Airports And Passports: What's The Connection?

Whether you need a passport at the airport depends on where you're travelling. If you're travelling internationally, you will always need a passport. However, if you're travelling domestically, you may not need a passport, and a state-issued ID or driver's license may be sufficient. From May 7, 2025, all air travellers in the US aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued ID, or another TSA-approved form of identification.

Domestic vs international travel

When it comes to air travel, there are two main categories: domestic travel, which refers to travelling within your country of residence, and international travel, which involves crossing borders between countries. The requirements for identification documents can vary between these two types of travel, so it's important to understand the differences to ensure a smooth journey.

For US citizens, the requirements for domestic and international travel are distinct. When travelling within the US, a passport is not required. Instead, travellers need a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or a REAL ID-compliant identification card. This applies to adults over the age of 18, as children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling domestically. It's worth noting that the REAL ID Act, which was set to be enforced by May 2023, has been extended to May 7, 2025, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After this date, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card will be mandatory for domestic air travel.

In contrast, when travelling internationally, a passport is typically required for all individuals, regardless of age. This is because a passport serves as an internationally recognised travel document and provides proof of identity and citizenship when crossing borders. It's important to ensure that your passport is valid and meets the requirements of your destination country, as some countries may require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

While a passport is not necessary for US domestic travel, it can still be used as a valid form of identification at airport security checkpoints. Additionally, for international travel, it's always recommended to have a valid passport, as it is the most widely accepted form of identification and can help streamline your entry into foreign countries.

It's worth noting that the requirements mentioned above specifically apply to air travel. For land or sea travel within or outside the US, there may be different requirements and accepted forms of identification. It's always advisable to check with official sources, such as government websites, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding travel document requirements.

REAL ID

For US residents, a passport is not required for domestic air travel. However, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID, or a passport. From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the country. This can be identified by a star in the top right corner.

If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use other forms of identification, such as a valid passport, a U.S. military ID, or a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). These forms of ID will be accepted at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

It is important to note that the REAL ID is only required for domestic air travel within the US. For international travel, a passport is always required. Additionally, some countries have specific requirements for your passport, such as being valid for at least six months from your arrival and having a minimum of four blank pages.

TSA requirements

To fly within the US, you do not need a passport, but you will need a valid government-issued photo ID or another acceptable form of identification. From May 7, 2025, all air travellers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identification card, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another TSA-acceptable form of ID at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

The TSA requires adult passengers (18+) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. Here is a list of TSA-acceptable forms of ID:

• REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• 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
• Federally recognized Tribal-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC)
• 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)

Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the US, but it is recommended to check with the airline regarding specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.

Mobile passport control

MPC allows travellers to submit their travel documents, photos, and customs declaration information through the app. This reduces the passport control inspection time and overall wait time. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

• Create a traveller profile using biographic information from your passport. You can create a profile for all eligible members in a family group. Your profiles will be securely stored on your device for free and can be used for future travel.
• Select your mode of travel, port of entry, and terminal (if applicable). Answer CBP inspection-related questions and certify the accuracy of your answers. Upon arrival at your port of entry, tap the "Yes, Submit Now" or "Submit Now" button.
• Capture a clear and unobstructed photo of each traveller (including yourself) that you added to your submission.
• Once your submission is processed, CBP will send a virtual receipt to your device.
• Proceed to the MPC-designated lane upon arrival and be prepared to present your passport and other relevant travel documents. Please note that MPC does not replace your passport; you will still need to present your physical passport to a CBP officer to finalize your inspection for entry into the United States.
• The CBP officer will complete the inspection. If further information is required, the CBP officer will let you know.

MPC provides a more efficient, secure in-person inspection process for both the CBP officer and the traveller, and shortens overall entry wait times.

Validity and expiration

The validity and expiration of your passport are crucial factors to consider when travelling. Firstly, it is essential to verify that your passport is still valid before embarking on any international travel. Passport validity means ensuring that your passport has not expired and remains within the acceptable timeframe for your intended journey. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least another six months from your arrival date. This requirement is crucial, as some countries, such as China, Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, and Turkey, will deny entry if your passport is set to expire in less than six months.

Additionally, it is advisable to check the pages in your passport. Some countries mandate a minimum number of blank pages, typically around four, to ensure there is sufficient space for entry and exit stamps. This requirement is often dependent on the country you are visiting, so it is recommended to check the specific entry requirements for your destination.

In the case of domestic travel within the United States, a passport is not required. However, a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, is necessary. From May 7th, 2025, travellers within the US will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, valid passport, or US military ID. This requirement is for all air travellers 18 years of age and older.

It is important to note that the TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to a year after their expiration date. However, this policy may change, so it is always best to check for the most up-to-date information. When travelling, it is advisable to carry your physical ID, as digital IDs may not always be verifiable at TSA security checkpoints.

Frequently asked questions