The One Document You Actually Need

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo ID. That's it. A driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card will get you through security and onto the plane. If your ID is expired, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will still accept it — they check the photo, not the expiration date.

You do not need a birth certificate, Social Security card, or any other document to fly domestic. The TSA agent at security will scan your ID and your boarding pass (digital or printed), and that completes the ID check. Everything else people worry about — proof of address, proof of citizenship, vaccination records — is not required by federal law for domestic flights.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID is the only document required to board a domestic flight; a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
  • Your ID can be expired and still be accepted by TSA, because they verify your identity from the photo, not the expiration date.
  • You need a boarding pass (which you receive when you check in online or at the airport) but this is generated by the airline, not something you bring from home.
  • No airline or the TSA will ask for proof of address, vaccination status, or citizenship for domestic flights within the United States.
  • If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you can request secondary identification verification at the airport, though this takes extra time.

What Counts as Government-Issued Photo ID

The TSA accepts a narrow list of IDs. A driver's license from any U.S. state or territory works. A U.S. passport or passport card works. A state-issued ID card (the non-driver version) works. A military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card also works. A student ID, library card, or work badge does not, even if it has your photo.

If your ID is from a U.S. territory — Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands — it is accepted the same way as a state ID. If your ID is from another country, you cannot use it for a domestic flight; you would need a U.S. passport or passport card instead.

The name on your ID should match the name on your airline ticket. If your name has changed since your ID was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring a document that shows both names — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The airline checks this at check-in, not TSA security, so you may catch the problem early.

What to Bring If You Don't Have Photo ID

If you arrive at the airport without a government-issued photo ID, you can still fly, but the process is slower. TSA will ask you to provide secondary identification — two documents that together prove your identity. These can include a Social Security card, birth certificate, credit card, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. The documents do not have to be government-issued, but together they must show your name and match the name on your ticket.

This secondary verification takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens at the TSA checkpoint. You will be asked questions about your identity and may be patted down. TSA recommends arriving at the airport even earlier than usual if you plan to use secondary ID. Not every airport TSA office handles secondary verification the same way, so call ahead to confirm your specific airport can do it.

Your Boarding Pass and Airline Check-In

Your boarding pass is not a document you bring from home — it is generated when you check in. You can check in online 24 hours before your flight through the airline's website or app, which gives you a digital boarding pass on your phone. You can also check in at a kiosk or counter at the airport. Either way, the airline prints or displays your boarding pass, and you show it along with your ID at security.

If you check in online, take a screenshot of your boarding pass or have it ready on your phone. If the airline's app does not work or your phone dies, you can get a printed copy at the airport counter. You do not need to print anything at home unless you prefer a paper copy.

Documents You Do Not Need

You do not need proof of vaccination, proof of a negative COVID-19 test, or any health documentation to fly domestic. You do not need proof of citizenship or a Social Security card. You do not need travel insurance, travel permits, or letters from your employer. You do not need proof of where you are going or why.

Some airlines have their own rules — for example, a few require a negative test or proof of vaccination for crew members or certain routes — but these are rare and the airline will tell you when you book. For standard domestic flights on major carriers, your ID and boarding pass are all you need.

If Your ID Is Lost or Damaged

If your ID is damaged but still readable, TSA will usually accept it. If your ID is completely lost, you have two options. You can use secondary identification (the two-document method described above) to fly that day. Or you can get an emergency ID from your state's DMV or ID office before your flight — most states can issue a temporary ID within hours, though you will need to go in person.

If you are flying soon and your state's DMV is closed or far away, the secondary ID route is faster. If you have time, getting a replacement ID is simpler because you will not have to answer extra questions at security.

International Travel and Real ID Requirements

This guide covers domestic flights only. If you are flying to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you need a passport or passport card. If you are flying to other countries, you need a passport and may need a visa depending on your destination.

Starting in 2025, the TSA will require all travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID for domestic flights. Most states have already issued REAL ID cards — they have a star in the top right corner. If your ID does not have the star, you can still use a passport or passport card instead. Check your state's DMV website to see if your current ID is REAL ID-compliant, or bring a passport as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID to fly domestic?

Yes. TSA accepts expired government-issued photo IDs for domestic flights because they verify your identity from the photo, not the expiration date. However, some airlines may have their own policies, so check with your carrier when you book.

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

The airline will catch this at check-in and may not let you fly. If your name has changed, bring a document showing both names — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Contact the airline before your flight to correct the ticket if possible.

Do I need to print my boarding pass or can I use my phone?

A digital boarding pass on your phone works fine. You can also print it at home or get a printed copy at the airport. TSA and the airline accept all three formats.

What if I lose my ID at the airport after security?

Once you have passed through TSA security, you do not need your ID again. You can board the plane without it. If you lose your ID before security, use the secondary identification method or get an emergency ID from your state.

Do I need a passport for domestic flights?

No. A driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for domestic flights. A passport works too, but it is not required. Save your passport for international travel.