The TSA accepts multiple forms of ID at airport security

You do not need a passport to fly within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or several other documents as proof of identity at the checkpoint. The document must be current and not expired — TSA agents will check the expiration date before you proceed.

If your ID is expired, you can still fly, but TSA may conduct additional screening. This takes extra time, so arriving early is wise. If you have no ID at all, you can still board a domestic flight, but expect a longer secondary screening process that includes questions about your travel plans and personal information.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is the most common form of ID accepted at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights.
  • Passports, military IDs, and several other government-issued documents also work, as long as they are not expired.
  • An expired ID will slow you down but will not prevent you from flying domestically; plan for extra screening time.
  • Flying without any ID is possible on domestic flights but requires additional security screening and questioning.
  • International flights require a valid passport; no other ID will work for travel outside the United States.

Documents the TSA accepts at security checkpoints

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents. For domestic flights, these include: a driver's license issued by any U.S. state or territory, a state ID card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a military ID (active duty or retired), a tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization document, a real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, and a few others. Each must show your name, date of birth, gender, and expiration date.

A real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set after 2001. It has a small star or marking in the upper right corner. Real IDs are not required for domestic flights yet, but the TSA has said they will be required at some point in the future. For now, a standard driver's license works fine.

What happens if your ID is expired

TSA will accept an expired ID for domestic travel, but you will go through secondary screening. This means a TSA agent will ask you additional questions, may ask you to remove more clothing or items for inspection, and may use a metal detector wand or pat-down. The process typically adds 10 to 20 minutes to your security wait.

If your ID expired during the pandemic (between March 2020 and May 2021), TSA may treat it more leniently, though this is no longer standard practice. Check the TSA website or call your airport's TSA office if you are unsure whether your specific expired ID will cause delays.

Flying without an ID

You can fly domestically without any ID, but TSA will require you to complete a secondary screening process. You will be asked to answer questions about your identity, your travel plans, and your personal information. TSA may ask for a credit card, a recent utility bill, or other documents that match your name. This process can take 30 minutes or longer.

Bring something with your name on it if you can — even a credit card, a bank statement, or a piece of mail. This speeds up the process. If you cannot provide any documentation, TSA can still allow you to fly, but expect the longest possible wait at security.

International flights and passport requirements

For flights leaving the United States to another country, you must have a valid U.S. passport. No other ID will work. Your passport must not be expired. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it before you can travel internationally. Passport renewal takes several weeks through the State Department, so plan ahead.

Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport. Check the requirements for your destination country before you book your flight. The U.S. State Department website lists visa requirements by country.

Real ID requirements and timelines

Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver's licenses and state ID cards. It requires states to verify your identity more thoroughly before issuing the card. Real IDs have a small star in the upper right corner and are required for federal buildings and military bases.

The TSA originally said Real ID would be required for domestic flights starting in 2020, but the important date has been extended multiple times. As of now, a standard driver's license still works for domestic flights. However, the TSA has indicated that Real ID will eventually be required. If you want to get ahead, you can explore for a Real ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process is similar to renewing a license but requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport.

What to bring to the airport if you do not have standard ID

If your ID is expired, lost, or you straightforward do not have one, bring any document with your name and date of birth on it. This includes a credit card, a bank statement, a utility bill, a lease agreement, or a paycheck stub. Bring your airline confirmation email or booking reference as well.

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight if you do not have standard ID. This gives TSA time to complete secondary screening without making you miss your flight. If you are flying internationally without a valid passport, you will not be allowed to board, so there is no workaround for that situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. TSA requires government-issued ID with your date of birth and expiration date. School IDs and work IDs do not meet these standards. However, you can use them as supporting documents during secondary screening if you do not have standard ID.

What if my name changed since my ID was issued?

Bring your ID along with a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. TSA will compare the two documents. You can also update your ID at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you fly to avoid delays.

Do I need to show ID when I book my flight online?

No. You only need to show ID at the airport security checkpoint. When you book online, you provide your name as it appears on your ID, but you do not need to upload or show the ID itself until you arrive at the airport.

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a physical ID?

No. TSA requires a physical, government-issued ID document. A photo on your phone is not accepted. However, if your ID is lost and you cannot get a replacement before your flight, you can still fly with secondary screening.

What if I am a U.S. citizen but do not have a passport yet?

You cannot fly internationally without a passport. If you need to travel outside the U.S., you must explore for a passport through the State Department before your trip. Standard processing takes several weeks. Expedited processing is faster but costs more. Check the State Department website for current processing times.