Passport Requirements for Domestic Flights

Updated 05/12/2023

Do you need a passport for domestic flights? No, but you do need a valid ID and your driver’s license may no longer be acceptable. The Real ID Act is in full effect and most states now issue compliant IDs. But that doesn’t mean your current driver’s license is valid for domestic air travel. You may need to update your ID or get a passport in order to fly within the USA.

Will You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights in 2023?

In 2005, Congress passed the Real ID Act. In response to the 9/11 attacks, the Real ID Act created new security standards for the state’s driver’s licenses and IDs. If you live in a Real ID-compliant state, you probably noticed that you have had to bring additional documents with you the last time you renewed your driver’s license.

All states (including Washington, DC) now issue Real ID-compliant licenses. But that doesn’t mean your state ID or driver’s license is valid. You may need to get an updated state ID or driver’s license in order to have a compliant updated Real ID.

“This is an important step in enhancing commercial aviation security and we urge travelers to ensure they have compliant documents,” said Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan. “DHS is committed to working with states as they continue their efforts to issue REAL IDs to Americans.”

REAL ID: Is Your State ID Compliant?

Check this map from the Department of Homeland Security to see the latest updates to the list of states currently compliant with the Real ID Act.

Just because your state is now compliant doesn’t mean your ID is compliant. You may need to get a new state ID or driver’s license. For many travelers, a passport is a better and safer alternative. Your US Passport is a federally recognized ID and can be used for travel anywhere in America and across the globe. Our advice: just skip the drama. Get a passport, and you’ll be covered no matter where you plan to travel!

Other Approved Forms of ID

Don’t want to get a passport? You do have other options. The enhanced driver’s license, (which has a RFID chip like a passport) is compliant. Plus, with an enhanced driver’s license, you can drive (but not fly) across the border to Mexico or Canada.

Not all states issue enhanced driver’s licenses. Besides a passport, other acceptable documents include:

DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
US military ID
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
Tribal photo ID
HSPD-12 PIV card
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential

As you can see, using a passport or a passport card for domestic flights is the most practical option for most people.

Remember, you can only use a passport card for domestic flights. If your destination is outside of the US, you’ll need a passport book.

For more on the differences, see Passports vs. Passport Cards.

Getting a Passport

Plan ahead. If you don’t have a compliant ID and you have a trip planned, apply for a passport well ahead of time. Getting your passport can take 6-8 weeks for regular processing and up to 3 weeks for expedited processing from the post office.

If you need a passport more quickly, you can make an appointment at the nearest regional passport agency, or RushMyPassport can submit your application for you for an additional fee. Expediting companies like RushMyPassport help you with the application, help catch and correct mistakes, and provide super-fast processing with no need to travel to an agency or wait in line.

Need a passport fast? Click here to start our easy order process!

