Valid ID for domestic flights

For a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo ID. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card. If your ID is expired, TSA will still accept it — there is no expiration rule for domestic travel. You do not need a Real ID-compliant license until 2025, when the federal important date takes effect.

The ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly. If your ticket says "Robert James Smith" but your license says "Robert J. Smith," you may be stopped at security. Contact your airline before you travel if there is a mismatch — they can usually correct it without charging you.

You must have your ID with you when you arrive at the airport. You cannot board without showing it at the security checkpoint. Keep it in an straightforward-to-reach pocket or bag, because you will need to remove it multiple times: once at the TSA line, once at the gate, and sometimes again when boarding the aircraft.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card satisfies TSA requirements for domestic flights.
  • Your ID can be expired and still be accepted for domestic travel.
  • The name on your ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly.
  • You must carry your ID with you and present it at security, the gate, and sometimes at boarding.
  • Real ID compliance is not required for domestic flights until May 2025.

Driver's license and state ID cards

A standard driver's license from any U.S. state works for domestic flights. You do not need a Real ID-compliant license until May 7, 2025. After that date, TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant licenses, military IDs, passports, or passport cards for domestic flights. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID license and you plan to fly after May 2025, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request one.

A state ID card (the non-driver version) is also acceptable. This is useful if you do not drive or have let your license expire. You can obtain a state ID card from your state's DMV — the process is similar to renewing a license, though it usually costs less.

Passports and passport cards

A U.S. passport or passport card is valid for domestic flights and does not expire for TSA purposes. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book and works for domestic air travel, though it cannot be used for international travel by air. If you already have a passport book, you do not need a passport card for domestic flights.

Getting a passport takes four to six weeks through the standard process, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service. If you need to travel sooner and do not have a passport, a driver's license or state ID is faster to obtain.

Military ID and other federal documents

A military ID card issued by the Department of Defense is acceptable. This includes active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and retired military IDs. Dependent ID cards also work. If you are a veteran without a current military ID, you will need a driver's license, passport, or state ID instead.

Tribal IDs issued by federally recognized Native American tribes are also accepted by TSA. If you have a tribal ID, bring it along with a secondary form of ID if possible, because TSA agents may not be familiar with all tribal documents.

What happens if you forget your ID

If you arrive at the airport without ID, TSA can still allow you through security, but the process takes longer. You will be asked to answer identity verification questions and provide additional information. TSA may ask for your date of birth, address, or other personal details. This secondary screening can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time.

You will still need to board your flight, so TSA will work with you to verify your identity before you reach the gate. However, arriving without ID is risky — if TSA cannot verify who you are, you will not be allowed to fly. It is always better to bring ID, even if it is expired.

Real ID compliance timeline

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state ID cards for domestic flights. A Real ID license has a small star or flag symbol in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this symbol and you plan to fly after May 2025, you will need to renew it or bring a passport or military ID instead.

You can check whether your state's licenses are Real ID-compliant by visiting the Department of Homeland Security website. Some states began issuing Real ID licenses years ago, while others are still in the process. Contact your state's DMV if you are unsure whether your current license meets the requirement.

ID requirements for traveling with children

Children do not need their own ID for domestic flights. A parent or guardian must present their own valid ID at security, and the child travels with them. TSA may ask the adult to confirm the child's name and date of birth, but no separate document is required from the child.

If a child is traveling with an adult who is not a parent, TSA may ask for additional documentation. Some airlines request a notarized letter of consent from the parent if the child is traveling with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend. Check with your airline before you travel if you are not the parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID for a domestic flight?

Yes. TSA accepts expired IDs for domestic flights. There is no expiration date rule for domestic travel. However, starting May 7, 2025, your ID will need to be Real ID-compliant, so if your expired license is not Real ID-compliant and you renew it, make sure you request the Real ID version.

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

Contact your airline before you travel. They can usually correct the ticket to match your ID at no charge. If the names do not match when you arrive at the airport, TSA may deny you entry to the security checkpoint. It is faster to fix this before you leave home.

Do I need a passport for a domestic flight?

No. A driver's license or state ID is sufficient. A passport works, but it is not required. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID and need to fly soon, a passport card is faster to obtain than a full passport book.

Can I use a photo ID from another country?

No. TSA requires a U.S. government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. A foreign passport or driver's license will not work. If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, you will need a U.S. state ID, military ID, or passport.

What if I lost my ID and need to fly?

You can still fly without ID, but TSA will conduct additional identity verification at the security checkpoint. This takes longer and is not may provide to work. It is better to get a replacement ID before your flight. A state ID card can often be obtained in one day if you visit your DMV in person.