What ID Do You Need to Fly? The Ultimate Guide for Domestic and International Travel

Let’s Be Honest — Airport Travel Can Be Confusing

You’ve packed your bag. Your flight’s on time. You even remembered to bring snacks. And then it hits you — do you have the right ID to get through security?

That little moment of panic at the airport isn’t rare. It happens all the time — often because rules around identification feel like they’re constantly shifting. REAL ID? Standard license? Passport? Can your teen fly with a school ID? What happens if you lose your wallet on the way to the terminal?

Here’s the good news: this guide answers all of it. It’s written for real people, not legal experts. Whether you’re flying coast-to-coast or catching a red-eye overseas, let’s figure out exactly what you need in your hand (or pocket) to board your flight smoothly.

The Essentials: What TSA Really Needs to See

If you’re 18 or older, you need a valid form of government-issued identification to fly within the U.S. That’s non-negotiable. But here’s where it gets a bit tricky: not all IDs are equal — and some won’t work at all come 2025.

So let’s break it down.

These IDs Work for Domestic Flights:

• A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (more on that in a minute)
• A U.S. passport or passport card
• A military ID (active or retired)
• A Green Card (permanent resident)
• A DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI)
• An enhanced driver’s license (EDL) from approved states
• A tribal-issued photo ID
• A foreign passport

Important: These IDs must be current, clean (not torn or damaged), and not expired. Some leeway may be given, but it’s not guaranteed.

Let’s Talk REAL ID: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Backstory

After 9/11, the U.S. government wanted to tighten ID standards. That’s where REAL ID came in — a more secure, federally-approved version of your state-issued license.

Starting May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses won’t be accepted at TSA checkpoints. If your ID doesn’t have that little gold or black star in the top-right corner? You won’t be flying unless you bring something else — like a passport.

So yes, you need a REAL ID to fly domestically after May 2025 — unless you’re using a passport instead.

How Do You Get One?

It’s not automatic. You have to go in person to your state’s DMV. Here’s what you’ll typically need to bring:

• Proof of identity: a certified birth certificate or a valid passport
• Social Security Number: either your SSN card or a W-2 that shows it
• Two proofs of address: like a utility bill and bank statement

Plan ahead — appointments fill up fast in some states. And don’t forget to ask for a REAL ID specifically. It’s easy to renew your license without realizing you skipped the federal part.

Domestic Travel: What ID You Need in Practice

Here’s the short version:

If you’re flying within the United States, you’ll need either a REAL ID or a valid U.S. passport.

But let’s get into the details — because life rarely fits into short versions.

What About Expired IDs?

Here’s the deal: TSA agents have some flexibility. If your ID expired within the past year, you might still be able to fly — but you’ll go through extra screening. It’s inconvenient and slightly nerve-racking, but not impossible.

Better move: renew your ID well ahead of time, or bring a passport as backup.

What If You Don’t Have Any ID?

It’s rare, but it happens. You left your wallet in a rideshare. Or maybe your bag was stolen hours before check-in.

Here’s how you can still board:

1. Tell TSA immediately: Be honest. Don’t wait until the agent asks.
2. Say something like: “I lost my ID this morning but still need to travel. I can answer questions and show other documents to prove who I am.”
3. Bring anything with your name: Voter card, credit card, utility bill, prescription bottle — it all helps.
4. Prepare for a brief identity interview: TSA will ask you basic questions only you should know — past addresses, names of family members, your employer, etc.
5. Be ready for a full screening: Pat-down, bag check, swabs. It’s not fun, but it’s better than missing your flight.

Pro tip: keep a photo of your ID on your phone or cloud storage. It’s not accepted as official ID, but it can help during identity verification.

International Flights: More Than Just a Passport

Let’s get one thing straight — you cannot fly internationally without a passport. There’s no workaround.

Even a REAL ID or enhanced driver’s license won’t help once you step outside the U.S. airspace.

You Might Also Need:

• A visa (depending on the country)
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or other health requirements
• A return or onward ticket
• Hotel booking, bank statement, or proof of funds

Passport tip: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport expires soon, renew it now — not two weeks before your trip.

Visa Requirements: A Quick Snapshot

• Europe (Schengen Zone): No visa needed for U.S. tourists under 90 days
• Mexico & Canada: No visa needed for most U.S. citizens
• India, China, Russia: Visa required before departure
• UK: No visa for stays under 6 months

Always double-check entry rules at travel.state.gov.

Kids, Teens, and Unique Situations

Do Children Need ID to Fly?

For domestic flights: No. Children under 18 don’t need ID when flying with an adult. However, airlines may request a birth certificate to confirm the child’s age.

For international flights: Yes. Every person — even a newborn — must have their own passport.

Can Teenagers Fly Alone?

Yes, but the rules vary.

Most airlines allow teens aged 15–17 to fly unaccompanied domestically. While TSA doesn’t require ID, the airline might ask for:

• School ID
• State ID
• Birth certificate
• Passport

Always check your airline’s policy before booking.

Flying With Someone Else’s Child?

Bring a notarized consent letter from the parents or legal guardians. It’s often required for international trips and highly recommended for domestic ones.

Military ID, Green Card, and Foreign Passports

Flying With a Military ID

If you have an active-duty or retired military ID, you can use it in place of a REAL ID or passport for domestic flights. Many military travelers are also eligible for TSA PreCheck without applying.

Green Card Holders

If you have a permanent resident card, you can use it to:

• Fly domestically within the U.S.
• Re-enter the U.S. from abroad (alongside your passport)

For international trips, carry:

• Your Green Card
• Your home country’s valid passport
• A visa for your destination country (if needed)

Non-U.S. Citizens Flying Domestically

Yes — you can fly inside the U.S. with a foreign passport. You do not need a REAL ID, and TSA accepts foreign documents at domestic checkpoints.

Can You Really Fly Without Any ID?

In short: Sometimes.
It depends on your ability to answer TSA’s questions, the documents you can show, and the agent you’re dealing with.

Here’s how to prepare:

• Memorize key info (addresses, license number, SSN if possible)
• Bring printed backup documents — even a pay stub can help
• Stay calm. Most TSA officers are just doing their job — and they’ve seen this before

Still, don’t rely on this process unless absolutely necessary.

Summary Table: Flying Identification Requirements

Final Thought: Bring the Right ID and Breathe Easy

Traveling should be exciting, not anxiety-inducing. Don’t wait until you’re in line at TSA to think about your documents. Whether you’re crossing the country or the Atlantic, one small card can make or break your trip.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Double-check your ID. Check the rules. And give yourself time to fix it if something’s missing.

You’ll thank yourself when you’re comfortably seated at 35,000 feet.

You can find more helpful tips in our category: Career Insights.