The Documents You Must Have to Board a Domestic Flight

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 your ID is expired, you can still use it — the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts expired IDs for domestic travel. You do not need a passport for flights within the U.S., though you can use one if you have it.

Your airline will check your ID against your name on the ticket before you board. The name on your ticket must match the name on your ID exactly. If you recently changed your name through marriage or legal process and your ID does not reflect that change yet, bring both your old ID and a marriage certificate or court order showing the change.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license, passport, or state ID is the only document required for domestic U.S. flights.
  • Your ID name must match your airline ticket name exactly, or the airline will not let you board.
  • International flights require a passport; some Caribbean destinations accept a passport card instead.
  • Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights if an adult with ID is traveling with them.
  • If your ID is lost or expired, you can use a secondary document like a birth certificate plus a utility bill to get through security.

What You Need for International Flights

For any flight leaving the United States, you must have a valid passport. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) works for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by sea or air, but a full passport book is safer and accepted everywhere. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your travel date — many countries will not let you enter otherwise, and your airline may refuse to let you board.

Some countries also require a visa, which is a separate document stamped in your passport. Check the U.S. State Department website for your destination country to see whether you need one. A visa can take weeks or months to obtain, so do not wait until the last minute. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to enter the U.S., but you do need your passport to prove citizenship when you return.

What to Bring If Your ID Is Lost or Expired

If your driver's license or state ID is lost, stolen, or expired and you cannot replace it before your flight, the TSA will let you through security with secondary documents. Bring your birth certificate or passport plus one document showing your current address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease. The TSA officer will ask you questions to verify your identity — answer honestly and completely.

This process takes longer than showing a photo ID, so arrive at the airport earlier than usual. You will still be able to fly, but you may miss your flight if you do not allow extra time. Once you get through security, your airline will still need to verify your name against your ticket before boarding.

Documents Children Need

Children under 18 do not need a photo ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult who has valid ID. The adult's ID is checked; the child's name is verified against the ticket. If a child is traveling alone or with another minor, the airline may require ID or a birth certificate — call your airline ahead of time to ask.

For international flights, children need the same documents as adults: a valid passport. Infants and newborns also need a passport to leave the country. If a child's passport is expired, it must be renewed before travel. Some countries also require a birth certificate or consent letter if a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than a parent.

Documents You May Need to Bring but TSA Does Not Require

Your airline ticket is not a document you need to show at security — the TSA does not check it. You can show your ticket on your phone, print it, or have it emailed to you. However, keep a copy with you in case your phone dies or you lose your printed copy.

A boarding pass is printed or sent to your phone after you check in at the airport or online. You need your boarding pass to enter the gate area and board the plane, but you do not need it to get through security — your ID and ticket information are enough. If you check bags, you will receive baggage tags, but those are attached to your bags, not carried by you.

Special Circumstances: Military, Tribal, and Refugee Documents

If you are active-duty military, a military ID counts as valid photo ID for domestic flights. Reserve and National Guard members should check with their airline, as policies vary. A military dependent ID also works for some airlines but not all — call ahead to confirm.

A Tribal ID issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe is accepted by the TSA for domestic flights. A refugee travel document (issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) works for domestic flights but not international ones — you will need a passport for international travel even if you are a refugee.

What Happens at the Gate and Boarding

After you pass through security, your airline will check your ID and boarding pass again at the gate before you board the plane. This is your final note to show your documents. If your name on your ID does not match your ticket, you will not be allowed to board, even if you made it through security.

Once you are on the plane, you do not need to show documents again unless the flight is international and you are landing in another country. For international arrivals, have your passport ready to show to customs and immigration officers when you land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport for domestic flights?

Yes. The TSA accepts expired passports for domestic flights. However, an expired passport cannot be used for international travel — you must have a valid passport to leave the country.

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

Contact your airline when ready and ask them to correct the ticket to match your ID. Do not go to the airport hoping it will work out — the airline will not let you board if the names do not match exactly. Most airlines let you change the name online or by phone for free if you catch it before your flight.

Do I need a passport card or a full passport book for international flights?

A passport card works for flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any other international destination, you need a full passport book. A passport book is also accepted everywhere a card is accepted, so if you are unsure, get the book.

Can my child fly with a birth certificate instead of a passport?

A birth certificate alone is not enough for international flights — your child needs a valid passport. For domestic flights, children do not need ID at all if traveling with an adult who has valid ID. Some airlines may ask for a birth certificate as proof of age for infant fares, but it is not required by the TSA.

What if I lose my ID at the airport?

Tell a TSA officer when ready. Bring your birth certificate and a document showing your current address. The TSA will verify your identity through questions and may contact local police to confirm you are who you say you are. This takes time, so you may miss your flight. Once through security, your airline will still need to verify your name before boarding.