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.
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.
Need your passport faster?
APVI is a State Department-registered courier that can turn around a new or renewed U.S. passport in days, not weeks.
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.
Need your passport faster?
APVI is a State Department-registered courier that can turn around a new or renewed U.S. passport in days, not weeks.
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.?
Is a regular driver's license still valid for flying?
Do I need a passport to fly to Hawaii or Alaska?
Do children need ID for domestic flights?
Related guides
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.