The documents and items you must have before boarding

For a domestic flight within the United States, you need a valid government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass. That is the minimum. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card — anything with your photograph and signature issued by a government body. Your boarding pass comes from the airline when you check in online, at a kiosk, or at the counter, and it shows your flight number, seat assignment, and barcode.

You do not need a passport for domestic flights. A passport is required only when you cross into another country. If you are flying between any two points within the United States — including Hawaii and Alaska — a standard driver's license or state ID is sufficient. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checks your ID against your boarding pass to confirm you are the person who booked the seat.

Arrive at the airport with both documents in hand. The TSA agent will ask to see them together. If your ID does not match the name on your boarding pass, you will not pass security, even if you have the ticket. This happens most often when someone books a flight under a married name and arrives with an ID under a maiden name, or vice versa. If your name has changed recently, contact the airline before you travel to update your reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass are the only documents required to board a domestic flight.
  • Your ID name must match the name on your boarding pass exactly, so update your reservation if your name has changed recently.
  • A passport is not needed for flights within the United States, but a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card will work.
  • Check in online, at a kiosk, or at the airline counter to get your boarding pass before you go through security.
  • Arrive at the airport early enough to complete security screening, which typically takes 15 to 30 minutes on a regular travel day.

What happens if your ID does not match your boarding pass

The TSA will not let you through security if your name on the ID does not match the name on the boarding pass. This is a hard rule, not a judgment call. If you booked the flight under one name and your ID shows a different name, you have two options: go back to the airline counter and ask them to reissue your boarding pass with the name that appears on your ID, or contact the airline before you travel and ask them to change the reservation to match your ID.

The airline counter can usually fix this on the spot, but it takes time. If you are already at the airport, go directly to the airline ticket counter — not the security line — and explain the mismatch. Bring both your ID and your original boarding pass. The agent will reissue your boarding pass with the correct name. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, but it depends on how busy the counter is.

If you catch the mismatch before you leave home, call the airline's customer service line or log into your online account and change the reservation yourself. Most airlines let you update the name on a booking for free if you do it before check-in. After check-in, you will need to go to the counter.

Acceptable forms of ID for domestic flights

The TSA accepts these government-issued photo IDs for domestic flights: a driver's license from any U.S. state or territory, a state ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID (including dependent ID), a tribal ID, a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card, and a permanent resident card (green card). The ID must not be expired. An expired ID will not work, even if it is only expired by a few days.

A school ID, work ID, library card, or credit card is not acceptable, even if it has your photograph on it. The TSA requires the ID to be issued by a government agency. If your driver's license or state ID is expired, you will need to renew it before you travel, or bring a passport or military ID instead.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can still board a domestic flight, but the process is longer. You will go through secondary screening, which means additional questions and possibly a physical pat-down. You will also need to provide other documents that prove your identity — such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name and address. Secondary screening can add 30 minutes or more to your airport time. It is much faster to have a valid ID.

What to bring in your carry-on and checked bags

Beyond your ID and boarding pass, what you pack depends on the airline's baggage rules and what you need for your trip. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item (a purse, backpack, or laptop bag) at no extra charge. A checked bag usually costs money — often $30 to $40 for the first bag — though some airlines include one free checked bag for certain ticket types or frequent flyer members.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols in your carry-on must follow the TSA's 3-1-1 rule: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, all fitting into one clear quart-sized plastic bag, one bag per passenger. This includes shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant, and sunscreen. You can pack larger containers in a checked bag. Medications and baby formula are exempt from the liquid limit if you declare them.

Weapons, including firearms, are not allowed in carry-on bags. Firearms can be transported in a checked bag only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in. Knives, box cutters, and tools longer than 7 inches are also prohibited in carry-on bags. Check the TSA website or call the airline if you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed.

Arriving early and moving through security

Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. This gives you time to find parking or be dropped off, check in if you have not done so online, drop off a checked bag if you have one, and move through security. On busy travel days — such as the day before Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas — arriving three hours early is safer.

At security, have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the TSA agent. Remove your shoes, belt, and jacket, and take out your laptop and liquids bag. Place them in a bin on the conveyor belt. Empty your pockets. Walk through the metal detector or body scanner. Collect your items on the other side and move to the gate area.

If you are traveling with children, the rules are the same: they need an ID or birth certificate, and they go through security with you. Children under 12 can keep shoes and light jackets on. If you are traveling with a pet, it must fit in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you, and you will pay a pet fee — usually $100 to $150 per flight per pet.

Special circumstances: traveling with a real ID or without one

As of May 2025, the TSA requires all domestic air travelers to have either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or another acceptable form of ID such as a passport or military ID. A REAL ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. Most states have issued REAL ID licenses by now, but not all. Check your ID: if it has a gold or silver star in the upper right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant.

If your driver's license does not have a star and your state has not issued you a REAL ID yet, bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or other acceptable form of ID instead. You can also go to your state's DMV and request a REAL ID license. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs $15 to $50 depending on your state.

If you do not have a REAL ID and do not have another acceptable form of ID, you can still fly, but you will go through secondary screening. This is slower and more intrusive, but it is not a barrier. Bring documents that prove your identity and residence, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill or lease agreement with your name and current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport for a domestic flight?

No. A passport is required only for international travel. For any flight within the United States, a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card is sufficient. A passport will work, but you do not need one.

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

Go to your state's DMV or ID office and request an emergency replacement or temporary ID. Many states can issue a temporary ID on the same day. If that is not possible, bring documents that prove your identity — a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill — and plan for secondary screening at the airport, which adds 30 minutes or more to your time.

Can I use an expired ID if it is only expired by a few months?

No. The TSA will not accept an expired ID, even if it expired recently. You will need to renew it or bring a different form of ID. If you have a passport or military ID that is not expired, use that instead.

What if my boarding pass is on my phone?

That is fine. You can show your boarding pass on your phone's screen to the TSA agent and the gate agent. Make sure your phone is charged. Having a printed copy as a backup is a good idea in case your phone dies.

Do I need to show my vaccination records or a negative COVID test?

No. As of 2024, the TSA does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for domestic flights. Requirements may change, so check the TSA website or your airline's website a few days before you travel.