What do you need to fly domestic in us

REAL ID is not a national identification card. It is a set of standards that Congress passed through the REAL ID Act in 2005. The act requires that government-issued IDs follow a set of security standards. It also prohibits federal agencies from using non-compliant IDs to verify your identity.

For many people, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card is their REAL ID. REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards all have a star marking on the upper part of the ID card. 

Check to see if your driver’s license is REAL ID-compliant. See the question under “For the Public” on this REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions page.

Why do I need a REAL ID?

Federal agencies can use your REAL ID to verify your identity. You can also use a REAL ID to:

  • Access federal facilities
  • Board federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Enter nuclear power plants

How can I get a REAL ID?

You can get a REAL ID when you apply for or renew your driver’s license or state identification card. Visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation you’ll need to show to get a REAL ID. Your new license will have the new REAL ID-compliant star marking at the top of your ID card. 

When must I have a REAL ID to board a plane?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new REAL ID deadline is May 7, 2025. On and after this date, you must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/state ID or another acceptable form of ID to fly commercially within the U.S. This rule applies to all passengers 18 and over. If your ID is not compliant, you must have another form of ID that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to go through security at the airport to board your flight.  

Besides REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses, other acceptable forms of ID to board a plane include:

  • U.S. passports
  • U.S. military IDs
  • Permanent resident cards
  • State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs)
  • Government-issued passports from foreign countries

Get the entire list of identifications that are valid for screening at TSA security checkpoints.

What happens if I don’t get a REAL ID?

If you don’t get a REAL ID, you won’t be able to use your driver’s license or state ID card to board a plane in the U.S. You’ll have to show one of the other forms of ID that the TSA accepts. Other federal agencies may require a REAL ID for official purposes. 

Can I still get a non-REAL ID-compliant identification card?

States do issue driver’s licenses and ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant. Check with the proper federal, state, or local government agency to see what ID requirements they have for official purposes.

After years of changed dates, extended deadlines, and general defiance at the state level, there’s still a lot of confusion around the REAL ID Act, particularly when it comes to air travel. The act was slated to become law on Oct. 1, 2020. However, the unprecedented circumstances of the last few years — and traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular — pushed the execution date back yet again.

Contents

  • Do I need a passport to fly domestically in the US in 2022?
  • What kind of ID do you need to travel in the US?
  • Do you need a REAL ID to fly in the US?
  • What do you need to travel within the US?
  • Where can I fly without a passport?

Now, as of the time of this writing, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), all U.S. travelers must meet the REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights by May 3, 2023. So, what does this mean, and how should you go about it? In this post, we’ll clear things up regarding this issue and also explain the use of your passport when traveling domestically.

Do I need a passport to fly domestically in the US in 2022?

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), all adult passengers (18 and above) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. The identification must show your picture, name, and state of residence. It doesn’t necessarily need to be your passport, which means you can fly domestically in the U.S. in 2022 without a valid passport for travel.

If you don’t have a passport, there are several other acceptable forms of identification, including:

  • A U.S. passport card
  • A driver’s license
  • A DHS trusted traveler card
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Border crossing card
  • A permanent resident card
  • U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ID
  • Tribal-issued photo ID

If you don’t have any form of ID because, say, you forgot it at home, it’s lost, or you’re a “sovereign citizen,” you can still fly within the United States. You’ll need to complete an identity verification process as required by the TSA. Don’t plan on breezing through airport security though, because you’ll be subject to additional (i.e., much lengthier) screening. Children under the age of 18 are not expected to provide identification when traveling domestically.

What kind of ID do you need to travel in the US?

Passport sticking out of a suitcase pocket.

While you can still travel in the U.S. with any of the alternate IDs listed above, that will likely change once the REAL ID requirements take effect in May 2023. In this case, you’ll still be able to use your state-issued ID or driver’s license to board flights. However, it must have the REAL ID star. REAL ID cards have a star at the upper left- or right-hand corner. According to the Department of Homeland Security, “all 50 states are now in full compliance issuing these cards, with most states becoming compliant in the last four years.” If you received your last ID before your state was compliant, you’re now able to receive a REAL ID-compliant version at your next renewal.

In the absence of a REAL ID, you will be able to use a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a federal government PIV card for domestic travel. Even if you opt to use your passport, make sure it’s updated by May 3, 2023. This can take about seven to 10 weeks for routine service and four to six weeks if expedited, but there’s no guarantee, according to the Department of State. Without a passport, REAL ID-compliant card, or any other accepted forms of identification, you’ll not be allowed through TSA checkpoints, meaning you won’t be able to fly within the U.S.

Do you need a REAL ID to fly in the US?

Traveler watching planes from an airport window.

Beginning May 3, 2023, all U.S. travelers will need a REAL ID to fly if they don’t have a passport for domestic travel. The ID will also be required to access any federal facility. For example, you won’t be able to visit some national monuments, federal buildings, or loved ones at military installations without one.

This law will apply to all 50 U.S. states and territories, including Guam, the U.S Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Without the ID, you can still use your passport to fly locally. But, that could still be a potential challenge for the almost 60% of US citizens who don’t have a passport.

You can get your REAL ID through your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, AAA, or regional state offices. It’s possible to complete the necessary documentation online before visiting the necessary office. Be sure to check the minimum requirements before applying.

What do you need to travel within the US?

When traveling as a resident, you’ll need a valid passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. Before traveling, be sure to check your identification to ensure they’re valid and current. Also, take some time to learn about the laws of the state you’re flying to — that helps avoid delays and frustrations.

U.S. citizens can also use state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) to fly locally. EDLs, however, are only available in select states, including New York, Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, and Michigan. They’re typically given to residents in states close to U.S. borders to comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

If you’re a foreign national traveling within the U.S., you’ll need your passport. Be sure to keep your passport safe. Flying within the U.S. without a passport as a foreign national can be quite stressful.

On the other hand, green-carded residents must have their regular photo ID and green card to fly within the U.S. The card can also function as a driver’s license or other ID. You’re not required to have a passport for domestic travel.

Where can I fly without a passport?

A man in a suit listening to music while hauling his luggage in the airport.d

As of October 2022, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you can always carry it with you for additional photo identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.

In short, you can fly to all 50 U.S. states and territories without a passport. Just make sure to carry either your driver’s license or a state-issued ID. To avoid frustrations in the future, ensure your driver’s license and other ID are REAL-ID compliant before May 2023.

You’ll need a passport (with a protective passport holder) to travel internationally, though. So, it’s vital not to leave it at home if your travel plans are likely to change.

What do you need to fly domestic in US 2022?

You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.

Do you need a test to fly domestic in us?

Testing. Consider getting tested with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days) before travel. Make sure you know your test results before travel. Don't travel if your test result is positive.

What kind of ID do I need to fly inside the US?

REAL ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant. If you are not sure if your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. Learn more about flying with a REAL ID.

Do I need a passport to fly in the US 2022?

As of October 2022, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you can always carry it with you for additional photo identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.