What are the legal documents for travel?

Documents You Will Need 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.



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Without any exception, you'll want to remember these important travel documents:
  • Driver's License, Passport and Travel Visa. ...
  • Copies of All Identification Documents. ...
  • Travel Insurance Plan Details. ...
  • Travel Itinerary Details. ...
  • Tickets for Events When Traveling. ...
  • COVID-19 Travel Documents.


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


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Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.

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Get Required Documents
  • Passport: Apply several months in advance for a new passport. ...
  • Visas: You may need to get a visa before you travel to a foreign destination. ...
  • Medications: Some prescription drugs, including narcotics and some U.S. over-the-counter medications, are illegal in other countries.


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Passport, Travel Visa and National ID Card Proper identification is the foundation of international travel. As a result, you should ensure to always have an official identification document with you.

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Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad. Depending on the country and your citizenship, you may also need to show proof of a valid eVisa, online visa, or visa.

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U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.

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Is a Travel Document a Passport or Visa? A travel document is any document you need to cross borders. In the case of traveling to the US from another country, you need a passport and a visa. The visa is a document inside your passport that provides more details and freedoms for your time in the US.

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In most cases, a refugee or asylee may use the Refugee Travel Document for travel in place of a passport. The Refugee Travel Document is similar in appearance to a U.S. passport. How do I apply for a Refugee Travel Document? To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

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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.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place.

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Beginning May 3, 2023, your driver's license will need to be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. It's part of a law passed by Congress.

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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.

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Add your state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to your phone's digital wallet. Present your ID at select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints by tapping your phone or linked device. Your photo will be take by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

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A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship.

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A boarding pass is a ticket that provides access to the airport, the airplane, and often a specific seat on the airplane. You will receive your boarding pass after showing your E-ticket and a valid travel document at the check-in counter.

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U.S. Passport. Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) (see below) U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders, or. U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business.

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All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).

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