Domestic flights require a real ID or passport

For a domestic flight within the United States, you need one of these forms of identification at the airport: a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). The TSA checks your ID against your boarding pass to confirm your name matches.

A standard driver's license issued before your state adopted Real ID compliance will not work. Real ID licenses have a star or other marking in the upper right corner. If your license does not have this marking, you can still fly with a passport or passport card instead. Many states began issuing Real ID licenses around 2020, but the timeline varied by state.

You do not need to bring your original Social Security card, birth certificate, or proof of citizenship for domestic flights. The TSA does not verify citizenship — only identity.

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic flights require a Real ID-marked driver's license, passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or green card.
  • A standard (non-Real ID) driver's license will not work, even if it is current and valid for driving.
  • International flights require a valid U.S. passport book; a passport card alone is not accepted for air travel outside the country.
  • You must bring your physical ID to the airport — digital copies or photos on your phone are not accepted by TSA.
  • Your name on your ID must match your name on your boarding pass exactly, or you may be denied boarding.

International flights require a passport book

For flights leaving the United States, you need a valid U.S. passport book. A passport card, military ID, or green card will not work for air travel outside the country, even if you are traveling to Canada or Mexico. The passport book must be valid on the day you travel — it cannot be expired.

Some countries also require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before you book. Your airline or the U.S. State Department website lists these rules by country.

If your passport is expired or will expire soon, you can renew it through the U.S. State Department. Standard renewal takes four to six weeks; expedited renewal takes two to three weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport urgently, some post offices and passport acceptance facilities offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but availability is limited.

Real ID compliance and what the star marking means

Real ID is a federal security standard that states adopted starting around 2020. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or other symbol printed on it, usually in the upper right corner. This marking tells TSA that your state verified your identity documents before issuing the license.

If your driver's license does not have this marking, it is not Real ID-compliant. You can still fly domestically, but you must bring a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or green card instead. You cannot use a non-Real ID license alone.

If you are unsure whether your license is Real ID-compliant, check your state's DMV website or look at your license for the star marking. The marking is small but visible on the front of the card.

Name mismatches between ID and boarding pass

Your name on your ID must match your name on your boarding pass exactly. If your boarding pass says "John Smith" but your ID says "John Michael Smith," TSA may deny you boarding. The names must be identical — middle names, suffixes, and spelling all count.

If you recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal change, update your ID before you fly. You can also contact your airline before your flight and ask them to correct your boarding pass to match your ID. Some airlines allow name corrections online; others require a phone call.

If your ID has a nickname or shortened version of your legal name, use your full legal name when booking your flight. For example, if your license says "Robert" but you go by "Bob," book your ticket under "Robert."

Expired ID and what counts as valid

TSA will not accept an expired ID for domestic flights. Your driver's license, passport, military ID, or other form of identification must be valid on the day you travel. An ID that expired yesterday is not accepted, even if it expired very recently.

If your ID is expired, you have two options: renew it before your flight, or bring a different form of valid ID. A passport renewal takes weeks, but a driver's license renewal is often faster at your state's DMV. If you have a military ID or green card, check its expiration date as well.

For international flights, your passport must not only be valid but also have at least six months of validity remaining after your return date in many countries. Check your destination's entry requirements before you book.

What to bring to the airport and what TSA will not accept

Bring your physical ID card to the airport. TSA does not accept digital copies, photos on your phone, or screenshots of your ID. You must have the actual card in your hands when you reach the security checkpoint.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, voter registration card, or school ID. These documents do not work as primary ID for flying. If you have lost your driver's license and do not have a passport, you can contact your state's DMV about getting a replacement ID quickly, or you can explore for a passport card or passport book.

Bring your boarding pass as well — printed or on your phone. TSA checks your ID against your boarding pass to confirm your name and flight details.

Special ID situations: military, tribal, and permanent residents

A current military ID works for domestic flights. A dependent ID (for family members of military personnel) also works. These do not require a Real ID marking.

A tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe works for domestic flights. The tribe must be listed on the U.S. Department of Interior's list of federally recognized tribes.

A permanent resident card (green card) works for both domestic and international flights within the United States and its territories. For flights to other countries, you still need a valid passport book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired ID if I have my passport?

Yes. You can use your valid passport instead of your expired driver's license. TSA only requires one valid form of ID; it does not matter which one you bring, as long as it is current and matches your boarding pass name.

Do I need to renew my driver's license to get the Real ID star?

Not necessarily. Some states automatically issue Real ID licenses when you renew for any reason. Others let you request a Real ID upgrade without renewing. Check your state's DMV website to see your options. If you do not want to renew yet, you can fly domestically with a passport or passport card instead.

What if my name on my ID does not match my boarding pass because of a recent legal name change?

Contact your airline before your flight and provide proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Many airlines can correct your boarding pass to match your ID. If not, you may need to update your ID first, which can take weeks at your state's DMV.

Can I use a passport card for international flights?

No. A passport card is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. For any air travel outside the United States, you must have a passport book.

What happens if I show up at the airport without valid ID?

TSA may allow you to fly if you can pass additional identity verification, such as answering security questions or providing other documents. However, this process takes extra time and is not may provide to work. It is much safer to bring valid ID.