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 before you enter the security checkpoint.

If you arrive at the airport without any ID, TSA can still allow you through security, but the process takes longer. An agent will ask you additional questions to verify your identity, and you may be subject to extra screening. This can add 30 minutes or more to your airport time, so bringing ID is the faster route.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport satisfies TSA's ID requirement for domestic flights.
  • Your ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago (or longer if you are over 50 and hold a Real ID-compliant license).
  • TSA will allow you through security without ID if you answer identity verification questions, but expect a delay of 30 minutes or more.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, though standard driver's licenses issued before that date remain valid.

What counts as valid ID for TSA

TSA accepts the following forms of government-issued photo ID: a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued ID card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a permanent resident card (green card). Any of these will get you through the checkpoint. You do not need to bring more than one—one valid ID is all that is required.

Your ID must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you are 50 or older and your license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator), it may be accepted even if it expired longer ago—check with your state's DMV for the exact rules. If your ID is expired beyond five years and you are under 50, you will need to renew it before you fly.

Real ID requirements starting May 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, TSA will require all domestic air travelers to present a Real ID-compliant driver's license, state ID card, or passport. 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, and you can tell if yours qualifies by looking for a gold star, gold circle, or other state-specific marking on the front.

If your current driver's license does not have this marking, you can renew it at your state's DMV and request the Real ID version. The process is the same as a regular renewal—you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Passports and military IDs already meet Real ID standards, so if you have either of those, you are set. Standard driver's licenses issued before May 7, 2025, will still be accepted even if they are not Real ID-compliant, so there is no rush if your renewal is not due yet.

What to do if your ID is lost or expired

If your driver's license is lost or stolen, contact your state's DMV to request a replacement. Most states can issue a temporary ID or expedited replacement within a few days. Bring your replacement ID to the airport—TSA will accept it as long as it is government-issued and has your photo. If you cannot get a replacement in time, you can still fly, but you will go through additional identity verification at the checkpoint, which takes longer.

If your ID is expired, the same rule applies: TSA will accept it if it expired within the last five years (or longer if you are 50 or older with a Real ID license). If it is expired beyond that window, renew it at your DMV before your flight. Expedited renewals are often available for a higher fee and can be ready within days.

Traveling with children and minors

Children under 18 do not need to show ID to board a domestic flight if they are traveling with an adult. TSA will check the adult's ID and boarding pass, and the child can board on the same reservation. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, TSA may ask for the child's ID or a letter of consent from the parent—bring both to be safe.

If your child has a passport, school ID, or state ID, you can bring it, but it is not required for domestic flights. A birth certificate can also help verify a child's identity if TSA has questions, though it is not an official photo ID.

International travel and connecting flights

If you are flying domestically but your trip includes a connection to an international flight, you will need a passport for the international leg. TSA will accept your domestic ID for the first flight, but you must have a valid passport before you board the international flight. Check your itinerary carefully—if any leg of your journey leaves the United States, bring your passport.

Some travelers mistakenly think they need a passport for all flights. You do not. A passport is only required when you are leaving the country or entering a foreign country. Flights that stay within U.S. airspace and land only at U.S. airports require only a standard ID.

What happens at the airport if you forget your ID

If you arrive at the airport without any ID, tell a TSA agent before you reach the security checkpoint. The agent will take you to a separate area and ask you questions to verify your identity: your full name, date of birth, address, and possibly details about your flight or recent travel. This process is called secondary identity verification and typically takes 10 to 30 minutes, though it can be longer during busy travel times.

TSA may also ask you to provide information that matches records in their system, such as your Social Security number or driver's license number. If you can answer these questions accurately, you will be allowed through security. However, you may be subject to additional screening, such as a pat-down or bag search. To avoid this delay, bring your ID to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport to fly domestically?

Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. TSA accepts expired passports for domestic flights if they are current or expired no more than five years ago. An expired passport is still a valid government-issued photo ID for TSA purposes.

Do I need a Real ID license right now, or can I wait until May 2025?

You can wait. Standard driver's licenses issued before May 7, 2025, will still be accepted for domestic flights even if they are not Real ID-compliant. If your renewal is not due before May 2025, you do not need to renew early. Once May 7, 2025, arrives, all new IDs must be Real ID-compliant, but existing licenses remain valid.

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

Your name on your ID must match your boarding pass exactly. If you recently changed your name, update it with the airline before your flight. If there is a small discrepancy (like a middle initial), TSA may ask you to explain it, but you will usually still be allowed through. Contact your airline ahead of time if you are unsure.

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

No. TSA requires a government-issued photo ID, not a school or work ID. A government-issued ID means an ID issued by a federal, state, or local government agency. School and work IDs do not count, even if they have your photo and name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card or birth certificate?

No. TSA does not require a Social Security card or birth certificate to board a domestic flight. A government-issued photo ID is all you need. If you forget your ID, TSA may ask you to provide your Social Security number verbally to verify your identity, but you do not need to bring the card itself.