Your driver's license works as ID for domestic flights in the United States

A valid driver's license is one of the most straightforward forms of identification the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts at airport security checkpoints. You can use it for any domestic flight — flights within the 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The TSA does not require a passport for these flights, and your regular state-issued driver's license is sufficient.

The key requirement is that your license must be valid and not expired. An expired license will not work, even if it is only expired by a few days. The TSA checks the expiration date printed on the front of your license when you present it at security.

You will also need to match the name on your license to the name on your airline ticket. If your legal name has changed since you got your license — through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change — you may need to bring additional documents to prove the name change, depending on your airline's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid, unexpired driver's license is accepted ID for all domestic U.S. flights and requires no additional documents.
  • Your license must not be expired; the TSA checks the expiration date at security.
  • The name on your license must match the name on your airline ticket.
  • If your name has changed since your license was issued, contact your airline before your flight to learn what documents they need.
  • For international flights, you will need a passport instead of a driver's license.

What happens at the security checkpoint

When you arrive at the airport, you will go to the TSA security checkpoint. Have your driver's license and boarding pass ready. The TSA officer will ask to see both documents. They will check that the name on your license matches the name on your boarding pass and verify that your license is not expired.

The TSA does not scan or keep your license — they straightforward look at it to confirm your identity. Once they have verified it, you will proceed through the metal detector or body scanner and collect your belongings on the other side. The entire process usually takes a few minutes.

International flights require a passport instead

If you are flying outside the United States — to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or anywhere else — you cannot use your driver's license. You will need a valid U.S. passport book or passport card. Some countries also require a visa in addition to your passport, depending on your destination and how long you plan to stay.

A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a passport book, but it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying to any other country, you must have a passport book. Both take several weeks to obtain, so plan ahead if you have an international trip coming up.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your driver's license is expired, you will need to renew it before your flight. You cannot use an expired license at the TSA checkpoint. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out how to renew — some states allow online renewal, while others require you to visit an office in person. Processing times vary by state, so check early if your flight is coming up soon.

If your license is lost or stolen, you have two options. You can get a replacement from your state's DMV, which usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the state. Alternatively, you can bring a different form of valid ID to the airport — a passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card will all work. The TSA accepts many forms of identification beyond a driver's license.

Other acceptable forms of ID at security

If you do not have a driver's license or yours is not available, the TSA accepts several other documents. A state-issued ID card (different from a driver's license), a U.S. passport or passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card all work. You can also use a real ID-compliant document if your state has issued one.

Real ID is a federal security standard that some states have adopted. If your state has a Real ID program, your driver's license or ID card will have a star or other marking in the upper right corner. Real ID licenses are not required for domestic flights yet, but they may be in the future. For now, a regular driver's license works just fine.

Name changes and what to bring

If your legal name has changed since you got your driver's license, your license will still have your old name on it. Your airline ticket, however, will have your current legal name. When the name on your ID does not match your ticket, the TSA may ask questions or ask you to bring proof that the names belong to the same person.

Contact your airline before your flight and tell them about the name change. Ask what documents they need you to bring — this might be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a legal name change, or other official paperwork. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy. It is much easier to sort this out before you get to the airport than to deal with it at the security checkpoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of my physical driver's license?

No. The TSA requires a physical ID document that they can examine in person. Digital versions of your license are not yet accepted at security checkpoints, even in states that have digital ID programs. You must bring your actual plastic license card.

What if my driver's license has a different address than where I live now?

The address on your license does not matter for TSA security. The TSA only checks that your name matches your boarding pass and that the license is not expired. You do not need to update your address before flying.

Do I need to show my driver's license at the airline counter as well as at TSA security?

Most airlines will ask to see your ID at the ticket counter or gate, especially if you are checking bags or if there is any question about your reservation. Bring your license with you throughout the airport, not just for the TSA checkpoint.

Can I fly with an ID that expires during my trip?

Your ID must be valid on the day you fly. If it expires while you are away, that is fine — the expiration date only matters when you go through security. However, if it expires before your departure date, you cannot use it.

What if I am a minor — do I still need a driver's license?

Minors do not need their own ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult. However, if you are a minor with a driver's license, you can use it just like an adult would. Some minors travel alone, and they do need to show ID at security.