You can fly domestically without a driver's license, but you do need a valid form of government-issued photo ID

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require a driver's license specifically. What they require is one acceptable form of government-issued photo identification. A driver's license is the most common choice, but it is not the only one. If you do not have a driver's license, you have other options that work just as well at airport security.

The key word is government-issued and photo ID. Your ID must show your face and be issued by a federal, state, or local government body. A library card, school ID, or work badge will not get you through security, even if it has your photo on it.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport, passport card, or state ID card works at airport security just as well as a driver's license.
  • Military ID, tribal ID, and permanent resident cards are all acceptable forms of identification for domestic flights.
  • If you are under 18, you may be able to fly with a school ID or other non-photo ID in some cases, but calling TSA ahead is safer than assuming.
  • International flights require a passport or passport card — a driver's license or state ID will not work, even if it is government-issued.

Government-issued photo IDs that work at TSA security

A U.S. passport or passport card is the most straightforward alternative. Both are issued by the federal government and work for domestic flights. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, and it works at airport security just like the book does — though you cannot use it for international air travel.

A state-issued ID card (sometimes called a "real ID" or just an ID card) is another option. This is different from a driver's license but serves the same purpose at security. You get it from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent office, and it has your photo and signature on it. If you do not drive, this is often the fastest route to getting a TSA-acceptable ID.

Military ID, including dependent ID cards, works at airport security. So do tribal ID cards issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe, and permanent resident cards (green cards) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If you hold any of these, you are set for domestic flights.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

TSA officers will not let you through security without an acceptable form of ID. You will not be able to board your flight. This is not a judgment call — it is a hard rule.

If you arrive at the airport without ID, you have one option: TSA can run what is called a secondary identity verification. An officer will ask you questions about your background and may ask you to provide additional documents — like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name and address on it. This process takes time, sometimes 30 minutes or more, and there is no may provide it will work. Many people do not pass this verification. Do not count on it as a backup plan.

Getting a state ID card if you do not have a driver's license

A state ID card is issued by the same office that issues driver's licenses — your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Secretary of State, or equivalent. The process is simpler than getting a driver's license because you do not have to pass a driving test. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity and residency, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or lease.

The cost varies by state but is usually between $10 and $30. Processing time also varies — some states issue the card the same day, while others mail it to you within a week or two. If you fly regularly and do not have a driver's license, getting a state ID card is worth the small cost and effort.

Flying internationally without a driver's license

For international flights, you must have a passport or passport card. A state ID card or any other form of ID will not work, even if it is government-issued. This is a requirement of the countries you are traveling to and from, not just the TSA.

You can get a passport through your state's passport acceptance facility, which is often located at a post office, library, or courthouse. A passport book takes about 6 to 8 weeks to arrive in normal processing, though expedited processing (2 to 3 weeks) is available for an extra fee. A passport card is faster and cheaper but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel to other countries.

Minors flying without a driver's license

Children under 18 do not need a government-issued photo ID for domestic flights. TSA allows minors to fly with a parent or guardian using only the adult's ID. The child does not need to show any ID at all.

If a minor is flying alone or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, the rules become stricter. Some airlines require a birth certificate or passport even for domestic flights in these cases. Call your airline before you book to find out what they need. For international flights, minors need a passport just like adults do.

Replacing a lost or expired ID before your flight

If your ID is expired, TSA will usually still accept it as long as it is not too old — the exact cutoff varies by ID type and TSA officer judgment, so expired ID is risky. If your ID is lost or stolen, you have a few options depending on how much time you have before your flight.

If you have more than a week, getting a replacement state ID card or passport is the safest route. If your flight is sooner, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card plus a utility bill may get you through secondary identity verification at the airport, but this is not may provide. Some people also bring a notarized affidavit stating their identity, though TSA does not officially require this. Your best move is to call TSA's customer service line at 1-855-787-2227 before you go to the airport and ask what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport at airport security?

Yes. Unlike a driver's license, an expired passport is still acceptable to TSA for domestic flights. The passport does not need to be current — it just needs to be a valid government-issued photo ID. For international flights, your passport must be valid (not expired) to enter most countries, even if TSA would accept it.

What if I have a passport card but my flight is international?

A passport card works for international flights to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean by land or sea, but not by air. For air travel to any other country, you need a full passport book. If your flight is international and not to one of those four destinations, you must have a passport book.

Do I need ID if someone else is buying my plane ticket?

Yes. The person buying the ticket does not need to be the person flying. But you still need to show a government-issued photo ID at airport security, no matter who purchased your ticket. The ID must match the name on your boarding pass.

Can I use a school ID or work badge instead of a government ID?

No. TSA only accepts government-issued photo IDs. A school ID, work badge, or any other non-government ID will not work, even if it has your photo on it. Your only option without a government ID is secondary identity verification, which is not reliable.