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Do You Need a Passport to Fly Within the U.S.? REAL ID Rules (2026)

No passport needed for domestic flights — but your driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant since May 2025. Accepted IDs, Hawaii/Alaska rules, kids.

Quick answer

No — U.S. citizens don't need a passport for domestic flights, including Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. Since May 7, 2025, the TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (star in the corner) or an accepted alternative: passport, passport card, Global Entry card, or military ID. Children under 18 need no ID when traveling with an adult.

Updated October 2026

REAL ID — what's enforced now

Since May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18+ needs a REAL ID-compliant license or an accepted alternative at TSA checkpoints. A standard (non-compliant) license alone gets you pulled aside — and potentially denied boarding if you can't verify identity another way.

Check your license: a gold or black star in the top corner means compliant. 'Not for federal identification' or 'federal limits apply' means it is not.

Accepted IDs at TSA

  • REAL ID driver's license or state ID (star marked)
  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI cards
  • DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. military ID
  • Enhanced Driver's License (MI, MN, NY, VT, WA) — REAL ID compliant
  • Foreign passports and permanent resident cards

Hawaii, Alaska, and territories

Flights to Hawaii and Alaska are domestic — same rules as any state. U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, USVI, Guam, Northern Marianas, American Samoa) are also domestic: no passport required for citizens, just TSA-accepted ID. Cruise and ferry side-trips to foreign ports are a different story — see our territory and cruise guides.

Kids and companions

TSA doesn't require ID for travelers under 18 flying domestically with an adult. Airlines may ask for proof of age on lap-infant tickets — a birth certificate copy is enough.

If you show up without compliant ID

TSA's identity verification process can still get you through — extra questioning plus a check against federal databases, taking 15-30+ minutes. Show up early; it's not guaranteed. A passport or passport card in your bag kills this problem entirely.

Do You Need a Passport to Fly Within the U.S.? REAL ID Rules (2026) — FAQ

Do I need a passport to fly domestically in the U.S.?
No — a REAL ID-compliant license or other TSA-accepted ID is enough. Your passport works too, but it's not required for domestic flights.
Is a regular driver's license still valid for flying?
Only if it's REAL ID-compliant (star marking). Standard non-compliant licenses are no longer accepted alone at TSA checkpoints since May 2025.
Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?
No — both are domestic flights with standard TSA ID rules.
Do children need ID for domestic flights?
No — under 18, no ID is required by TSA when traveling with an adult. Carry a birth certificate copy for lap-infant age verification if asked.
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Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.