's license replacements.

If you are traveling within the next few days and your ID is lost or expired, call your state's DMV when ready to ask about same-day or next-day renewal options. Some states offer this service at certain locations for an additional fee.

Traveling with children

Children under 18 do not need a photo ID to fly domestically. TSA will ask the adult traveling with them to show ID, and the adult's name should match the child's boarding pass or ticket. The child does not need their own boarding document with a photo.

If you are traveling with a child who is not your own — for example, a grandchild or niece — bring a notarized letter of consent from the child's parent or legal guardian. This is not a TSA requirement, but it protects you if law enforcement stops you during travel and questions whether you have the right to travel with the child. The letter should state that the parent or guardian gives permission for the child to travel with you.

What TSA does not accept

Student IDs, work badges, and employee IDs do not work, even if they include a photo and are issued by a government institution like a university or federal agency. TSA requires the ID to be issued by a state or federal government body for identification purposes, not for employment or enrollment.

Expired IDs do not work. This includes IDs that expired one day ago. Temporary paper IDs without photos do not work. Photocopies or digital images of your ID on your phone do not work — you must bring the physical card.

A Real ID-compliant license is not required until May 7, 2025, but after that date, a non-compliant license alone will not work for domestic flights. You would need to bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID as an alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A passport card is a valid government-issued photo ID and works the same way as a driver's license for TSA screening. It is smaller and costs less than a full passport, but it serves the same purpose for domestic flights.

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

Contact your state's DMV when ready to ask about emergency or same-day replacement. Some states offer this at certain locations for a fee. If you cannot get a replacement in time, bring secondary documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card — TSA can verify your identity using these, though the process takes longer and is not may provide to work.

Do I need to show my ID at the gate as well as at TSA screening?

Yes. TSA checks your ID at the security checkpoint, and the airline checks it again at the gate before you board. Bring your ID with you through the entire airport process.

Can I use my military dependent ID if I am no longer active duty?

Dependent military IDs are accepted if they are current and not expired. If your dependent status ended and your ID was not renewed or was revoked, it will not work. Check the expiration date on your card before you travel.

What if my name changed but I have not updated my ID yet?

Your boarding pass must match your current ID, not your legal name. If you changed your name through marriage or court order but have not yet updated your driver's license, book your ticket using the name that appears on your current ID. Update your ID before your next trip.