Do you need a passport to fly in the US? The rules explained

Do you need a passport to fly in the US?

• Always present an acceptable government-issued ID, such as a Real ID or passport card.
• Starting in 2025, a Real ID or other federally approved ID is required to board domestic flights.

Since the advent of air travel, passports have served as our gateway to the globe – a standardized form of identification recognized by countries around the world. While passports are essential for all international travel, the rules for flying between destinations within the same country may vary. In the US, the Real ID requirement for domestic flights altered air travel by tightening security measures and introducing new identification requirements.

Understanding these changes can prevent unnecessary confusion and delays, simplifying your trip. This article explores which types of identification are required for domestic travel within the US and clarifies when passports are actually necessary.

Do you need a passport to fly in the US?

No, you don’t need a passport if you’re flying domestically between US states. The exception to this rule is if you’re traveling to US territories like Puerto Rico or Guam, which may require you to show a passport.

While you may not need a passport for domestic flights, you’re still required to present another acceptable form of identification to prove who you are.

Understanding Real ID

A Real ID is a state-issued driver’s license or non-driver ID that meets federal standards to help improve national security and prevent identity theft. A Real ID features a star in the top right corner of the card.

As of May 2025, US travelers who don’t have a passport or other federally approved form of ID will have to show a Real ID before being allowed to board domestic flights.

To get a Real ID, you have to apply in person at a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) office and provide original documents proving your US citizenship, identity, and state residency. Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to see what documents are required.

What you need in order to fly without a passport

If you don’t have a passport, you can still board a domestic flight in the US as long as you can provide proof of US citizenship and your identity by presenting one of the following:

• US passport card (a wallet-sized plastic passport without visa pages; not valid for international travel)
• Real ID
• US military ID
• US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler card ( Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, or Fast)
• US Department of Defense ID (including those issued to dependents)
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe
• Airline or airport-issued ID
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card
• US Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card

FAQs

What form of ID do I need to travel within the US?

Any valid government-issued photo ID that’s accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is good enough for boarding domestic flights within the US. This includes a passport, Real ID, or another acceptable alternative.

If you’re planning on driving within the US instead of booking a flight, you don’t need any form of identification to travel between states.

Do I need a passport to fly internationally?

Yes, all travelers—regardless of age or country of origin—must present a government-issued passport before flying internationally or entering another country.

Passports are a globally recognized document that verifies your identity and nationality and is required for all international travel.

When planning on visiting another country, it’s important to ensure your passport is in good condition and compliant. For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for a certain period of time beyond your trip. Many European countries require your passport to be valid for at least three months after your date of departure from the area. This validity period increases to six months for certain countries in Asia and Africa, including China, Egypt, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Can you fly in the US with a regular driver’s license?

As of May 2025, a normal driver’s license (i.e. not a Real ID) is no longer sufficient for domestic flights within the US. If you don’t have a Real ID, another form of accepted identification must be presented.

Can I fly with an expired passport?

Adult passports are valid for a full ten years in the US and many other countries, making it easy to forget—or simply miss—the expiration date. Luckily, if you find yourself in this position, not all hope is lost.

For domestic flights, the TSA currently accepts US passports (and all other forms of identification listed above) up to one year after the expiration date. However, you may be asked to present alternative forms of identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license or military ID.

For international travel, a valid passport is required to leave and reenter the US. If you’re a US citizen and your passport expires abroad, you must apply for a new one through an embassy or consulate.

You can always renew your passport before its expiration date, which is preferable to putting a pause on future travel.

Can I fly if I forgot or lost my ID?

Arriving at the airport only to discover you’ve lost or forgotten your ID is any traveler’s worst nightmare. Luckily, you’re not out of options if you’re flying domestically (sorry, international travelers – if you don’t have your passport, you’re out of luck).

The TSA has additional ways of confirming your identity before a domestic flight. This includes undergoing an identity verification process, which may include filling out a Certification of Identity form with your name and address, providing secondary forms of identification for cross-checking, answering personal questions, and undergoing additional screening such as a pat-down and bag search.

While not ideal or guaranteed, sometimes these additional measures can prevent you from missing your flight altogether.

Do kids need ID to fly?

For domestic travel, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and TSA don’t require IDs for passengers younger than 18 who are traveling with an adult, as long as the accompanying adult provides their own identification.

Airlines have different rules for unaccompanied minors, so do your research beforehand.

In contrast, all kids need an ID to travel overseas. International travel requires that every individual present their own passport – even newborns. It also involves stricter rules. If a minor is traveling internationally with one parent or a non-parent adult, a travel consent form may be required in addition to the child’s passport.