You Need a Real ID or Passport to Board a Domestic Flight

To board any flight within the United States, you must show a government-issued photo ID at the airport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. If your driver's license or state ID was issued before your state adopted Real ID standards, it may not work for flying — even if it is not expired.

Real ID is a federal security standard that states began rolling out in 2008. Your state's DMV can tell you whether your current ID meets the standard, or you can check the TSA website, which lists which states are compliant and which are still issuing non-compliant IDs. If you have an older ID, you can renew it at your DMV and request a Real ID-compliant version at the same time.

The easiest path for most people is to use a Real ID driver's license or state ID, since you likely already have one and it costs nothing extra to upgrade when you renew. A U.S. passport works just as well but costs money and takes weeks to arrive, so most domestic travelers do not need one unless they also travel internationally.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID to the airport; a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID is the most common choice for domestic flights.
  • If your driver's license or state ID was issued before your state adopted Real ID standards, check with your DMV to confirm it will work for flying.
  • A U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic flights but is not required unless you also travel internationally.
  • You do not need a ticket printed on paper; showing your confirmation number or digital ticket on your phone is sufficient.
  • Minors under 18 do not need their own ID if traveling with an adult, but the adult must have valid ID.

What Your ID Must Show

Your ID must display your full name, date of birth, a photograph of you, and an expiration date. The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly — if your ticket says "Robert James Smith" but your ID says "Bob Smith," you will be turned away at security. If you recently changed your name through marriage or legal action, update your ID before flying, or bring both your old and new IDs along with the legal document that proves the change.

The photograph on your ID must be recognizable as you. TSA agents compare your face to the photo, so if you have changed your appearance significantly since the photo was taken — a different hairstyle, glasses, or facial hair — bring a second form of ID if you have one. This is not a requirement, but it can speed up the security process if there is any question.

Digital Tickets and Boarding Passes

You do not need to print your airline ticket or boarding pass. When you book your flight, the airline sends you a confirmation number by email. At the airport, you can show this confirmation number on your phone, and the airline will print your boarding pass at the check-in counter or kiosk. Alternatively, most airlines have mobile apps that generate a digital boarding pass with a barcode you can scan directly at security and at the gate.

If you prefer a printed boarding pass, you can print it at home before you leave, or ask the airline to print one when you arrive at the airport. Either way, you will need your confirmation number and the ID that matches your ticket name.

What Minors Need to Bring

Children under 18 do not need their own government-issued ID to fly domestically within the United States, as long as they are traveling with an adult who has valid ID. The adult's ID is checked at security, and the child's name is verified against the ticket. However, some airlines ask for proof of age for children, so bringing a birth certificate, school ID, or passport is a safe choice even though it is not required.

If a minor is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, some airlines require a notarized letter of consent from the parent or guardian. Check with your airline before booking to see whether this applies to your situation.

Real ID important date and State Compliance

All U.S. states and territories now issue Real ID-compliant IDs, but some residents still carry older, non-compliant licenses. If you are unsure whether your ID is compliant, visit your state's DMV website or call them directly — they can tell you in seconds. You can also check the TSA website, which has a state-by-state list showing which IDs are accepted.

There is no important date to switch to a Real ID for domestic flying — the federal government has not set one. However, Real ID is already required for domestic flights, so if your current ID is not compliant, you will need to renew it or bring a passport instead. When you renew your driver's license or state ID for any reason, ask the DMV to issue a Real ID-compliant version at the same time.

What You Do Not Need to Bring

You do not need a vaccine card, health certificate, or negative test result to fly domestically within the United States. COVID-19 requirements for domestic flights ended in 2022. Some airlines may have their own policies, so check your airline's website before you travel, but the federal government does not require health documentation for domestic flights.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other document beyond your ID and your ticket confirmation. TSA agents do not ask for these documents at security. If you are traveling with checked baggage, you do not need any special paperwork — just check your bag at the counter and keep your boarding pass.

Traveling With Pets or Service Animals

If you are traveling with a service animal, it does not need its own ID or documentation, but you should be prepared to describe the animal's task if asked. Service animals are allowed in the airport and on the plane at no extra cost. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed in the cabin on most airlines and must be checked as baggage or shipped separately, with fees that vary by airline.

Check your airline's pet policy before you book, as rules differ widely. Some airlines charge $100 to $200 per pet, while others do not allow pets on certain routes. You will not need special documents to travel with a pet, but you will need to notify the airline when you book your ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my ID and my flight is in two days?

Contact your state's DMV when ready — many offer expedited ID replacement for an extra fee. If you cannot get a replacement in time, bring two forms of secondary ID (such as a birth certificate, school ID, utility bill, or credit card) along with a signed statement explaining that your ID was lost. TSA may allow you through security, but it is not may provide, so arriving very early is important.

Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?

Yes, a U.S. passport card is accepted for domestic flights and works exactly like a passport book. It is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for international air travel. For domestic U.S. flights, it works fine.

Do I need to update my ID if I changed my name after getting married?

You should update your ID before flying so that your name matches your ticket. If you do not have time, bring both your old and new IDs along with your marriage certificate. The airline and TSA may ask questions, so arriving early gives you time to explain the situation.

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

You will not be allowed to board. The name must match exactly — including middle names, suffixes, and spelling. If you made a typo when booking, contact the airline when ready to correct it. Most airlines allow one free name change before your flight departs.

Can I fly with an expired ID?

No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. TSA will not accept an expired driver's license, passport, or state ID, even if it is only expired by one day. If your ID is expiring soon, renew it before your flight.