US citizens do not currently need a passport for domestic flights. While most people present a state-issued driver's license or a military ID, the Transportation Security Administration lists several acceptable forms of identification.
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.
The good news is that American citizens do not need a passport to fly domestically. You will always need a passport to fly internationally though. Read on for more info about the types of ID you can use while traveling domestically, upcoming changes to ID that will affect all US travelers, and how to get a passport.
As an adult over the age of 18, you need a valid government form of ID in order to board a plane in the U.S., according to the TSA. If you are flying internationally, you will need to show your passport or passport card.
In most countries, you can travel anywhere within your nation's borders without a passport. The only exception is when you leave your home country to enter a foreign nation. However, even if you travel nationally, you will always need photo ID, such as a driver's license or National ID card to board a flight.
Can I use my birth certificate to fly domestically? You cannot use your birth certificate as a primary document when flying domestically. However, there is one situation when it may be used as supporting evidence, and that is if your original identification was lost or stolen.
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC's Amended Order. A booster dose is not needed to meet this requirement.
You'll need a valid photo ID accepted by the TSA (like a driver's license or other government-issued ID) for domestic travel and a valid passport or visa, and any travel documents required by your international destination.
A REAL ID is a driver's license or identification card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. It can be used to board a domestic flight within the U.S. and enter secure federal facilities, such as military bases, federal courthouses, and other secure federal locations.
If you're traveling with an expired license or passport you may still be able to fly. Acceptable forms of ID cannot be more than 12 months past the identified expiration date.
Can I use my mobile boarding pass to go through the security checkpoint and board my flight? Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.
If you're unvaccinated, you're strongly discouraged from international travel due to the health risks posed by COVID-19. Understand that the risks might be different for you. Airlines and cruise lines may have a vaccination policy that prevents you from travelling with them.
All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to the United States.
A negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 is no longer required when arriving in the United States, as of 12.01 ET, June 12, 2022. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is still required to enter the United States for non-US citizens.
You CAN fly without ID. Get to the airport early and go to the ticket counter. Explain you have lost your ID. You will automatically become a "selectee" for screening and have SSSS printed on your boarding pass which flags the TSA to give you extra screening.
REAL ID and federal non-compliant cards are both valid forms of identification. All driver licenses, including REAL ID driver licenses, cost $35 and ID cards cost $30.
Bring 2 alternative forms of identification (if you do not have a government issued photo ID, alternates could include: utility bill with current address; bank statement with current address; pay stub (must include your name, Social Security number plus name and address of business); or car registration or title with ...
It is optional and voluntary to change your current license to a REAL ID. However, if you choose to get a REAL ID when they are available, your REAL ID expiration date will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus four years - you will not "lose" any time that you've already paid for.
If you are overseas and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States until June 30, 2022. You qualify to travel on your expired passport if all the following are true: You are a U.S. citizen.
If you wait more than 5 years after the expiration date, you will no longer be able to renew by mail but will be required to apply for a new passport at an application acceptance facility.
As a rule, all U.S. passports must be renewed every ten years to stay valid. Is There a Grace Period With U.S. Passports? Regarding U.S. passports, there is no “grace period” in the sense that you will have the ability to travel if your current passport is even one day beyond the expiration date.
Best way to apply for your passport
If you need to submit extra documents, the ten days processing time starts when we receive them. If you have already submitted a paper application, you cannot apply online. Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for or renew your passport.