What ID You Need to Travel Within and Outside the United States

Domestic Travel: What Works and What Doesn't

For flights within the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID card issued by your state's motor vehicle department. A real ID-compliant driver's license — marked with a gold star or other state-specific indicator — works at airport security checkpoints. If your license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly domestically, but TSA will ask additional questions and may require a second form of ID.

A standard passport book or passport card also works at TSA checkpoints and is useful if you plan to travel internationally later. Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards (green cards) are also accepted. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can bring a birth certificate plus a second document with your name and photo — such as a school ID, work badge, or library card with a photo — though TSA may take longer to process you.

For car travel within the United States, you do not need a passport or Real ID. A standard driver's license, state ID, or even a learner's permit is sufficient. If you are stopped by police, they will ask for your license and vehicle registration. If you do not have a license, bring your state ID card or passport.

Key Takeaways

Domestic flights require a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card from your state's motor vehicle department.
If your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you can still fly but must bring a second form of ID and expect longer screening at security.
International travel requires a valid U.S. passport book; a passport card works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean but not for flights.
Car travel within the U.S. requires only a standard driver's license or state ID; a passport is not necessary.
If you do not have a driver's license, a birth certificate plus a photo ID from school or work can work for domestic flights, though processing takes longer.

International Travel: Passport Requirements

For flights outside the United States, you must have a valid U.S. passport book. A passport card — the wallet-sized version — does not work for air travel. Passport books are issued by the U.S. State Department and are valid for 10 years if you are an adult (age 16 and older) and 5 years if you are under 16.

If you are a U.S. citizen and do not yet have a passport, you will need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, which includes post offices, libraries, and some county clerk offices. You will need your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), proof of citizenship, and a completed process form. Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service (available for an additional fee) takes one to two weeks.

If your passport has expired, you may be able to renew it by mail if it was issued when you were 16 or older and is still in your possession. If your passport was lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement in person.

Passport Cards and Land Border Travel

A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book and is valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is not valid for air travel. Passport cards are issued for the same length of time as passport books (10 years for adults, 5 years for minors) and cost less than a passport book.

If you drive or take a ferry to Canada or Mexico, a passport card works. If you take a cruise ship to the Caribbean or Mexico, a passport card also works. However, if you fly to any country outside the United States, you must have a passport book, not a card.

Real ID Compliance and important date

Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. As of now, TSA requires a Real ID-compliant license for domestic flights. If your state-issued driver's license does not have a Real ID indicator (usually a gold star, but the symbol varies by state), you can still fly domestically — you will straightforward need to bring a second form of ID, such as a passport or passport card.

To check whether your driver's license is Real ID-compliant, look for the indicator on the card itself or contact your state's motor vehicle department. If it is not compliant and you want to upgrade, you can visit your state's DMV office and request a Real ID-compliant license. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

What to Bring If You Do Not Have Standard ID

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you have other options. For domestic flights, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) plus a photo ID from a non-government source, such as a school ID, work badge, library card with a photo, or passport. TSA will verify your identity using these documents, but the process takes longer — plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.

For international travel, you must have a passport book. There is no alternative. If you do not have one, you will need to explore in person at a passport acceptance facility before your trip.

If you are traveling by car and do not have a driver's license, you do not need ID to drive on private property or on roads where police are not likely to stop you. However, if you are stopped by police, you are required to provide a driver's license or state ID. Driving without a license is illegal in all states.

Minors and Parental Consent

Minors (people under 18) do not need their own ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult. However, if a minor is traveling alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, the adult traveling with them should carry a notarized letter of consent from the parent or guardian. Airlines do not always ask for this, but it protects both the minor and the adult if questions arise.

For international travel, minors must have their own passport book. A parent's passport does not cover a child. To explore for a minor's passport, a parent or legal guardian must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility with the minor, the minor's birth certificate, and proof of the parent's or guardian's identity and relationship to the child.

Renewing and Replacing ID Before Travel

If your driver's license or state ID is expiring soon, renew it before you travel. Most states allow online or mail renewal for standard licenses, but Real ID upgrades usually require an in-person visit to the DMV. Check your state's motor vehicle department website for the specific process and how long it takes.

If your passport is expiring within six months, some countries will not let you enter. Renew your passport before booking international travel. If you are renewing by mail, allow several weeks. If you need your passport sooner, pay for expedited service, which typically takes one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired driver's license for domestic flights?

No. TSA requires a valid, unexpired ID. An expired driver's license will not work. If your license has expired, bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. You can also renew your license at your state's DMV before your flight.

Do I need a passport to drive to Canada or Mexico?

Yes, you need either a passport book, passport card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) to cross the land border into Canada or Mexico by car. A standard driver's license is not sufficient. Check which documents the country you are entering accepts before you travel.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Routine passport service takes several weeks (the exact time varies by location and current demand). Expedited service costs more and takes one to two weeks. If you need a passport urgently, contact your local passport acceptance facility to ask about same-day or next-day appointments, which are sometimes available for travelers with imminent departures.

What if I lost my ID and my flight is in a week?

Contact your state's motor vehicle department when ready to request an expedited replacement. Many states can issue a temporary ID or expedited license within days. For your flight, bring your birth certificate and a secondary photo ID (school ID, work badge, or passport). TSA will process you, but allow extra time at security.

Is a school ID enough for a domestic flight?

A school ID alone is not sufficient. You need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, bring your birth certificate plus your school ID, and TSA will verify your identity, though it will take longer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.