What ID You Need to Fly in the United States

You need a government-issued photo ID to fly, but a driver's license is not the only option

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires every passenger 18 and older to show a valid government-issued photo ID at the airport security checkpoint. A driver's license works, but it is not your only choice. You can also use a passport, passport card, military ID, state ID card, tribal ID, or several other forms of identification that TSA accepts. If you do not have a driver's license, you have other paths forward.

The rule applies to domestic flights within the United States. International flights have their own requirements — you will need a passport or passport card regardless of what other ID you carry. Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights if they are traveling with an adult, though airlines may ask for a birth certificate or other proof of age.

Key Takeaways

TSA accepts multiple forms of government-issued photo ID, including passport, military ID, and state ID card — a driver's license is not required.
If your ID is expired, TSA may still accept it for domestic flights, though the rules vary slightly by state and document type.
Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs have a star or marking in the upper right corner and are required for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
If you have no photo ID at all, TSA has a secondary verification process that takes longer but allows you to board after additional screening.
Children under 18 do not need ID for domestic flights when traveling with an adult, but you should carry proof of their age in case the airline asks.

Real ID compliance and the May 2025 important date

Starting May 7, 2025, TSA will require all passengers to show either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, or a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal ID. Real ID is a security standard set by the Department of Homeland Security. A Real ID-compliant license has a star or marking in the upper right corner and shows that your state verified your identity documents before issuing it.

If your driver's license or state ID does not have the star, you can still fly domestically until May 7, 2025, but after that date you will need to bring a passport or passport card instead. You do not need to replace your current license early — you can wait until it expires and renew it, and your state will issue a Real ID-compliant version if you provide the required documents. Most states now issue Real ID-compliant licenses by default.

To check whether your license is Real ID-compliant, look for the star in the upper right corner or visit your state's DMV website. Each state has its own page explaining which documents you need to bring when you renew.

What to do if you do not have a driver's license

You can use a state ID card instead of a driver's license. These are issued by your state's DMV or equivalent agency and work the same way at the airport. You will need to bring the same documents you would bring to get a driver's license — typically a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address. The process and timeline are the same as renewing a license.

If you do not have time to get a state ID before your flight, you can use a passport or passport card. A passport card is smaller than a passport book and costs less, but it works for domestic flights and land border crossings. You can request a passport card when you explore for a passport, or explore for just the card if you already have a passport book. Processing times vary, but expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Military ID, tribal ID, and certain other federal documents also work at TSA checkpoints. If you have any of these, bring it instead of waiting for a state ID or passport.

What happens if your ID is expired

TSA's rules on expired ID are more flexible than many travelers expect. For a domestic flight, TSA may accept an expired driver's license or state ID if the expiration is recent and the ID is not damaged. The exact rules vary by state and by how long ago the ID expired, so there is no single cutoff date that applies everywhere.

The safest approach is to renew your ID before you fly, especially if it expired more than a few months ago. If you cannot renew in time, bring your expired ID to the airport along with another form of identification if you have one — a passport, passport card, or military ID. TSA officers at the checkpoint can make a judgment call about whether to accept an expired ID, and having a backup document gives you options.

A passport or passport card does not expire as quickly as a driver's license, and TSA will not accept an expired passport for domestic flights. If your passport is expired, you will need to renew it before you fly.

Secondary verification if you have no photo ID

If you arrive at the airport with no government-issued photo ID at all, TSA has a process called secondary verification. You will be taken to a separate area, asked questions about your identity, and may be asked to provide additional documents like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill. This process takes longer than normal screening — plan for an extra 30 to 45 minutes.

Secondary verification is not a may provide that you will be allowed to board. TSA officers will decide whether your answers and documents are sufficient to confirm your identity. If you know you will not have ID, call the airline ahead of time to ask what documents they recommend you bring. Some airlines have their own policies about what they will accept.

This option exists, but it is not reliable for time-sensitive travel. If you have a flight coming up and no ID, your best move is to get a passport card or state ID if you can do so before your departure date.

International flights and passport requirements

For any flight leaving the United States, you need a valid passport book or passport card. A driver's license, state ID, or military ID will not work, even if you are flying to Canada or Mexico. Your passport must not be expired. If your passport expired, you will need to renew it before you travel.

Passport processing times vary. Standard processing takes several weeks; expedited processing is faster but costs more. If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but you must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. Check the State Department's website to find the nearest location and to see current processing times in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly with an expired driver's license?

TSA may accept an expired license for domestic flights if the expiration is recent, but the rules vary by state and how long ago it expired. Bring it to the checkpoint along with any other ID you have. For the most reliable option, renew your license or bring a passport before you fly.

Do I need a Real ID license right now?

Not until May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a star, you can still fly domestically until that date. After May 7, you will need a Real ID-compliant license, passport, or other federal ID. You do not need to renew early — wait until your license expires and renew it then.

What if I lost my ID the day before my flight?

Call your airline when ready and ask what documents they will accept. Bring a passport if you have one, or a birth certificate and Social Security card for secondary verification. If you have time, some states can issue an emergency replacement ID, but this varies by location. Contact your state DMV to ask whether this is an option.

Can my child fly without ID?

Children under 18 do not need government ID for domestic flights when traveling with an adult. However, bring a birth certificate or other proof of age in case the airline asks. For international flights, children need a passport regardless of age.

Is a passport card the same as a passport book for flying?

For domestic flights, yes — a passport card works the same way as a passport book. For international flights, a passport card also works, but it cannot be used for land border crossings in all situations. A passport book is more versatile if you travel internationally by air and land.

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.