What identification is required to fly in the United States?

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. REAL IDs also will be needed to access certain federal facilities.



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Are you REAL ID ready? On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!

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Quick answer: No. A government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued ID card, is sufficient for domestic air travel. In other words, using your passport as a government-issued photo ID is possible but not mandatory. Your state-issued driver's license, for instance, is sufficient to board your domestic flight.

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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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Expired passports are NOT acceptable proof of name and date of birth or proof of citizenship or legal status in the U.S.

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A passport that has expired is not accepted for overseas travel. If your passport has expired or will expire within the next six months, you must renew it.

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In the United States, you need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security. You must show that the name on your boarding pass matches the legal name on your unexpired government-issued ID.

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Air Travel: U.S. citizens (including infants and children) departing from or entering the United States by air are required to present a valid U.S. passport to board an international flight. U.S. citizens departing from a designated Canadian airport can use their NEXUS Card for entry when utilizing a NEXUS kiosk.

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The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

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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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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.

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In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.

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The most likely scenario is that you will be prevented from boarding transport by the staff on duty. If you managed to avoid that situation, you could be blocked from entering your destination by border authorities upon arrival. Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad.

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All foreigners, regardless their nationality, are required to present a valid and not expired passport or travel document when entering Mexico (traveling by air, land or sea). The Mexican government only requires that your passport must be valid during the entirety of your trip.

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Temporary and Permanent Visa holders leaving Mexico
They will require your passport and your resident card. Once you have received your form, you may proceed to the airline desk. Upon reentry to Mexico watch the officer to be sure they do not mark you as a tourist and only give you 180 days.

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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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