Documents You Need at the Airport

To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo identification. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can still fly — the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will ask additional security questions and may require you to provide other documents like a birth certificate or Social Security card, but the process takes longer.

Your ID must not be expired. An expired license or passport will not get you through security. If your ID expired during the pandemic, check your state's rules — some states extended expiration dates temporarily, and the TSA may still honor them depending on when it expired.

You also need your airline ticket or boarding pass. Most people check in online 24 hours before departure and show their boarding pass on a phone or printed copy at the gate. The name on your ticket must match the name on your ID exactly — middle initials, hyphens, and spelling all have to line up.

Key Takeaways

  • A current government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) is the standard requirement for all domestic flights.
  • Your ID name must match your airline ticket name exactly, including middle initials and any hyphens or suffixes.
  • If you lack a photo ID, you can still fly by providing a birth certificate or Social Security card and answering TSA security questions, though this adds time.
  • Check in online 24 hours before your flight and have your boarding pass ready — digital or printed — when you arrive at the airport.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025, though standard driver's licenses and passports already meet this standard.

Real ID Compliance Starting in 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require all passengers to present a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID card for domestic flights. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards set after 9/11. Most states have already issued Real ID cards, and you can tell yours is compliant by looking for a small star or marking in the upper right corner of the card.

If your state ID or driver's license does not have this marking, you have two options: get a Real ID card from your state's DMV, or use a passport instead. A passport is always acceptable for domestic flights and does not need to be Real ID-compliant. Military IDs and tribal IDs also work for domestic flights without needing Real ID status.

Check your state's DMV website to see whether your current license is already Real ID-compliant. If it is not, you can renew it or request a Real ID upgrade — the process varies by state but usually takes a few weeks.

What Happens at Security Screening

When you arrive at the airport, go to the TSA security checkpoint with your ID and boarding pass. A TSA officer will scan your boarding pass and check that your ID matches your ticket. They will also ask you to remove shoes, belt, and light jacket, and place liquids and electronics in a bin for X-ray screening.

If your name on your ID does not match your ticket name exactly, the TSA officer will flag it. Small differences — like a middle initial missing from one document — can cause delays or prevent you from boarding. If you recently changed your name, make sure your ID and airline ticket both reflect the new name before you go to the airport.

TSA PreCheck and Clear are paid programs that speed up security screening, but they are not required. Standard screening is free and works for all passengers.

Special Situations: Name Changes and Minors

If you recently married, divorced, or legally changed your name, update your ID and your airline ticket to the same name. The TSA will not let you board if the names do not match, even if you have legal documents proving the change. Update your ID first at your state's DMV, then rebook your flight or contact your airline to change the name on your ticket.

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued photo ID to fly domestically — a birth certificate, school ID, or even a library card will work. However, the child's name must still match the airline ticket. An adult traveling with the child will need their own valid ID.

If you are traveling with an infant who does not have a ticket (lap infant), you still need your own ID. The infant does not need identification documents.

International Travel and Passport Requirements

Domestic flights within the United States do not require a passport. However, if you are flying to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Guam, you still do not need a passport — a regular driver's license works. These are considered domestic flights by the TSA.

If you are flying to another country, you will need a valid passport. A passport takes four to six weeks to receive through standard processing, or one to two weeks through expedited processing (which costs extra). You cannot use a driver's license for international flights.

Documents You Do Not Need

You do not need a vaccine card, negative COVID test, or health certificate to fly domestically in the United States. These requirements ended in 2022. You also do not need a printed ticket — your phone boarding pass works fine. You do not need to print your ID either, though you must carry the physical ID card itself.

You do not need a letter from your employer or proof of where you are going. The TSA does not ask why you are traveling or where you are headed — only that your ID and ticket match.

What to Do If You Lose Your ID Before Your Flight

If your ID is lost or stolen before your flight, contact your state's DMV when ready to request an emergency replacement or temporary ID. Many states can issue a temporary ID the same day or within a few days. Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address (like a utility bill) to the DMV.

If you cannot get a replacement ID in time, you can still fly. Go to the airport early and tell the TSA officer at security that you do not have an ID. They will ask you security questions and may request a birth certificate or Social Security card. This process adds 15 to 30 minutes, so arrive at least three hours before departure instead of the usual two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired ID if I have a newer one at home?

No. The TSA will only accept a current, non-expired ID. If your ID expired, you cannot use it even if you have a replacement at home. Bring the non-expired ID with you to the airport.

What if my boarding pass name is spelled differently than my ID?

You will not be allowed to board. Contact your airline before you go to the airport and ask them to correct the name on your ticket to match your ID exactly. Most airlines can fix this online or by phone within minutes.

Do I need to show my ID when I check my bags?

Yes. You will show your ID and boarding pass at the airline counter or kiosk when you check bags, and again at the TSA security checkpoint. Both checkpoints require identification.

Can I fly with just a photo on my phone instead of a physical ID?

No. The TSA requires a physical government-issued ID card. A photo of your ID on your phone is not acceptable. You must carry your actual driver's license, state ID, or passport.

What if I am a permanent resident or have a visa but no U.S. ID?

A valid passport from your home country works for domestic U.S. flights. You do not need a U.S. driver's license or state ID. Bring your passport and boarding pass to security.