What identification you need depends on where you're going

A driver's license works for domestic flights and car travel, but a passport is required for any international trip. If you don't have a driver's license, a state ID card serves the same purpose for domestic air travel. For travel by car within the US, you technically need no federal ID at all — a state ID, passport, or even a utility bill can satisfy a police stop, though a driver's license is standard. The rules shift once you cross a border or board a plane.

The specific documents you'll need also depend on your citizenship status and destination country. US citizens need different documents than permanent residents or visa holders. Some countries accept a passport card (a smaller, wallet-sized version of a full passport), while others require the full booklet. A few destinations have additional requirements like visas or vaccination records that sit alongside your ID.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid driver's license or state ID card is sufficient for domestic flights within the US; a passport is not required.
  • International travel requires a passport book for most countries, though some Caribbean and Central American destinations accept a passport card.
  • If you don't have a driver's license, you can obtain a state ID card from your DMV for the same cost and use it for domestic air travel.
  • Passport processing takes four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service; plan ahead if you don't already have one.
  • Some countries require a visa in addition to your passport, and a few require proof of vaccination or a negative test result at entry.

Domestic air travel: driver's license or state ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a standard driver's license or state ID card for all domestic flights. You do not need a passport for any flight within the United States, even if you're traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, or US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The ID must be current and not expired, though TSA allows a grace period of up to one year after expiration for domestic travel — check the TSA website before your trip to confirm the current policy.

If you don't have a driver's license, a state ID card (also called a non-driver ID) works identically for TSA purposes. You can obtain one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for a fee that varies by state, typically between $15 and $50. The process usually takes one to two weeks. Some states offer REAL ID-compliant cards, which have a star or marking on the front; these are required for domestic flights starting in 2025, though standard state IDs issued before that date remain valid.

International travel: passport book or card

A US passport is required for any international trip by air, and most countries accept only the full passport book — the 28-page booklet issued by the State Department. A passport card, which is credit-card sized and cheaper, is accepted by Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean nations for sea travel, but most countries do not recognize it for air entry. If you're flying to Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, you must have the full passport book.

Passport processing takes four to six weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service (which costs extra). You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — and bring your birth certificate, a government-issued ID, a completed process form, and a passport photo. If your passport has expired, you may be able to renew it by mail instead of in person, which is faster and cheaper, though this option is not available if your passport was lost or stolen.

Land and sea travel within North America

Driving to Canada or Mexico requires either a passport, a passport card, or a NEXUS card (a trusted traveler program card). A standard driver's license alone is not sufficient for land border crossings. If you're driving frequently to Canada or Mexico, a NEXUS card can speed up the process, though it requires an interview and costs $120 for five years.

Cruising to Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean from a US port has different rules than flying. You can enter these destinations by sea with a passport card, a NEXUS card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (available in some states). You do not need a full passport book for a cruise to these locations, which makes a passport card a cost-effective option if you cruise regularly but don't fly internationally.

Permanent residents and visa holders

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you need your green card plus a valid passport from your country of origin for international travel. The green card alone is not sufficient. Some countries will not allow entry without a valid passport from your home country, even if you hold a US green card. You should also carry your green card on domestic flights, though a driver's license is technically sufficient.

If you are in the US on a visa (such as an H-1B, F-1, or tourist visa), you need your passport plus your visa stamp or visa document for international travel. Leaving the US and returning requires both documents. If your visa has expired but you are still in valid status (for example, if you have an extension pending), you may still be able to re-enter with an expired visa stamp under certain conditions — check with US Customs and Border Protection or your immigration attorney before traveling.

Additional documents some countries require

Beyond your passport, some countries require a visa — a separate document stamped in your passport that grants you entry. European countries in the Schengen Area do not require a US citizen to obtain a visa for stays under 90 days, but the UK, Ireland, and several other countries have their own entry rules. You can check entry requirements for any country on the State Department's travel advisory website.

A growing number of countries require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test result taken within a certain number of days before arrival. These requirements change frequently and vary by destination. Some countries also require a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Check the embassy or consulate website for your destination country at least two weeks before you travel.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID before travel

If your driver's license or state ID is lost or stolen, you can obtain a replacement from your DMV, usually within one to two weeks. Many states offer expedited replacement for an additional fee. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must explore for a replacement in person at a passport acceptance facility and pay a replacement fee; this takes four to six weeks for routine service. If you are traveling within days and cannot obtain a replacement in time, contact your airline — some allow travel with a police report of the lost ID plus a secondary form of identification like a utility bill or credit card.

For international travel, there is no workaround for a missing passport. If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate when ready. They can issue an emergency travel document that allows you to return to the US, though this is not a substitute for a passport and cannot be used for future international travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired driver's license?

TSA allows expired driver's licenses for domestic flights if the expiration was within the past year. Check the TSA website before your trip, as this policy can change. If your license expired more than a year ago, you'll need to renew it at your DMV before flying.

How much does a passport cost and how long does it take?

A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes four to six weeks for routine processing. Expedited service costs an additional $60 and takes two to three weeks. A passport card costs $35 and follows the same timeline. You must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada or Mexico?

US citizens do not need a visa for Canada or Mexico for tourism. You do need a valid passport (book or card for Mexico by sea, book only for air travel) or a NEXUS card for land crossings. Some other countries do require a visa — check the State Department website for your destination.

What if I'm a permanent resident traveling internationally?

You need both your green card and a valid passport from your country of origin. The green card alone is not sufficient for international travel. Some countries will not allow entry without a valid passport, even with a US green card.

Can I travel with a passport card on an international flight?

Most countries do not accept a passport card for air travel. A passport card is valid only for sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations. For any other international flight, you need a full passport book.