Planning a trip within the United States and wondering if you need your passport? The answer isn’t always straightforward, and it depends on your specific situation. While a passport is essential for international travel, the rules are different when you’re flying domestically. Let’s clarify the identification requirements for traveling within the U.S., ensuring you breeze through airport security without any hiccups.
REAL ID is Coming: Are You Ready?
Starting May 7, 2025, a significant change is coming to domestic air travel within the United States. The REAL ID Act will be fully enforced, meaning your state-issued driver’s license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you plan to use it as identification at airport security checkpoints. If you’re unsure whether your current ID meets REAL ID standards, it’s crucial to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now. Look for a star symbol on your ID, which typically indicates REAL ID compliance. This new requirement aims to enhance security standards for domestic air travel across the nation.
What IDs are Acceptable for Domestic US Travel?
Even with the upcoming REAL ID enforcement, a valid U.S. passport remains an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights. In fact, it is one of the most widely accepted forms of ID. Besides a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts a variety of other forms of identification for adults. These include:
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Passport Card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- Permanent resident card
- Driver’s license or other state photo ID card issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) – REAL ID compliant starting May 7, 2025
- Temporary driver’s license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- Weapon permits are not acceptable forms of identification.
- Enhanced Driver’s Licenses
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
It’s important to note that even if your driver’s license is expired, TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to one year past the expiration date for the forms of identification listed above. However, this may change, so it’s always best to travel with a valid, unexpired ID.
Traveling with Children: ID for Young Travelers
If you are traveling with children under the age of 18 within the United States, the TSA does not require them to provide identification. However, it is always wise to check with your specific airline, as they may have their own identification requirements for younger travelers. Having a birth certificate or other form of identification for children can be helpful in certain situations.
What If You Don’t Have Acceptable ID at the Airport?
Arriving at the airport without acceptable identification can be stressful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t fly. If you find yourself in this situation – whether your ID is lost, stolen, or simply expired – alert a TSA officer. They may allow you to proceed through security after completing an identity verification process.
This process might involve answering questions to help confirm your identity. If your identity can be verified, you will be permitted to enter the security checkpoint, although you may be subject to additional screening. However, if you choose not to participate in the identity verification process, refuse to provide identification, or if your identity cannot be confirmed, you will not be allowed to pass through security. TSA advises travelers without acceptable identification to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to allow ample time for this verification process.
Name Suffixes on IDs and Boarding Passes
Don’t worry if the name suffix on your boarding pass doesn’t perfectly match your ID. TSA understands that variations in suffixes can occur. Suffixes on boarding passes are not mandatory. Whether the suffix is present on your boarding pass but not your ID, or vice versa, it is considered an acceptable variation and should not cause any issues at the security checkpoint.
In conclusion, while a passport is not strictly required for domestic US travel for adults, it is certainly an accepted and reliable form of identification. For most adults, a REAL ID compliant driver’s license will suffice for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Always ensure you have a valid form of acceptable identification before heading to the airport, and if you have any doubts, a U.S. passport is always a safe bet for smooth travels within the United States.
