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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!
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?
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).
Hi i am planning to fly from ny to cali this july do i need a passport or can i get a real id?
You can travel with a regular state issued ID as the REAL ID Act has been delayed due to the current travel restrictions.
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.
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.
Do u need a passport to enter South Korea from Missouri? Is a US military I’d valid?
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).
How do I replace my laminated social security card to get ReaL ID?
You should start here: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02017
Missouri to Las Vegas . Is the Mo. I.d. enough?
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.
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?
You are okay to travel with your state ID for the time being.
hello. we are flying to hawaii from Oklahoma on October 23rd do we need passports
You are okay to fly with your state ID right now.
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?
Right now you will be okay to fly without a passport. Your state ID will suffice.
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..???
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!
Traveling from Ga to Cancun by plane so I need a passport
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.
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
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.
Hi i plan to get for domestic passport this month.what is the possible rquirements?
Thankyou!
Hi Criselda, Are you in the United States?
If so, we have a guide here: https://www.rushmypassport.com/newlp/blog/how-to-get-a-passport-in-2017/
What about children? Is there an age qualification needed for passport? Thanks.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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?
Hi Liz, No, she should be fine.
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?
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.