Can you buy a plane ticket without a passport?


Can you buy a plane ticket without a passport? U.S. law requires all travelers, regardless of citizenship, age or destination, to hold a secure document such as a passport to depart the United States by air. While it is not required to have a passport to make flight reservations, it is strongly recommended.


Can I buy a plane ticket while my passport is being renewed?

Yes, you can book and pay for the flight. However, you'll need a valid passport in order to check-in, so be sure to leave enough time to receive your new passport. If you don't get your passport in time, you'll lose any money you've paid for your ticket that isn't refundable or lost to change fees.


Can I fly with an expired passport and ID?

If you only have an expired passport, you can still bring it along for domestic travel within the United States, but you must convince TSA officers that you are who you say you are. However, if you're traveling internationally, you must have a valid passport.


What to do if you have a flight but no passport?

In the US and flying internationally: A new passport is required. Reschedule your trip to a new date or see if you qualify for life-or-death emergency passport service. Outside of the US and scheduled to fly back home: Contact the nearest US consulate or embassy to have an emergency passport issued.


What details do you need to book a flight?

Flight and passenger details
  • Trip details.
  • Personal information – Full names (to be spelled exactly as it is in your ID or passport), date of birth, country of residence.
  • ID number.
  • Ideal departure times and length of flights (do you prefer a direct flight or are you happy with connections?)
  • Preferred cabin class.


Can you fly the same day your passport expires?

Answer: United States passports are valid until midnight on the date of expiration. You can legitimately travel on the date your passport expires without any problems.


How can I board a plane without ID?

If you don't have any acceptable alternate form of ID, a TSA employee will ask you to complete an identity verification process by filling out a TSA Form 415, also known as a Certification of Identity form. It asks for your full name, current address, signature and date.


Can I fly in the US without a real ID?

You're not REAL ID ready! Important: if you want to board domestic flights or visit federal facilities beginning May 7, 2025 you must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification. Click on your state or territory in the map below to visit your local DMV to learn more.


Can I travel while waiting for my passport?

If your passport's time is almost up, don't wait — start the renewal process now. You can't travel while your renewal application is being processed, and you need to make sure your travel documents are valid for at least six months past the dates of any planned international trips.


What is required to fly in the US?

In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.