Documents You Must Have 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, passport, or state ID card will work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can still fly — the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will ask you additional security questions and may take longer to process you, but you are not turned away.

For international flights, you must have a valid passport. Some destinations also require a visa, which you obtain from the country's embassy or consulate before you travel. A passport card is not enough for air travel to most countries — you need a passport book.

If your name has changed since your ID was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring a document that shows both your old name and your new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This prevents delays at security.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights require one government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport; a passport is required for international flights.
  • If your name on your ticket does not match your ID exactly, bring a legal document showing the name change to avoid being held at security.
  • Minors do not need their own ID for domestic flights if they travel with an adult, but the adult must have valid ID.
  • TSA PreCheck and Real ID-compliant licenses speed up security screening but are not required to fly.
  • Certain items are banned from carry-on bags — lighters, sharp objects, and liquids over 3.4 ounces — but many can go in checked luggage.

What Happens If Your ID Is Expired

An expired driver's license or state ID is still accepted at TSA security for domestic flights. The ID does not have to be current — it only has to be government-issued and show your photo and name. However, some airlines may have their own stricter rules, so check with your carrier before you arrive at the airport.

An expired passport is not accepted for international travel. You must renew it before you book your flight. Passport renewal takes four to six weeks through the standard process, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. You can renew by mail or in person at a passport acceptance facility.

TSA PreCheck and Real ID: What They Do

TSA PreCheck is a program that costs $78 to $85 for five years. Members go through a faster security line, keep shoes and light jackets on, and leave laptops and liquids in their bags. You explore in person at an enrollment center, which takes about 10 minutes. It is not required to fly, but it saves time at busy airports.

Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. A Real ID-compliant license has a small star in the corner. Starting in 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or a passport card to board a domestic flight. If your state license does not have the star, you can still fly with a passport or other federal ID. You can upgrade to a Real ID license at your state's DMV.

Real ID is free — it costs the same as a regular license renewal in your state. TSA PreCheck is separate and optional; Real ID is a requirement that most states have already met for their residents.

Items You Cannot Bring in Carry-On Luggage

The TSA prohibits certain items in the cabin of the plane. Lighters, matches, and flammable items are banned entirely. Sharp objects — including box cutters, knives longer than 2.36 inches, and ice picks — cannot go in carry-on bags, though many can go in checked luggage. Firearms and ammunition are allowed only in checked bags and must be unloaded and declared to the airline when you check in.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces per container in carry-on bags. This includes toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, peanut butter, and yogurt. You can bring larger quantities in checked luggage. Medications and baby formula are exempt from the liquid limit if you declare them.

Sporting equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and ski poles can go in checked luggage but not in the cabin. Certain tools — hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers longer than 7 inches — are also checked-bag only. The TSA website has a searchable tool where you can look up any specific item.

What Minors Need to Fly

Children under 18 do not need their own ID to fly domestically if they travel with an adult who has valid ID. The adult must be at least 18 years old. If a child travels alone or with a minor, the airline may require a notarized letter from a parent or guardian giving permission.

For international flights, minors must have their own passport. Some countries also require a notarized consent letter from both parents, even if only one parent is traveling with the child. Check the destination country's entry requirements before you book.

Getting Through Security Faster

Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This gives you time to park, check bags, and get through security without rushing. During peak travel times — holidays, summer weekends — add an extra 30 minutes.

At security, have your ID and boarding pass ready before you reach the agent. Wear slip-on shoes and minimal metal jewelry. Put your laptop and liquids bag on top of your carry-on so you can remove them quickly. If you have TSA PreCheck, use the dedicated line.

If you are traveling with a child, a spouse, or a parent, you can ask to go through security together in most cases. Families do not have to split up at the checkpoint.

Traveling With Pets and Service Animals

Dogs and cats can fly in the cabin with you if you pay a pet fee, usually $100 to $150 per flight. Your pet must fit in a carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. Some airlines have breed restrictions for dogs, particularly flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs, which can have trouble breathing at altitude.

Service animals — dogs trained to perform a task for a person with a disability — fly free and do not need to be in a carrier. Emotional support animals are treated as pets and must follow the same rules as other animals. You do not need special documentation for a service dog, but the airline may ask what task the dog performs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired passport?

No. An expired passport is not accepted for international flights. You must renew it before you travel. Standard renewal takes four to six weeks; expedited renewal takes one to two weeks and costs extra. You can renew at a passport acceptance facility or by mail.

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

Bring a legal document showing both names — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. TSA will compare your ID to the document and let you through. Without it, you may be delayed or denied boarding.

Do I need a passport for a cruise that leaves from the United States?

It depends on the cruise itinerary. If the ship visits only U.S. ports, you need only a driver's license or state ID. If it stops in other countries, you need a passport. Some cruises to Canada and Mexico accept a passport card, but most international cruises require a passport book.

Can I bring my medication in my carry-on bag?

Yes. Medications in pill or powder form do not have to follow the 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Bring them in their original labeled container with your name on it. Liquid medications like insulin are allowed in reasonable quantities — tell the TSA agent when you reach security.

What happens if I arrive at the airport without an ID?

TSA will not turn you away. An agent will ask you security questions to verify your identity and may take you to a secondary screening area. The process takes longer — sometimes 30 minutes or more — but you can still board your flight if your answers match your booking information.