36 Responses

May, 12th 2023April
Hi! If someone is undocumented in the US but has a valid foreign passport unexpired and need to travel within USA only, would the foreign passport be okay to use?
- May, 12th 2023Passport Editorial
  We are not able to advise on your situation but it's a general best practice when traveling in another country that travelers carry a valid ID (usually their passport).
June, 29th 2020Dare odeyemi
Hi i am planning to fly from ny to cali this july do i need a passport or can i get a real id?
- July, 9th 2020David
  You can travel with a regular state issued ID as the REAL ID Act has been delayed due to the current travel restrictions.
July, 22nd 2019Anna
My sons are 17 and 20 and will be flying from Oregon to Mississippi in December 2019. Will they need passport books in order to fly or will their Oregon Drivers Licenses be accepted? Oregon is currently under an extension for the Real ID Act.
- July, 22nd 2019David P
  We can't really advise as we are not the officiating authority on this but you should consider applying for a passport if you have concerns about your ID being accepted.
March, 22nd 2019Melissa
Do u need a passport to enter South Korea from Missouri? Is a US military I’d valid?
- March, 25th 2019David P
  You will need a passport for ALL international travel as a civilian. Please call us immediately if you are traveling in the next 4 weeks. Otherwise, you can visit your post office for routine processing (4-6 weeks).
October, 18th 2018Mary E Sweeten
How do I replace my laminated social security card to get ReaL ID?
- October, 19th 2018David P
  You should start here: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02017
October, 9th 2018cosa
Missouri to Las Vegas . Is the Mo. I.d. enough?
- October, 19th 2018David P
  Right now you are able to fly because Missouri is part of the extension list. But you should apply for a passport right away in the event the state does not meet the requirements in time.
October, 4th 2018Corbin Williams
Hi, Me and my wife are flying from D.C. to Michigan next week October 12th. Also we have Maryland driver's license's. Do we need to bring passports?
- October, 4th 2018David P
  You are okay to travel with your state ID for the time being.
October, 1st 2018kelly gill
hello. we are flying to hawaii from Oklahoma on October 23rd do we need passports
- October, 4th 2018David P
  You are okay to fly with your state ID right now.
June, 20th 2018Joel
Hey, so I live in Louisiana and gonna be flying to Pittsburgh later in July. Will I need a passport or updated driver's license to fly to and from?
- August, 21st 2018David P
  Right now you will be okay to fly without a passport. Your state ID will suffice.
June, 2nd 2018Marco Torres
Hi, i am from Puerto Rico i will travel to Florida in December 2018 with my wife and my 2 daughters both are less than 8 years old. Will i need passports for all 4 of us..???
- June, 7th 2018David P
  A passport will not be necessary for you and your family to travel domestically to Florida. If you think you will make any international stops, you will need passports. Happy travels!
May, 24th 2018Mel
Traveling from Ga to Cancun by plane so I need a passport
- May, 25th 2018Kerri Kaufmann
  If you are traveling soon, please give us a call so we can help you get your passport expedited. If your travel date is more than 6 weeks away, you can visit your post office for standard processing.
May, 9th 2018Heather
Hi I am traveling in July from Oregon to Florida I am worried about the return flight from Florida to Oregon . Do I need a passport
- May, 10th 2018Kerri Kaufmann
  You will not need a passport to fly from Florida to Oregon. However, it may be wise to apply for your passport now just so you have it. A passport is valid for ten years so it's a good investment in your travel future.
March, 20th 2018criselda S. lastimoso
Hi i plan to get for domestic passport this month.what is the possible rquirements? Thankyou!
- March, 21st 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Criselda, Are you in the United States? If so, we have a guide here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/blog/how-to-get-a-passport-in-2017/
February, 8th 2018Jessica Hollenbeck
What about children? Is there an age qualification needed for passport? Thanks.
- February, 27th 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Jessica, Children don't need ID for domestic flights, though it's not a bad idea to bring a copy of their birth certificates. For international flights, children of all ages need passports.
January, 28th 2018Veronique Bish
Hi, we plan to fly to PA at the end of May 2018. Flying out of Portland, WA. Do we need Passports? We have children too. Will they need Passports as well?? How does that work? We are also getting our kid from PA to Portland and vice versa, will this affect her travels as well? Thank You
- January, 31st 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Veronica, All the noncompliant states now have extensions until October 2018. You'll be fine with just your driver's licenses. Hope this helps!
January, 17th 2018Julia Kelly
What about children will they be required to have a passport? I am from NJ and flying into Florida to take a cruise in Feb 2018 what id will be required.
- January, 28th 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Julia, you should be fine with your ID, NJ has an extension until October. But do the check the ID requirements for your cruise if it's outside of the US. And consider getting a passport anyway-for closed-loop Caribbean cruises you can get by with just ID and birth certificates but having a passport means you can more easily fly back in an emergency, fly to meet the cruise ship if you miss the boat for some reason, etc.
January, 3rd 2018Liz Capser
Our Granddaughter is taking her 8th Grade School trip to D.C. from March 13-18 this year. Will she need a passport from Montana to D.C., in order to fly there in March?
- January, 28th 2018Alison Kroulek
  Hi Liz, No, she should be fine.
November, 14th 2017Kelly White
Passports are somewhat expensive, how are people that don't have the means expected to pay for these. Is the Federal government going to reduce the cost of these passports to be affordable?
- November, 29th 2017Alison Kroulek
  Hi Kelly, You can get a cheaper passport card for land and sea crossings to Mexico and Canada and for domestic flights. You just can't use the passport card for international flights.

You May Need a Passport For Domestic Flights in 2023

Will You Need a Passport for Domestic Flights in 2023?

REAL ID: Is Your State ID Compliant?

Other Approved Forms of ID

Getting a Passport

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