What ID is needed to fly internationally?

If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.



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A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

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All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used. If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.

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Can You Fly Internationally Without an ID? Though you can possibly fly domestically without an ID, this isn't possible if you're going to be flying internationally. Even if you get through the airport security checkpoint by passing the identity verification process, you still won't be able to board your flight.

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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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You can usually board a flight with a federal or state-issued ID. However, if the photo ID is your expired passport, you can still bring it along. But you will need to back up your identity with other documents, leaving you at the mercy of the TSA.

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A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

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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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8 tips for first-time international travelers
  1. Check your documents.
  2. Consider signing up for a travel rewards card.
  3. Give yourself a long booking runway.
  4. Be selective about lodging.
  5. Consider the not-so-common essentials.
  6. Pack right for the flight.
  7. Give a heads up to your credit card issuer.
  8. Make the clock your friend.


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Do you need your Social Security card to travel internationally? No. There is no use for a social security card when traveling internationally.

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Yes. TSA PreCheck® is available when you depart from a U.S. airport to a foreign country, and for domestic, connecting flights after you return to the United States. If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry instead of TSA PreCheck®.

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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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Can a U.S. citizen fly within Mexico without a passport? No, you must present a valid passport book if you are not Mexican.

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**A passport cannot be used as a List A document if it is expired. If it has expired within the past 12 months, it can be used, but only as a proof of citizenship (List B). Additionally, an expired U.S. passport may not be presented by itself.

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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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The application fee for TSA PreCheck® is $78 for 5 years. Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs, such as the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.

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