A driver's license works for domestic flights, but not international ones

A valid driver's license is acceptable identification for flying within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts it at airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. However, a driver's license alone will not work for international travel — you need a passport or passport card for any flight leaving the country.

The key word is "valid." Your license must not be expired, and it must be a real ID-compliant license if you're flying on or after the federal important date. Most states have already switched to Real ID licenses, which have a star or other marking in the upper right corner. If your license doesn't have this marking and your state has passed the important date, TSA will not accept it for domestic flights.

Key Takeaways

  • A current driver's license with no expiration date is acceptable for domestic U.S. flights at TSA checkpoints.
  • Your license must be Real ID-compliant (marked with a star or similar symbol) if your state has passed the federal important date.
  • International flights require a passport, passport card, or other travel document — a driver's license is not sufficient.
  • TSA accepts several other forms of ID if you don't have a driver's license, including state ID cards, military IDs, and tribal documents.

Real ID requirements and what the star marking means

Real ID is a federal security standard that states must follow when issuing driver's licenses and ID cards. A Real ID-compliant license has a star, circle, or other marking (depending on your state) printed on it, usually in the upper right corner. This marking tells TSA that your state verified your identity documents before issuing the license.

The federal government set a important date for all states to issue Real ID licenses. Most states met this important date, but a few have extensions. If your state has passed its important date and your license doesn't have the marking, you will need to bring a second form of identification to the airport — either a passport, passport card, or another document from TSA's approved list. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether the important date has passed in your state.

Other acceptable forms of ID if you don't have a driver's license

TSA accepts many documents besides a driver's license. A state-issued ID card (not a driver's license) works the same way. Military ID, including dependent ID cards, is also acceptable. If you're a member of a federally recognized tribe, a tribal ID card counts. U.S. passport books and passport cards work for any flight, domestic or international.

Less commonly, TSA also accepts a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document, a merchant mariner credential, and a few other specialized documents. If you're unsure whether a specific document will work, you can check TSA's full list on their website before you go to the airport. Bring the document itself — TSA will not accept a photo or a copy.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of identification, TSA can still let you through security. You will go through additional screening, which takes longer. TSA will ask you questions to verify your identity and may ask you to sign a statement attesting to who you are. This process can add 15 to 30 minutes to your airport time, depending on how busy the checkpoint is.

However, you must still have a ticket in your name. TSA cannot board you on a flight if your ticket name doesn't match the name you provide at security. If your ticket is under a different name, you will not be able to fly that day. Always book your ticket under the name that appears on your identification, even if you go by a different name in daily life.

International travel and passport requirements

A driver's license is not acceptable for any international flight, even to Canada or Mexico. You need a passport book, a passport card, or in some cases a NEXUS card or other trusted traveler document. 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 — not for air travel to those places. For air travel anywhere outside the U.S., you must have a passport book.

Passport books take four to six weeks to arrive through standard processing, or two to three weeks through expedited processing (which costs extra). If you need to travel internationally soon and don't have a passport, check the State Department's website for passport acceptance agencies near you. Some agencies can issue a passport in one day if you pay for expedited service and appear in person.

Expired ID and what counts as current

TSA will not accept an expired driver's license or ID card, even if it expired recently. The license must be valid on the day you fly. If your license expired last month, you cannot use it at the airport — you will need to bring a different form of ID or go through the additional screening process without ID.

Renewing a driver's license varies by state. Most states let you renew online or by mail if it's your first renewal and you're not changing your address. Some states require you to appear in person. Check your state's DMV website to see what your options are. If you're close to your expiration date and have an upcoming flight, renewing now will save you trouble at the airport.

Real ID important date by state

The federal Real ID important date has passed in all states, though some states had extensions. If you're unsure whether your state's important date has passed, check your state's DMV website — it will tell you whether you need a Real ID license and whether you can still use an old license at the airport. Most states now require Real ID for domestic flights, but TSA's website has a state-by-state breakdown if you want to confirm.

If your state's important date has passed and your license doesn't have the Real ID marking, you have two options: get a Real ID license from your DMV, or bring a second form of ID (like a passport) to the airport. Getting a Real ID license usually takes a few weeks, so if you have a flight coming up, bringing a passport to the airport is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired driver's license if it expired just a few days ago?

No. TSA requires your ID to be valid on the day you fly. An expired license will not work, even if it expired very recently. You will need to bring a different form of ID or go through additional screening without ID.

Do I need a passport for a flight to Hawaii or Alaska?

No. Hawaii and Alaska are U.S. states, so flights there are domestic. A valid driver's license or other acceptable ID is sufficient. You only need a passport for flights outside the United States.

What if my driver's license was issued in another country?

TSA does not accept foreign driver's licenses for domestic flights. You will need a U.S. passport, passport card, or another document from TSA's approved list. If you're a permanent resident, your green card will work.

Can I use a photo of my driver's license on my phone instead of the physical card?

No. TSA requires the physical ID document itself. A photo or digital copy will not work. You must bring the actual card to the airport.

How do I know if my driver's license is Real ID-compliant?

Look for a star, circle, or other marking on your license — usually in the upper right corner. The marking varies by state. If you don't see a marking and your state's important date has passed, contact your state's DMV to confirm your license's status or to order a Real ID license.