Can you get on a plane without a passport?

As of March 2023, 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 could carry it with you for additional photo identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.



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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.

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By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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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.

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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.

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Print out a second copy at the check-in counter or check-in machine at the airport, in case the loss is already noticed in the check-in area. Report to the flight staff at the gate if your boarding pass is missing, and you are already in the security area.

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During a healthy pregnancy, occasional air travel is almost always safe. Most airlines allow you to fly domestically until about 36 weeks of pregnancy. Your ob-gyn can provide proof of your due date if you need it. If you are planning an international flight, the cut-off for traveling may be earlier.

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Fake IDs are hard to weed out. But the right ID or passport scanner solution, deployed at border control and security touchpoints, can catch the fakes without negatively impacting passenger flow.

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Overall, what will likely happen if you try and travel on an expired passport is that you'll get stopped by airport security, and will be denied boarding your flight. Say goodbye to that long-awaited vacation.

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If you are traveling within the next two weeks, you may be able to visit the U.S. Passport Office for same-day or next-day processing. Please contact my office for additional assistance. My office is always available to assist you with the issuance or renewal of your passport.

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Identification
  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) ...
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
  • Permanent resident card.


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