Can you fly anywhere in the US with an ID?


Can you fly anywhere in the US with an ID? In a word: No. Starting on May 7th, 2025, any person traveling within the United States must possess a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, valid passport, or U.S. military ID as an acceptable form of identification.


Can you use a foreign ID to travel by air domestically in the USA?

If you have a valid foreign passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or valid USCIS Employment Authorization Card Form I-766, you can technically board a plane for domestic travel. In this scenario, it is best to travel with a state-issued enhanced driver's license.


Do airports check ID?

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. 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.


Why cant you travel with an expired passport?

To pass through the TSA checkpoints, you must have acceptable identification. An expired passport isn't valid by definition.


Can you still fly in the US with a regular ID?

On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.


Can I book a flight with an expired passport?

You do not need a physical passport to book a flight. Instead, what you need is the passport number. As such, you can book a flight even if your passport has expired, is damaged, has alteration, or does not have enough blank pages.


Is there anywhere I can fly without a passport?

You can travel without a passport in the following countries: Puerto Rico. US Virgin Islands. Northern Mariana Islands.


Does American Airlines require 6 month passport rule?

As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States.


What is required to fly within the United States?

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.


Can I fly in the US without a passport?

Bottom line: You can fly to all 50 states and surrounding 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 2025.


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 airport scanners detect passport?

Yes, it will show up as an object made of (probably) paper, maybe with a chip in it. The chip might give it away as specifically a passport, if the security person manning the system was actually looking for that. But their primary role is to look for weapons and other potential hazards to flight safety.


How long is a passport valid after expiration?

If you were age 16 or older when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 10 years. If you were under 16 when your passport was issued, your passport is valid for 5 years.


Do I need a passport to fly domestic in US 2023?

Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. travelers flying within the United States will need to show Transportation Security Administration agents either a security-enhanced driver's license that's Real ID-compliant or another T.S.A.-approved form of identification like a passport.


Can I come back to the US without a passport?

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.


Why do airlines check ID?

One of the most important security measures at an airport is confirming the identity of travelers. This is done by checking a photo ID, such as a driver's license. If you are traveling internationally, you need to present your passport. Simply taking a look at a photo ID isn't enough, however.


Can I fly with an expired passport?

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.


Do airlines check your ID?

Background Information on Flying With IDs
If you're over 18 and intend to fly, you must present a valid government-issued form of photo identification when you check in to your domestic or international flight. Acceptable forms of ID for TSA include passports, driver's licenses, passport cards, or military IDs.