Which States Now Need Passports For Air Travel?

what states are requiring passports for airline travel

As of 2024, US citizens do not need a passport to fly domestically. However, from May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. This is in accordance with the REAL ID Act, which requires IDs issued by states to meet federal security standards. A REAL ID is a US government-issued identification card with enhanced security features, distinguished by a star symbol in the top right corner. It is required for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities. US citizens do need a passport to fly to US territories such as American Samoa and Freely Associated States, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses

As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes such as:

  • Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
  • Accessing certain federal facilities
  • Entering nuclear power plants

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must provide documentation showing:

  • Full Legal Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
  • Lawful Status

Additionally, states may impose extra requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for their specific guidelines.

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have this marking, it will not be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft. This marking will be a star (and/or a flag) or the word Enhanced.

It is important to note that REAL ID cards are not required for border crossings into Canada or Mexico, international travel, or sea cruise travel. For international travel, a valid passport or equivalent is still required.

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State-issued ID cards

The easiest way to determine if your state ID card is REAL ID-compliant is to look for a star in the top right-hand corner. If you are unsure whether your ID is compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Each state has different processes for issuing ID cards and driver's licenses, and some states may offer enhanced or REAL ID-compliant cards.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint at the airport. However, if you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you may be subject to additional screening.

It is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight time. Additionally, it is important to note that children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States.

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TSA-accepted photo IDs

As of May 7, 2025, passengers planning to use their state-issued ID or driver's license to fly within the US must ensure that it is REAL ID-compliant. This is because the REAL ID Act requires IDs issued by states to meet federal security standards. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several government-issued photo IDs when boarding domestic flights. Here is a list of TSA-accepted photo IDs:

  • Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's License
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

It is important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to a year after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.

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REAL ID alternatives

As of May 7, 2025, all adult passengers flying within the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a domestic flight. This is due to the implementation of the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, there are several alternative forms of identification that are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). These include:

  • DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
  • Permanent resident card
  • Border crossing card
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license
  • Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
  • Foreign government-issued passport
  • Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
  • Transportation worker identification credential
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

In addition, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) from Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.

It is important to note that REAL ID cards are not required for children under 18 when traveling within the United States. If you are traveling internationally, you will still need a passport in addition to your REAL ID or alternative form of identification.

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Domestic vs international travel

When it comes to air travel within or outside the United States, it's important to be aware of the identification requirements to ensure a smooth journey. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the requirements for domestic and international travel:

Domestic Travel:

Currently, US citizens travelling within the country by air do not need a passport. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows US citizens to use other forms of identification for domestic flights. However, this is set to change in the future. From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 or above will need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. This includes a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, a valid passport, or a US military ID. The REAL ID Act ensures that state-issued IDs meet federal security standards. You can identify a REAL ID by looking for a star in the top right corner. It is recommended to check with your state regarding the availability of REAL ID and how to apply for one if needed.

International Travel:

When travelling internationally, a passport is always required. US citizens must possess a valid passport when crossing international borders. Additionally, it is important to check the passport requirements of your destination country. Some countries, such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, and Turkey, require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Certain countries may also mandate a minimum number of blank pages in your passport. It is recommended to allow sufficient time for the passport application or renewal process, as it typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive a passport. Expedited services are available for urgent travel needs.

In summary, while a passport is not currently mandatory for domestic air travel within the US, the upcoming REAL ID requirements will impact how US citizens navigate airport security checkpoints from May 7, 2025, onwards. On the other hand, international travel always requires a valid passport, and travellers should be mindful of specific passport requirements for their intended destination countries.

Frequently asked questions

No, not at the moment. You will need a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID or a passport from your country of origin to travel through security.

The most common forms of ID to travel within the US are state-issued driving licenses or ID cards, or a military ID. Other acceptable forms of ID include:

- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

- Permanent resident card

- Border crossing card

- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)

- Foreign government-issued passport

- Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

- Transportation worker identification credential

- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

Starting on May 7, 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.

The easiest way to spot if your state ID is a REAL ID is if there’s a star in the top right-hand corner.

If your ID is not REAL ID-compliant, check with your state on how to apply for one.

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