Do you need a passport to travel within the United States? No, however, you will need a legitimate ID, and your driver’s license may no longer suffice. The Real ID Act is now fully implemented, and most states are issuing compatible IDs. However, your existing driver’s license is not valid for domestic flight travel. To fly within the United States, you may need to update your ID or obtain a passport. There’s a lot of uncertainty right now about REAL ID and whether citizens of certain states require a passport to fly domestically. But don’t get tied up in all the misinformation out there; we’ve untangled this complex web for you below.
If you plan to travel within the United States this year, you should be aware of whatever sort of identification – passport, driver’s license, or REAL ID – is currently required for domestic flights. Don’t chance being turned away at the airport; instead, keep reading to find out which ID you’ll need for a trouble-free flight.
Do You Need a Passport To Travel Within The US?
The good news is that Americans do not need a passport to fly within the United States. To fly overseas, you will always require a passport.
The Real ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005. The Real ID Act, enacted in reaction to the 9/11 attacks, established additional security criteria for state driver’s licenses and identification cards. If you live in a Real ID-compliant state, you may have noticed that you had to bring additional documents with you when you renewed your driver’s license the previous time.
Real ID-compliant licenses are now issued by all states (including Washington, DC). However, this does not imply that your state ID or driver’s license is legitimate. In order to have a compliant updated Real ID, you may need to obtain an updated state ID or driver’s license.
“This is an important step toward 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.”
Beginning May 7, 2025, anybody traveling within the United States must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license, a valid passport, or a U.S. military ID as an acceptable form of identification.
What Kind of Identification Do I Need?
State-issued driving licenses or ID cards, as well as military ID, are the most commonly used forms of identification when traveling within the United States. The TSA website has a complete list of valid IDs.
Future ID Requirements
While you do not presently need your passport for domestic flights, you may need one in the future due to planned ID regulations.
As of May 3, 2023, you will be required to carry a document that meets the REAL ID criteria.
A REAL ID is one with a star on top of the photo identification you’re using.
This can be your regular driver’s license, an upgraded driver’s license, or any other similar document that fits the REAL ID criteria.
Whether you are unsure about a particular type of picture ID, you can contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to determine whether your current ID is acceptable or whether they can assist you in updating the ID or issuing a new one to fulfill the requirements.
You can also look through the state-by-state plans on the Department of Homeland Security’s website to figure out how to get a REAL ID.
This REAL ID will also be required to enter and exit any federal facility in the United States.
Technically, if you already have a passport, you can use it to travel within the United States because it fits the REAL ID standards.
In this instance, a passport card can also be used as identification.
Examining the TSA Website
You should check with the TSA or the DHS website to see if your state issues REAL IDs.
Choose the state in which you reside or belong and review their REAL ID criteria and requirements.
You can also learn about the steps you’ll need to take to complete the entire procedure.
In rare circumstances, though, you may encounter difficulties if the website does not have the information you seek.
In this scenario, contacting the DMV office to figure out how to proceed is the best line of action.
What if My State Does Not Provide Real ID?
If your state does not yet issue REAL IDs, using your passport to travel domestically is totally legal because it is valid even under the new travel regulations.
If you don’t have a passport, now is the time to get one.
Also, if you have a military ID, you can simply utilize it for your domestic travel needs.
However, you must stay vigilant.
If the law requires it or certain changes are made, your state may be required to begin providing these IDs at some point.
States That Do Not Provide REAL IDs
One such state that does not issue REAL IDs is Washington. However, it does offer improved driver’s licenses that can be used for domestic travel even without a REAL ID.
Airport security will recognize this enhanced driver’s license as a valid travel and identification document as long as it has a flag on it.
Other states may issue REAL IDs, but if you have an improved driver’s license without the REAL ID star, you can still use it for domestic travel.
Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York are among them.
What About Temporary or Mobile Licenses?
Temporary or mobile driver’s licenses are not acceptable forms of picture identification.
If you bring items on domestic flights, you may not be allowed to board your trip or complete your travel.
As a result, it is critical that you have a valid photo identity that is REAL ID compliant.
If you use your driver’s license, be sure it is permanent and original, rather than a digital license or photocopy.
To avoid problems, apply for a permanent license as soon as you acquire a temporary license.
Using a United States Passport and a REAL ID
Using your REAL ID is required beginning in 2023. However, a passport is also acceptable if you do not currently have one or your state does not issue one.
If you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of obtaining a REAL ID, make sure your passport is current and contains appropriate information.
