TSA-Approved ID for Domestic Flights

You do not need a passport to fly within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of government-issued ID at airport security checkpoints. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is the most common choice — it has a gold or star symbol in the upper right corner and works for domestic flights and federal building entry.

If your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly domestically with it, but you will need to bring a second form of ID as backup. A state ID card (the non-driver version) works the same way as a driver's license and is Real ID-compliant if it carries the star symbol. Both documents must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

Military personnel have another straightforward option: a military ID or dependent military ID works for domestic flights and requires no backup document. The ID must be current and issued by the Department of Defense.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license (marked with a star or gold symbol) is the easiest single document to use for domestic flights.
  • A regular driver's license or state ID still works for domestic flights but requires a second form of ID as backup.
  • Military ID, passport cards, and enhanced driver's licenses are all accepted alone for domestic flights.
  • For international flights, you need a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license — a regular driver's license will not work.
  • Expired ID is accepted for domestic flights if it expired within the last five years; older ID will not work.

Other Government-Issued Documents That Work

A passport card is smaller than a passport booklet and works for both domestic and international flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is cheaper than a full passport and takes less time to obtain, though you cannot use it for international air travel to most other countries.

An enhanced driver's license is issued by some states and carries a star or symbol indicating it meets Real ID standards plus additional security features. It works for domestic flights and for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but not for most international air travel. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.

A Trusted Traveler card — such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST — works as ID for domestic flights. These programs require a background check and fee but speed up security screening. You do not need one to fly, but if you already have one, it counts as valid ID at the checkpoint.

What Does Not Work for Domestic Flights

A regular passport is not required for domestic flights, but it does work if you have one. However, several documents that look official do not meet TSA standards. A state ID card that is not Real ID-compliant (no star symbol) requires a second form of ID. A school ID, work ID, or tribal ID alone will not get you through security, even if they are government-issued.

Expired ID older than five years is not accepted. If your driver's license or state ID expired more than five years ago, you will need to bring a second form of ID — such as a birth certificate paired with a Social Security card, or a passport — to pass security screening.

International Flights and Passport Alternatives

For flights leaving the United States to most countries, you must have a passport booklet. A regular driver's license, even a Real ID-compliant one, will not work. The only alternatives are a passport card (for limited Caribbean and Central American destinations), an enhanced driver's license (for Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda by air), or a Trusted Traveler card combined with a passport.

If you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or certain Caribbean islands by air, a passport card or enhanced driver's license is sufficient. For any other international destination, you need a full passport booklet. Processing times vary — routine passport service takes several weeks, while expedited service costs more but is faster. Check the State Department website for current timelines before you book.

Real ID Compliance and important date

Real ID is a federal security standard that most states have adopted for driver's licenses and state ID cards. The star or gold symbol on the card indicates it meets this standard. Real ID-compliant ID is required for domestic flights, federal building entry, and military base access.

If your driver's license does not have the star symbol, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still fly domestically, but you must bring a second form of ID — such as a passport, passport card, birth certificate with Social Security card, or military ID. Contact your state's DMV to find out how to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license; the process usually takes a few weeks and requires proof of identity and residency.

What to Bring If Your ID Is Expired or Missing

If your ID is expired within the last five years, TSA will accept it for domestic flights. Bring it anyway — it still counts. If your ID is older than five years or you have lost it, you will need to bring two other forms of ID instead. Common combinations that work are a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, a passport, or a military ID.

If you have lost your ID and need to fly soon, contact your state's DMV about expedited replacement. Many states offer rush processing for a higher fee and can issue a temporary ID that works at security checkpoints. Bring proof of your identity and residency — usually a birth certificate, utility bill, and Social Security card — to speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport card for international flights?

A passport card works for air travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean islands. For any other international destination, you need a full passport booklet. Check your destination country's entry requirements before you book, as some nations have their own rules about which US documents they accept.

What if I have an expired license but it is less than five years old?

TSA accepts expired ID for domestic flights as long as it expired within the last five years. Bring the expired license to the checkpoint — it still counts as valid ID. For international flights, an expired passport or passport card does not work; you must have a current one.

Does a military dependent ID work the same way as a military ID?

Yes. A military dependent ID issued by the Department of Defense works alone for domestic flights and requires no backup document. It must be current. If it is expired, you will need to bring a second form of ID.

Can I use a state ID card instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A state ID card works exactly like a driver's license for flights. If it is Real ID-compliant (has a star symbol), it works alone for domestic flights. If it is not Real ID-compliant, bring a second form of ID to the checkpoint.

What is the fastest way to get ID if I need to fly soon?

Contact your state's DMV about expedited ID replacement. Many states offer rush processing for a fee and can issue a temporary ID valid at airport security. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and Social Security card to speed up the process.