What ID Can I Use Instead of a Passport for Domestic Travel in the US?

Learn which IDs are accepted for US domestic travel, including state-issued IDs and birth certificates for minors, and the requirements of the REAL ID Act.

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For domestic travel within the US, State-issued IDs such as a driver's license or a non-driver ID card can be used instead of a passport. For minors who don't have a state-issued ID, some airlines may accept a birth certificate as identification. However, when traveling by air, ensure the ID complies with the REAL ID Act, which requires specific security features on IDs for them to be accepted at airport security.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can I use a driver's license instead of a passport for domestic flights in the US? Yes, a state-issued driver's license that complies with the REAL ID Act is accepted as valid identification for domestic air travel within the US.
  2. What kind of ID can minors use if they don't have a driver's license for US travel? Minors without state-issued IDs may use a birth certificate as identification; however, acceptance can vary by airline, so check with the carrier beforehand.
  3. What is the REAL ID Act and how does it affect travel identification? The REAL ID Act sets security standards for state-issued IDs. Starting May 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant identification to pass TSA security checkpoints for domestic flights.