Valid ID for domestic flights

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If your ID is expired, TSA will still accept it for domestic travel — the expiration date does not disqualify you. You do not need a Real ID-compliant driver's license for domestic flights, though some states are phasing in requirements for federal buildings and military bases.

The ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly. If your ticket says "Robert James Smith" and 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 there is a mismatch.

You must present your ID at the security checkpoint before you reach the gate. TSA agents will compare your ID to your boarding pass. You do not need to show ID again at the gate, though the airline may ask to see your boarding pass.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card will get you through TSA security for domestic flights.
  • Expired IDs are accepted for domestic travel, so you do not need to renew before your flight.
  • Your ID name must match your airline ticket name exactly, or you may be denied boarding.
  • You present your ID only at the security checkpoint, not at the gate.
  • Real ID compliance is not required for domestic flights, though some states are moving toward it for federal facilities.

What counts as valid government-issued photo ID

TSA maintains a list of documents that meet the requirement. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory works. A state ID card — the non-driver version issued by your state's motor vehicle department — is equally valid. A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies the requirement. A military ID, including dependent ID cards, counts. Native American tribal IDs issued by federally recognized tribes are also accepted.

Foreign passports do not work for domestic flights. You must use a U.S.-issued document. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, a passport is the fastest alternative — you can request expedited processing at a passport acceptance facility.

Temporary or paper IDs issued by your state's motor vehicle department are accepted if they are government-issued and include a photo. However, some airlines may be stricter than TSA, so contact your carrier if you are traveling with a temporary document.

Name mismatches between ID and ticket

Your airline ticket name must match your ID exactly. This includes middle names, suffixes, and spelling. If you booked under "Sarah Marie Johnson" but your ID says "Sarah M. Johnson," you may encounter problems. The safest approach is to contact your airline when ready and ask them to correct the ticket to match your ID word-for-word.

If you recently married or changed your name and your ID reflects the new name but your ticket does not, the airline can usually update the reservation at no charge if you call before your flight. Bring documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — to the airport if you cannot reach the airline in advance.

Do not assume TSA will overlook a mismatch. While some agents may let you through, others will not, and you risk missing your flight. The cost of fixing it at the airport is higher than fixing it by phone.

Expired ID and Real ID requirements

An expired ID is acceptable for domestic flights. TSA does not require your ID to be current. This applies even if your ID expired years ago — the photo and information are what matter for security purposes.

Real ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted for their driver's licenses and ID cards. As of now, Real ID is not required for domestic flights. You can board a domestic flight with a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license or state ID. Real ID will become required for federal buildings and military bases, but the timeline for domestic air travel has not been set.

If you are unsure whether your state ID is Real ID-compliant, look for a star symbol in the upper right corner of your license. If there is no star, your ID is standard. Either type works for domestic flights.

What happens if you forget your ID

If you arrive at the airport without ID, TSA can still screen you, but the process takes longer. You will be asked additional security questions and may be subject to a more thorough physical screening. TSA calls this the Secondary Verification Process. You will need to answer questions about your identity, address, and travel history.

This process can add 15 to 30 minutes to your security screening. If you are close to your departure time, you may miss your flight. The airline has no obligation to hold the flight or rebook you for free if you miss it due to lack of ID.

To avoid this, bring your ID. If you realize you forgot it after you leave home, call your airline when ready to ask whether they will allow you to board. Some carriers are more flexible than others, but none are required to let you fly without ID.

ID requirements for minors and children

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued photo ID to fly domestically. TSA will allow a minor to pass through security with an adult who has valid ID. The adult does not have to be a parent or legal guardian — any adult with ID can accompany the child.

However, the airline may require proof that the adult has permission to travel with the child. If you are traveling with a child who is not your own, bring a notarized letter from the parent or guardian giving permission. This is not a TSA requirement, but airlines sometimes ask for it, especially on international flights or if the child's last name differs from yours.

Once the child reaches 18, they will need their own ID to pass through security, even if traveling with an adult.

Traveling with a lost or stolen ID

If your ID was lost or stolen, you can still fly domestically. Bring a secondary form of identification — a credit card, library card, school ID, or employee badge — along with documentation that proves your identity and address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works. TSA will use these documents to verify your identity at the checkpoint.

The process is slower than presenting a government-issued photo ID, and you may be subject to additional screening. If you have time before your flight, visit your state's motor vehicle department to request an emergency replacement ID. Many states can issue a temporary ID on the same day.

Do not wait until the day of your flight to address this. Call your airline the day before to let them know you will be traveling without a standard ID, and ask what secondary documents they recommend you bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for a domestic flight?

Yes. TSA accepts expired passports for domestic flights. The expiration date does not matter — the photo and information are what TSA uses to verify your identity. An expired passport works just as well as a current one.

Do I need a Real ID driver's license to fly domestically?

No. Real ID is not required for domestic flights. A standard driver's license or state ID card is sufficient. Real ID will eventually be required for federal buildings and military bases, but the timeline for air travel has not been announced.

What if my name on my ticket is different from my ID?

Contact your airline when ready and ask them to correct the ticket to match your ID. Most airlines will change it for free if you call before your flight. Do not assume TSA will overlook the mismatch — some agents will deny you boarding.

Can I fly without any ID if I answer security questions?

TSA can screen you without ID using the Secondary Verification Process, which involves additional questions and physical screening. This adds 15 to 30 minutes to your security time and may cause you to miss your flight. The airline has no obligation to rebook you for free if you miss your departure.

Do children need ID to fly domestically?

No. Children under 18 do not need government-issued photo ID. They can fly with any adult who has valid ID. Once they turn 18, they will need their own ID to pass through security.