When you go through the check-in and security process, you will be required to produce this type of identification, which the officials will then verify and process before you can proceed to the next part of your journey.
You can find more information about your passport below.
What Exactly Is a US Passport Card?
A passport card issued by the United States is similar to a passport in that the identification it gives is roughly the same.
However, unlike a passport, a passport card is only a single card rather than a booklet that allows officials to stamp your entry and exit or print a visa on one of the pages.
If you don’t have a REAL ID, you can use your passport card as an acceptable form of domestic travel.
You can also use this passport card to cross a border (whether you’re going by land or sea).
However, you can only use it between the United States and one of the following countries:
- Canada
- Mexico
- The Caribbean Islands
- Bermuda
However, if you want to fly to another nation, you cannot rely exclusively on your passport card.
How Do I Obtain a Valid US Passport?
If you want to apply for a passport to help you travel domestically and abroad without a REAL ID, you need to do the following:
- Go to the United States Department of State.
- Download the application form and fill it out completely.
- Gather and attach all essential documents, ensuring that they offer proof of citizenship, to this application.
- Visit a passport office and submit your application, along with photo identification for verification.
- Pay the applicable costs and send in your passport images.
- Obtaining Your Passport Documents
What Documents May You Submit for Your Passport?
If you are applying for the first time, bring the application form as well as copies and/or originals of any required papers.
After scheduling an appointment, you should take these to the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility or post office.
If you only need to renew your passport, you can mail all of the necessary paperwork.
Passport Processing Times in the United States
It can be difficult to pinpoint a certain processing period for your US passport because it depends on elements such as your location, the number of requests they get, the season, and other external considerations.
However, on a regular or ordinary basis, you may expect the processing to take 8-11 weeks, after which you will obtain your passport.
Expedited delivery takes 5-7 weeks, while urgent travel takes 5 business days and emergencies require 3 business days.
However, the fees for these will be significantly greater.
When Should I Get My Passport?
There should be enough time between when you apply for your passport and when you want to travel.
Because regular processing can take up to 2-3 months, give yourself at least 4-5 months until your planned journey to accommodate for delays, errors, excessive workload, and other potential variables.
Applying for your passport up to 6 months in advance can be a good idea.
Of course, if you pay the extra fees for faster delivery, you might not have to wait as long for your passport.
Remember to double-check your passport.
Before you travel, make sure your passport is not expired.
Also, several countries (such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, and Turkey) demand that your passport be valid for at least six months after your arrival. If you plan to travel in August and your passport expires in October, several countries will deem your passport invalid and will not allow you to enter.
Some countries also demand at least four blank pages in your passport.
What Do You Need to Travel Within the United States?
You’ll need a valid passport, driver’s license, state ID, or military ID to travel as a resident. Check your identity before you travel to verify it is valid and up to date. Also, spend some time learning about the regulations of the state to which you’re flying – this will help you avoid delays and inconveniences.
U.S. citizens can also travel locally using state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs). EDLs, on the other hand, are offered only in a few states, including New York, Washington, Minnesota, Vermont, and Michigan. They are typically distributed to inhabitants of states bordering the United States in order to comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Of course, if you’re a foreign national going within the United States, you’ll need your passport. Keep your passport secure while traveling. Flying within the United States as a foreign person without a passport can be rather difficult.
Green-carded residents, on the other hand, must have both their regular photo ID and their green card in order to fly within the United States. The card can also be used as a driver’s license or other form of identification. Domestic travel does not necessitate the use of a passport.
Where Can I Fly if I Don’t Have a Passport?
There are no states that need passports from US residents to fly domestically as of March 2023. Your airline or TSA should never need you to show a legitimate passport. Of course, you may always bring it with you as extra picture identification in case you misplace your other forms of identity.
Bottom line
You can fly to all 50 states and territories in the United States without a passport. Just make sure you have your driver’s license or a state-issued ID with you. To avoid future headaches, make sure your driver’s license and other forms of identification are REAL-ID compatible by May 2025.
To travel internationally, you’ll need a passport (preferably, with a protective passport holder). So, if your travel plans are likely to change, don’t leave it at home.
Related Articles
- Can You Smile in a Passport Photo? The Real Reason You Can’t!
- Can I Travel With an Expired Passport
- Can You Go on a Cruise Without a Passport? Detailed Guide
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Bahamas? 2023 Guidelines
- How Long Does It Take To Get a Passport: All You Need
References
