What documents you need depends on where you're going

You do not need both a driver's license and a passport for every trip. A driver's license alone works for domestic air travel within the United States. A passport is required only when you leave the country — by air, sea, or land — or when you travel to certain territories. The document you need depends entirely on your destination and how you're traveling.

Many people carry both because they serve different purposes. Your driver's license proves your identity to TSA at airport security and is sufficient for flights between US states. Your passport proves your citizenship and identity to foreign governments. If you're only flying from New York to California, you need only your driver's license. If you're driving to Canada or flying to Mexico, you need your passport.

Key Takeaways

  • A Real ID-compliant driver's license is sufficient for domestic air travel within the United States.
  • A passport is required for all international air travel and for entering Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by any method.
  • Some US territories like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands accept a Real ID driver's license instead of a passport for air travel from the mainland.
  • If your driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically after the federal important date.
  • Land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico require either a passport or a passport card, not a driver's license alone.

Domestic flights: what TSA accepts at security

For flights between US states, TSA accepts a Real ID-compliant driver's license as your primary form of identification. You do not need a passport. A Real ID driver's license has a star or other marking in the upper right corner and proves you've provided the documents your state requires — typically a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address.

If your driver's license does not have the Real ID marking, you will need an alternative form of federal ID. These include a passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID card that is Real ID-compliant. Many states have issued Real ID driver's licenses since 2009, but some people still carry older licenses without the marking. Check your license or your state's DMV website to confirm whether yours meets the standard.

International air travel: passport requirements

A passport is required for any flight that leaves the United States, regardless of your destination. This includes flights to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and anywhere else outside US borders. TSA will not let you board an international flight with only a driver's license, even if it is Real ID-compliant.

You must have a valid US passport book or passport card. A passport book is the traditional booklet; a passport card is a wallet-sized credential that works for air travel but has some restrictions on land and sea travel (see below). Both are issued by the US State Department and take several weeks to arrive. If you do not have a passport and need one soon, you can request expedited processing, though this costs extra and still takes time.

US territories: which ones accept a driver's license instead

Some US territories allow you to fly there from the mainland with only a Real ID driver's license, without a passport. These include Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Because these are US territories, not foreign countries, TSA treats flights there as domestic for ID purposes.

Other US territories — Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands — require a passport for air travel from the mainland, even though they are US soil. If you are unsure whether your destination is a US territory and what ID it accepts, check the State Department's travel advisory for that location or call TSA at 855-787-2227 before you book.

Land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico

Driving or taking a ferry to Canada or Mexico requires either a passport or a passport card. A driver's license alone is not sufficient, even if it is Real ID-compliant. The passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of the passport book and is designed specifically for land and sea travel; it cannot be used for air travel to those countries.

If you cross the border frequently, a passport card may be more convenient than carrying a full passport book. However, if you also fly internationally, you will need the passport book because the card does not work for air travel. You can hold both at the same time — some people carry the card for driving trips and the book for flights.

Renewing or obtaining a passport

A US passport is issued by the State Department, not your state's DMV. You explore in person at a passport acceptance facility, which is often located at your local courthouse, library, or post office. Bring your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as your driver's license), and proof of citizenship. The process takes 6 to 8 weeks for standard processing and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited processing, which costs extra.

If your passport has expired, you may be able to renew it by mail without visiting an office in person, depending on how long ago it expired and whether it was issued when you were an adult. Check the State Department website for your specific situation. If you need a passport urgently and standard processing is too slow, expedited processing is available, but plan ahead — even expedited service takes weeks, not days.

Real ID driver's licenses and travel

A Real ID-compliant driver's license is sufficient for domestic air travel but not for international travel. The Real ID standard was created to may support that driver's licenses meet federal security requirements for boarding domestic flights. It does not make your license valid for crossing international borders or entering foreign countries.

If you have a Real ID driver's license and want to travel internationally, you still need a passport. The two documents serve different purposes: your Real ID license proves your identity to TSA for domestic flights, and your passport proves your citizenship to foreign governments. You cannot substitute one for the other when traveling outside the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly domestically with an expired driver's license if it has the Real ID marking?

No. Your driver's license must be valid (not expired) to use it at TSA security, even if it has the Real ID marking. An expired license is not acceptable. You will need to renew your license or bring an alternative form of federal ID, such as a passport.

Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?

Yes. Driving to Canada requires either a passport book, passport card, or an enhanced driver's license (available in some states). A standard driver's license, even with Real ID marking, is not sufficient for land border crossings.

Can I use a passport card for international flights?

No. A passport card works only for land and sea travel to Canada and Mexico. For any international flight, you must have a passport book. If you have only a passport card and need to fly internationally, you will need to obtain a passport book.

What if I'm traveling to Puerto Rico — do I need a passport?

No. Puerto Rico is a US territory, so you can fly there with a Real ID-compliant driver's license. You do not need a passport. However, if you plan to visit other Caribbean islands or countries during the same trip, you will need a passport for those destinations.

How long does it take to get a passport?

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra. These timelines can vary depending on demand and your location. If you need a passport soon, explore as early as possible and consider expedited processing.