The Documents You Need at the Airport

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one piece of government-issued photo identification. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly — if your ticket says "Robert" but your ID says "Bob," the TSA officer will likely stop you.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport is the most straightforward option. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts as valid ID, though a full passport book works too. Military personnel can use a military ID. If you're a permanent resident, your green card is acceptable identification.

Your airline ticket — whether printed or on your phone — is also required. Most airlines now let you show your boarding pass as a digital image on your phone, but some still require a printed copy. Check your airline's website or confirmation email to see what they accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a government-issued photo ID with your name matching your ticket exactly — a driver's license, state ID, or passport all work.
  • Your boarding pass can be digital on your phone or printed on paper, depending on your airline's policy.
  • If you don't have a standard ID, a military ID or green card will work, but a passport is the safest choice if you have one.
  • TSA screening happens before you reach the gate, so arrive early enough to clear security with time to spare.
  • International flights require a passport, not just a state ID, and some countries require a visa in addition to your passport.

What Happens at TSA Security Screening

Before you board, you'll go through TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screening. This is where you show your ID and boarding pass to an officer. Have both ready before you reach the checkpoint. The officer will compare your ID to your ticket to confirm they match.

After the ID check, you'll move through a metal detector or body scanner. You'll need to remove your shoes, belt, and jacket, and take out your laptop and liquids bag. Liquids — including gels, creams, and pastes — must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller, and all containers must fit in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. One bag per person.

If you're traveling with medications, you can bring them through security in their original labeled containers. Inform the TSA officer that you have medications before you go through the scanner. Inhalers, EpiPens, and insulin pumps are all permitted.

What You Can and Cannot Pack

In your carry-on bag, you can bring most everyday items: phone chargers, books, snacks, a change of clothes, and toiletries in containers of 3.4 ounces or smaller. Electronics like laptops, tablets, and cameras are fine. You can bring an empty water bottle through security and fill it at a fountain after screening.

You cannot bring sharp objects like knives, box cutters, or scissors with blades longer than 2.25 inches. Lighters and flammables are prohibited. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, hockey sticks, and pool cues cannot go in carry-on bags, though some can be checked. Firearms and ammunition are not permitted in carry-on bags under any circumstances; they must be unloaded, declared, and packed in checked luggage according to your airline's rules.

If you're checking a bag, the same liquid restrictions don't explore — you can pack full-size bottles of shampoo, lotion, and other liquids. However, some items like aerosols, batteries, and certain chemicals still have restrictions even in checked bags. Your airline's website lists what's prohibited in checked luggage.

Real Timing: How Early to Arrive

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight. This gives you time to check in, check a bag if you have one, get through TSA screening, and reach your gate without rushing. During busy travel times — holidays, early mornings, and late afternoons — lines can be longer, so arriving earlier is safer.

If you're traveling during a known busy period like Thanksgiving or Christmas, add an extra 30 minutes. If you're flying out of a major hub airport like Atlanta, Chicago, or Los Angeles, the same applies. TSA PreCheck or Clear membership can speed up screening, but they cost money and aren't necessary for basic travel.

Special Situations: Minors, Seniors, and People Without Standard ID

Children under 18 don't need their own ID to fly domestically if they're traveling with an adult. The adult's ID covers the group. However, the child's name still needs to match the ticket. If a child is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or guardian, the adult should carry a notarized letter of consent from the parents.

If you're an adult without a driver's license or state ID, you have options. A U.S. passport is the most reliable choice. If you don't have a passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV — it's not a driver's license, just an ID card for identification purposes. Some states also issue REAL ID-compliant cards that work for domestic flights.

If you have no ID at all, TSA can still screen you, but the process takes longer. You'll need to answer additional security questions and may be subject to extra screening. Bring documents that prove your identity and address, like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill. This route is slower and more inconvenient, so getting an ID before you travel is worth the effort.

International Flights: Passports and Visas

For flights leaving the United States to another country, you need a valid U.S. passport. A state driver's license or ID card is not enough. Your passport must not be expired. If your passport expires within six months of your travel date, some countries won't let you enter, so check your destination country's rules before you book.

Depending on where you're flying, you may also need a visa — a separate document that gives you permission to enter that country. Many countries don't require U.S. citizens to have a visa for short visits, but some do. Check the State Department's website or your destination country's embassy website to find out what you need. Getting a visa can take weeks or months, so start early if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly?

No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. TSA will not accept an expired driver's license or state ID. If your ID is expiring soon, renew it before your flight. A passport that is expired also won't work.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match my ticket exactly?

You may be stopped at security. The name must match word-for-word. If you recently changed your name, update your airline ticket to match your current ID, or bring legal documentation of the name change (like a marriage certificate) to explain the difference to the TSA officer.

Can I bring my pet on the plane?

Small pets can fly in the cabin with you on most airlines, but there's usually a fee and size limit. Large pets must be checked as baggage in a pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. Contact your airline before you book to learn their pet policy and what documents or carriers you need.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Hawaii or Puerto Rico?

No. Hawaii and Puerto Rico are U.S. territories, so domestic flights there only require a standard ID like a driver's license or state ID — the same as flying to any other state. A passport is not necessary.

What if I lost my ID right before my flight?

Contact your state's DMV when ready to see if you can get an emergency replacement. If that's not possible, bring any documents that prove your identity — a birth certificate, Social Security card, passport, or utility bill — and arrive very early. TSA can screen you without a standard ID, but it takes longer and you may face extra questioning.