You need a valid ID and a ticket — that's the legal minimum

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one form of government-issued photo identification to board a domestic flight in the United States. A driver's license, passport, passport card, or military ID all work. You also need a plane ticket — either printed or on your phone — that matches the name on your ID exactly.

That's it for the federal requirement. But airlines add their own rules, and some states have begun issuing driver's licenses that don't meet TSA standards for domestic flights after a certain date. If your license was issued before 2020, check your state's DMV website to see whether it's still valid for flying, or bring your passport instead.

Your ticket must be in your name as it appears on your ID. If your ID says "Robert James Smith" and your ticket says "Bob Smith," TSA will stop you. Fix the ticket with the airline before you arrive at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • A current government-issued photo ID matching your ticket name is required by TSA for all domestic flights.
  • Driver's licenses issued before 2020 may not meet federal standards; check your state DMV or bring a passport instead.
  • Your ticket name must match your ID exactly — airlines will not let you board if they differ.
  • Minors under 18 do not need ID if traveling with an adult, but the adult must have valid ID.
  • You must arrive at the airport early enough to clear security; TSA recommends two hours for domestic flights.

What counts as valid ID for TSA

TSA accepts a narrow list of documents. A valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory works. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book also works. Military ID, including dependent ID cards, are accepted. A Real ID-compliant driver's license is valid but not required for domestic flights until 2025 in most states.

Expired ID is not accepted. If your driver's license expired, you cannot use it to fly, even if you have a renewal process pending. A passport that expired more than five years ago is also not valid. Check your documents before you book.

State ID cards (not driver's licenses) are accepted if they are current and have a photo. Tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes are also accepted. Concealed carry permits, school IDs, and work badges do not count.

Why your name must match exactly

TSA and the airline cross-check your ID against your ticket using an automated system. If your ticket says "Mary Johnson" and your ID says "Mary Anne Johnson," the system flags it as a mismatch. You will be pulled aside for additional screening, which can make you miss your flight.

If you recently changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, update your ID first. Then book your ticket in the name on that new ID. If you have already booked a ticket under your old name, contact the airline when ready to change it. Most airlines allow one free name change if you call before your flight.

Nicknames do not count. If your legal name is "Elizabeth" but you go by "Liz," your ticket and ID must both say "Elizabeth."

What to bring for minors traveling with adults

Children under 18 do not need their own ID if they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian who has valid ID. The adult's ID is enough. However, if a minor is traveling with someone who is not a parent or guardian — a grandparent, aunt, or family friend — that adult should carry a letter from a parent or guardian giving permission for the child to travel. TSA does not always ask for it, but airlines sometimes do, and it protects against confusion at check-in.

If a minor is traveling alone (which most airlines allow only for children 13 and older), they will need their own ID. A school ID with a photo, a passport, or a state ID card works. Some airlines charge an unaccompanied minor fee and require the child to check in at a special counter.

Documents you may need at your destination

TSA only checks your ID at the airport. But your destination may have its own rules. If you are flying to a state where you plan to rent a car, you will need your driver's license or passport at the rental counter. If you are checking into a hotel, bring ID there too.

Some states and cities have local ID requirements for entering certain venues — bars, casinos, or age-restricted attractions. Bring the same ID you used to fly, since it is already in your bag.

What happens if you forget your ID

If you arrive at the airport without ID, TSA can still let you through security if you pass additional screening. You will be asked questions about your identity — your address, date of birth, and other personal details — and TSA will verify your answers against their database. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes and is not may provide to work. You may be turned away.

If you are turned away, you lose your ticket. Most airlines will not refund it, though some will let you rebook on a later flight for a fee. The safest move is to go home, get your ID, and come back. If you are close to your flight time, this is not possible.

Do not rely on this. Bring your ID.

Real ID and what it means for your state

Real ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted for driver's licenses. Starting in 2025, TSA will require a Real ID-compliant license for domestic flights in most states. However, a passport or passport card will still work as an alternative, so you do not have to get a Real ID license if you have a passport.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is Real ID-compliant. If it is not, you can either explore for a Real ID license at your DMV or straightforward use your passport when you fly. Both are free or low-cost. A Real ID license usually costs the same as a regular renewal.

Some states have delayed Real ID enforcement. If you live in one of those states, your old license may still work for a few more years. But using a passport avoids the confusion entirely.

International travel and U.S. citizens returning home

If you are flying out of the United States to another country, you need a passport. A driver's license is not enough. If you are a U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, you can use a passport card or a NEXUS card instead of a full passport, but a driver's license alone will not work.

explore for a passport at your local post office or courthouse. Processing takes four to six weeks for a standard passport and two to three weeks for expedited service. Expedited service costs extra. If you are flying internationally soon, explore now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of a physical ID?

No. TSA requires a physical government-issued ID card. A photo on your phone is not accepted. Bring the actual card.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

A suspended or revoked license is not valid for flying. Use a passport, passport card, or military ID instead. TSA does not check whether your license is suspended — they only verify it is current — but it is safer to use a different form of ID.

Do I need to print my ticket or can I just show it on my phone?

You can show your ticket on your phone. Most airlines now prefer mobile tickets. Print a copy only if your phone battery is low or you do not have cell service at the airport. Have a backup plan.

What if my name on my ticket has a typo and I did not notice until I am at the airport?

Contact the airline at the ticket counter when ready. If the typo is small — a missing middle initial or a misspelled first name — the airline may let you board. If the name is significantly different, you may not be allowed to fly. Bring your ID to show the agent what your legal name actually is. Some airlines will correct small errors for free; others charge a fee.

Can I fly with an ID that is about to expire?

Yes, as long as it has not expired yet. An ID that expires tomorrow is still valid. But if it expires today, it is not. Check the expiration date on your ID before you leave for the airport.