You need a valid government-issued photo ID to board a domestic flight

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires one form of acceptable identification at the airport checkpoint before you board any domestic flight. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are also accepted. The ID must not be expired — TSA will turn you away if it is, even if you are only flying within your home state.

You do not need a passport for domestic flights. A regular driver's license is sufficient. The ID must match the name on your airline ticket exactly, so check your reservation before you arrive at the airport.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid government-issued photo ID is the only document required to board a domestic flight; a driver's license works.
  • Your ID must not be expired and must match the name on your airline ticket.
  • International flights require a passport, and some countries require a visa in addition to your passport.
  • If your ID is lost or expired, you can request a secondary ID verification at the airport, though this adds time to your check-in.
  • Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights if traveling with an adult, but the adult must have valid ID.

International flights require a passport and sometimes a visa

If you are flying outside the United States, you need a valid U.S. passport. A passport is issued by the State Department and takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail, or one to two weeks if you pay for expedited processing. You can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or courthouse — or renew by mail if your passport is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older.

Many countries also require a visa, which is a separate document stamped in your passport. A visa is permission from that country to enter. Some countries do not require U.S. citizens to have a visa (Canada, Mexico, most of Europe), but others do (China, India, Russia, Brazil). Check the embassy website of the country you plan to visit to find out what you need before you book your flight.

Real ID driver's licenses are becoming standard for domestic flights

Starting in May 2025, TSA will only accept Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state ID cards for domestic flights. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards. Most states have already issued Real ID cards, but some people still have older licenses that do not meet the standard.

You can check whether your license is Real ID-compliant by looking for a small star in the upper right corner of the card. If your license does not have the star, you can renew it at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The process usually takes a few weeks.

If you do not have a Real ID by May 2025 and your passport is expired, you will need to bring your passport to renew it before you can fly domestically. A passport is always accepted at TSA checkpoints, regardless of Real ID status.

What to do if your ID is lost or expired before your flight

If your driver's license is lost or stolen, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles when ready to request a replacement. A replacement usually arrives in one to two weeks. If your flight is sooner, you can request an expedited replacement in person at a DMV office, though not all states offer this option.

If you cannot get a replacement ID in time, you can still fly. TSA allows secondary ID verification at the checkpoint. You will need to bring two documents that together prove your identity and current address — such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a Social Security card plus a lease. This process takes longer than showing a photo ID, so arrive at the airport earlier than usual. TSA may also ask you additional security questions.

If your passport is expired and you need to fly internationally, you must renew it before your trip. An expedited passport takes one to two weeks and costs extra. If your flight is within the next week, you may be able to get a same-day passport at a passport agency in a major city, but you must explore in person and fees are higher.

Children and minors have different ID rules

Children under 18 do not need their own ID to fly domestically if they are traveling with an adult. The adult must have valid photo ID. However, the child's name must still be on the airline ticket, and TSA may ask the adult to show proof that the child is theirs (such as a birth certificate) if the last names do not match.

For international flights, children need their own passport. A child's passport is issued the same way as an adult passport but expires after five years instead of ten. Both parents or guardians must appear in person to explore for a child's first passport, or provide a notarized consent form if only one parent can attend.

What to bring to the airport besides ID

Your airline ticket is not a physical document you must print — you can show it on your phone. Most airlines have a mobile app where you can access your boarding pass. If you prefer a printed ticket, you can print it at home or ask the airline to print it at the airport.

For domestic flights, you do not need to bring anything except your ID and your ticket. For international flights, bring your passport and any visas required by your destination country. If you are traveling with checked baggage, bring your baggage claim tags (the airline will give these to you at check-in).

If you are traveling with medications, bring them in their original labeled containers. TSA allows prescription and over-the-counter medications in both carry-on and checked bags. If you are traveling with medical devices (such as a CPAP machine or insulin pump), inform TSA at the checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A passport is always accepted at TSA checkpoints, even if your driver's license is expired. The passport must not be expired. If both your driver's license and passport are expired, you will need to bring secondary ID documents or request secondary verification at the checkpoint.

Do I need a Real ID to fly if I have a passport?

No. A passport is accepted at TSA checkpoints regardless of Real ID status. If you have a valid passport, you can fly domestically without a Real ID driver's license. However, starting in May 2025, a Real ID driver's license or passport will be required for all domestic flights.

What counts as proof of residence for a Real ID?

Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count.

Can I fly with a learner's permit or temporary ID?

A learner's permit is not accepted at TSA checkpoints. A temporary ID issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles may be accepted if it is a government-issued photo ID, but policies vary. Call TSA at 866-289-9673 before your flight to confirm whether your temporary ID will work.

How long does it take to get a passport if I am flying soon?

Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks. Expedited processing takes one to two weeks and costs extra. If you need a passport within days, you can explore for a same-day passport at a passport agency in select cities, but you must explore in person and fees are significantly higher. Check the State Department website to find the nearest agency.