What Documents You Need at the Airport

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If your ID is expired, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will still accept it for domestic flights — expiration does not disqualify you at security.

Your airline ticket (digital or printed) is also required. You show this at check-in and again at the gate. If you booked through an airline website or a third-party site like Kayak or Expedia, you can display the confirmation email on your phone or print it out; either one is acceptable.

You do not need a passport for domestic travel. A passport is only required if you are flying to another country. For flights within the 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands, a regular state ID is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • One government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport — is the only document required to pass through security on a domestic flight.
  • An expired ID is still valid for domestic flights, so you do not need to renew it before traveling within the United States.
  • Your airline ticket, whether shown on your phone or printed, must be presented at check-in and the gate.
  • Domestic flights do not require a passport; a state ID card is sufficient for all U.S. territories and the 50 states.
  • If you do not have a standard ID, a military ID, tribal ID, or passport card will also work at TSA security.

What Happens If Your ID Does Not Match Your Ticket Name

Your name on your ID must match your name on your airline ticket. If they do not match exactly — for example, your ticket says "Robert" but your ID says "Bob" — TSA may ask you to explain the discrepancy. Bring documentation of a legal name change if you have one, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you recently changed your name and your ID has not been updated yet, contact your airline before you arrive at the airport. Some airlines will correct the ticket name at no charge if you explain the situation in advance. Waiting until you reach the airport makes the process slower and riskier.

TSA PreCheck and Real ID: What They Are and Whether You Need Them

TSA PreCheck is a paid program that speeds up security screening. It costs $78 to $85 for five years and lets you keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, leave your laptop in your bag, and go through a faster security line. It is optional — you can fly domestically without it.

Real ID is different. Starting May 7, 2025, the federal government will require all travelers to present either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID, to board a domestic flight. Most states have already issued Real ID-compliant licenses; check your state's DMV website to see if yours is compliant. If your current ID is not Real ID-compliant, you can still use a passport or military ID instead.

Real ID compliance is not optional after May 7, 2025, but the documents that satisfy it are common. You do not need to buy anything or enroll in a program. You straightforward need one of the accepted forms of ID.

What to Do If You Lost Your ID Before Your Flight

If your ID is lost or stolen, you can still fly, but the process takes longer. Go to the airport early — at least three hours before departure — and tell TSA at the security checkpoint that you do not have an ID. TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity, such as your address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Bring a second form of identification if you have one, even if it is not a government-issued photo ID. A credit card, library card, school ID, or insurance card can help TSA confirm who you are. The more documents you bring, the faster the process usually goes.

After TSA verifies your identity, you will be cleared to board. You will not be turned away, but expect to spend 15 to 45 minutes at security while they complete the verification. Contact your airline ahead of time to let them know you are traveling without an ID; some airlines have their own procedures for this situation.

What You Can and Cannot Bring in Your Carry-On and Checked Bags

The TSA maintains a list of prohibited items on their website, but the most common restrictions are liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags. You can bring liquids and gels in checked baggage with no limit, but in your carry-on bag, each container must be 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag.

Sharp objects like knives, box cutters, and ice picks are prohibited in carry-on bags but allowed in checked baggage. Tools longer than seven inches are also prohibited in carry-on. Firearms and ammunition are allowed in checked baggage only, and you must declare them to your airline when you check in.

Electronics like laptops, tablets, and cameras are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Lithium batteries have restrictions — spare batteries must go in carry-on only, not checked baggage. If you are unsure whether a specific item is allowed, search for it on the TSA website or call your airline before you pack.

Arriving at the Airport: How Much Time You Need

For a domestic flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. This gives you time to check in, drop off baggage if you are checking a bag, and pass through security. If the airport is busy or you are unfamiliar with it, arriving 2.5 hours early is safer.

If you have already checked in online and are not checking a bag, you can arrive closer to 90 minutes before departure, but two hours is still the standard recommendation. Some airlines charge extra for checked bags, so confirm your airline's baggage policy before you arrive at the airport.

Once you pass through security, you can proceed to your gate. Airlines typically begin boarding 30 to 45 minutes before departure and close the gate 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you are running late, tell a gate agent when ready — they may hold the plane briefly, but there is no may provide.

Special Situations: Traveling With Children, Pets, and Medications

Children under 18 do not need their own ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have a valid ID. However, some airlines ask for the child's birth certificate or passport as proof of age, especially if the child appears older than they are. Bring the birth certificate to be safe.

Pets can fly in the cabin or in checked baggage, depending on the airline and the pet's size. Most airlines charge a pet fee ($100 to $200 per flight) and require advance notice. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange pet travel. Emotional support animals and service animals have different rules — contact your airline about their specific policy.

Prescription medications in their original labeled containers are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Over-the-counter medications are also allowed. You do not need a doctor's note or prescription copy, but having one can help if TSA has questions. Syringes and inhalers are allowed if they are for personal use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly domestically?

Yes. The TSA accepts expired government-issued photo IDs for domestic flights. An expired driver's license or state ID will work at security. You do not need to renew your ID before flying within the United States.

Do I need a passport to fly domestically?

No. A state driver's license or ID card is sufficient for all domestic flights. A passport is only required if you are flying to another country. For flights to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico or Guam, a regular state ID is still acceptable.

What if my name on my ticket does not match my ID?

Contact your airline before you go to the airport and ask them to correct the ticket name. If the names do not match exactly, TSA may delay you at security. If you have a legal name change document like a marriage certificate, bring it with you.

What should I do if I lost my ID right before my flight?

Go to the airport early — at least three hours before departure — and tell TSA you do not have an ID. TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity. Bring any secondary ID you have, even if it is not a government-issued photo ID. You will likely still be cleared to fly, but the process takes longer.

Do I need TSA PreCheck to fly domestically?

No. TSA PreCheck is optional and costs money. You can fly domestically without it using a regular ID and going through standard security screening. TSA PreCheck straightforward speeds up the process if you choose to enroll.