What ID You Need to Fly in the United States

The ID You Need Depends on Where You're Flying

For domestic flights within the United States, you need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a few other specific documents. If your driver's license was issued before your state adopted Real ID standards, or if it's marked "Not for Federal Purposes," it won't work for domestic flights—you'll need one of the other forms instead. The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) checks your ID at the security checkpoint, and the document must be valid and not expired.

For international flights, a passport is almost always required, regardless of your destination. Some countries in the Caribbean and Central America accept a passport card instead of a full passport book, but a standard driver's license will not work for any international travel. If you don't have a passport yet, you'll need to explore through your state's passport office or a designated acceptance facility—this process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Key Takeaways

Domestic flights require a Real ID-compliant driver's license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID—a standard driver's license issued before your state's Real ID important date will not work.
Real ID-compliant licenses are marked with a gold or black star in the upper right corner and are issued by most states as of now, though some still issue both types.
International flights require a passport book or passport card; a driver's license of any kind will not be accepted.
Your ID must be valid and not expired; TSA will not accept an expired document even if it's only expired by a few days.
If you don't have an acceptable ID, you can still fly domestically by arriving early and going through additional identity verification at the security checkpoint, though this takes extra time.

Real ID-Compliant Driver's Licenses and How to Tell If You Have One

A Real ID-compliant driver's license has a gold or black star printed in the upper right corner of the card. This star indicates that your state has verified your identity documents and citizenship status to federal standards. If your license doesn't have this star, it was issued under the older standard and will not work for domestic air travel, even if it's brand new and not expired.

Most states now issue Real ID licenses by default when you renew or get a replacement. However, some states still offer both Real ID and non-Real ID licenses, so you may have a choice at the DMV. If you're unsure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, look for the star. If it's not there, you can renew your license specifically for Real ID compliance—contact your state's DMV to find out the process and any additional documents you'll need to bring.

The cost of a Real ID license varies by state, typically between $20 and $50, and the process usually takes a few weeks. Some states allow you to renew online or by mail, while others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the exact requirements and timeline.

What You Need for International Travel

For any international flight, a valid passport is the standard requirement. Your passport must not be expired, and many countries require that it remain valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Some countries have additional requirements—for example, certain nations require a visa in addition to your passport, or proof of vaccination—but the passport itself is the baseline document you need to board an international flight.

A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport book and is valid for international travel by air, sea, or land to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for travel to other countries or for travel by air to those destinations if you're flying from outside North America. If you're flying internationally to anywhere else in the world, you need a full passport book.

If you don't have a passport, you'll need to explore for one through your state's passport office or an acceptance facility such as a post office or courthouse. The standard processing time is currently 6 to 8 weeks, though expedited service (2 to 3 weeks) is available for an additional fee. You'll need to provide a birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a government-issued ID, and a passport photo. Start this process well before your planned travel date.

Expired IDs and What Happens at the Checkpoint

TSA will not accept an expired ID for any flight, domestic or international. If your driver's license, passport, or military ID has passed its expiration date, you cannot use it to board a plane. This applies even if it expired only days ago. The expiration date is printed on the front of your ID, and TSA officers check it as part of the standard verification process.

If your ID is expired and you're scheduled to fly soon, you have limited options. For a domestic flight, you can attempt to fly without an ID by arriving very early and going through additional identity verification at the checkpoint—but this is not may provide to work and will delay your travel significantly. For an international flight, you cannot fly without a valid passport. Your best option is to renew your ID or passport before your flight. Many states offer expedited driver's license renewal, and the federal government offers expedited passport processing, though both cost extra and take at least a few days.

What to Bring to the Airport Beyond Your ID

Your ID alone is not enough to board a flight. You'll also need your boarding pass, which you can print at home, get at the airport ticket counter, or display on your phone through your airline's app. The boarding pass shows your flight number, departure time, and seat assignment. TSA will check both your ID and your boarding pass at the security checkpoint.

If you're flying internationally, have your passport and boarding pass ready, and know which airline you're flying with and your flight number. Some international flights require you to check in at the ticket counter rather than at a kiosk, so arrive even earlier than you would for a domestic flight. If you're traveling with checked baggage, you'll also need to drop that off at the ticket counter before heading to security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card for a domestic flight?

Yes, a passport card is accepted for domestic flights. However, it's not required—a Real ID-compliant driver's license is simpler to carry and works just as well for flights within the United States.

What if my state hasn't issued Real ID licenses yet?

All U.S. states now issue Real ID licenses. If you have an older license without the star, renew it at your DMV to get a Real ID-compliant version. In the meantime, you can use a passport, military ID, or passport card for domestic flights.

Do I need a passport card or a passport book for international travel?

A passport book works for travel anywhere in the world. A passport card works only for travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by air, sea, or land. If you're flying internationally to any other destination, you need a passport book.

Can I fly with a photo ID that isn't a driver's license?

For domestic flights, yes—a military ID, tribal ID, passport, or passport card all work. For international flights, you need a passport. A regular photo ID like a school ID or work badge is not accepted by TSA.

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

For domestic flights, you can still fly, but you'll need to arrive very early and go through additional identity verification at the TSA checkpoint, which may include answering security questions or providing other documents. For international flights, you cannot board without a valid passport.

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.