What do you need to fly domestically in the US?

Barring any further delays, REAL ID will go into effect on May 7, 2025. At that point, US travelers 18 and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL), or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.



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

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Without a passport, you may fly to any of the 50 states and territories in the United States. If you don't have a passport, different identification options are accepted, including a US passport card, a driver's license, and a DHS trusted traveler card.

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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.

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Expired documents are not accepted. The following IDs are accepted: U.S. passport. U.S. passport card.

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Wear clothing and shoes without metal, and be ready to remove your belt if it has a metal buckle. Tuck large metal jewelry pieces into your carry-on bag before you go through the security checkpoint. Put change and keys into your carry-on or empty your pockets into a plastic bin when you arrive at the 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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REAL ID Resources - U.S. Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID deadline an additional year to May 7, 2025. Current Illinois driver's licenses or ID cards will continue to be accepted at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities until May 7, 2025.

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Digital Identification Download a TSA approved digital ID app to your mobile device. Scan in your state-issued driver's license or state ID. At select TSA PreCheck® checkpoints, scan the app issued QR code. Your photo will be taken by the TSA reader at security to proceed to screening.

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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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