Us Airports: Where Passports Are Mandatory

As of May 7, 2025, US citizens flying within the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to pass through airport security. This means that a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or driver's license, or an alternative form of ID such as a valid passport, will be required. US citizens do not need a passport when travelling between the US and US territories, with the exception of American Samoa, but a passport is required to enter Freely Associated States.

From May 2025, US state-issued IDs must be REAL ID-compliant for domestic flights

From May 7, 2025, all US state-issued IDs must be REAL ID-compliant for domestic flights. This means that if you are planning to fly within the US, your state-issued ID or driver's license must be REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.

REAL ID-compliant IDs will display a star marking in the top right corner. The REAL ID Act was passed by the US federal government in 2005, setting minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act gives federal agencies the authority to set their own minimum security access requirements. For example, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has recently decided to no longer accept non-compliant marked cards across its facilities.

Until May 7, 2025, the TSA at airport security checkpoints will continue to accept all state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards for identification purposes, including those issued by non-compliant states with a valid extension. However, after this date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, or another acceptable form of identification, to board a commercial aircraft. Acceptable alternative forms of identification include a US passport or passport card, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License, or a DHS-trusted traveler card.

It is important to note that the REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility. For example, you can still enter public areas of the Smithsonian without a REAL ID. Additionally, the Act does not prohibit an agency from accepting other forms of identity documents, and TSA officers may allow passengers without acceptable identification to fly after completing an identity verification process.

Passports are not required for domestic US flights

As of November 2023, passports are not required for US citizens travelling on domestic flights within the US. However, this is set to change on May 7, 2025, when the Real ID programme comes into effect. From that date, travellers will need to present a Real ID-compliant form of identification to pass through airport security for domestic flights. This can include a US passport or passport card, but there are several other acceptable forms of ID, including:

• A state-issued ID card or driver's license with a Real ID star
• DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorisation Card (I-766)
• US Merchant Mariner Credential

Until May 7, 2025, US citizens do not need to present any ID to travel on domestic flights within the US, but they will be subject to a more tedious questioning process. However, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel, and it is recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time.

US citizens need a passport to enter American Samoa

As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID, passport, or other acceptable forms of identification listed by the TSA will be required for domestic air travel in the US. This means that US citizens will need a passport or a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or license to fly within the US. However, there are some exceptions and additional requirements when travelling to US territories, such as American Samoa.

American Samoa is a US territory, but unique in that US citizens do need a passport or a certified US birth certificate to enter the island. This is because the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not exercise jurisdiction in American Samoa, and entry requirements are determined by the American Samoa Government. Thus, a US citizen or national must have a valid US passport or certified birth certificate, a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment in American Samoa, and approval from the Attorney General of American Samoa to stay beyond the initial 30-day period.

The requirements for an alien's entry into American Samoa are similar to those for US citizens. In addition to a ticket for onward passage, aliens must possess a valid passport with a photograph or fingerprint and authorisation to return to their country of origin or enter another country. These measures ensure that all visitors to American Samoa can provide proof of their identity and citizenship, as well as demonstrate their intention to leave the territory.

It is important to note that the requirements for entering American Samoa may differ from other US territories. For example, US citizens do not need a passport to travel between the US and the US Virgin Islands, another US territory. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the specific entry requirements for each destination, especially when travelling to US territories that may have distinct regulations in place.

US citizens must enter and exit the US using a US passport

US citizens are required to use a US passport book when entering or exiting the country by air. This is a requirement for re-entry into the US, and a valid passport must be presented for the length of the planned stay. US citizens do not need a passport to enter US territories, such as the US Virgin Islands, but they do need one for travel to Freely Associated States.

US citizens can use a US passport card or Trusted Traveller card for land and sea border crossings. A passport is also an acceptable form of identification for domestic flights and may be used instead of a REAL ID Driver's License. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID will be mandatory for domestic flights. This includes state-issued IDs and licenses, which must be REAL ID-compliant.

For international travel, US citizens must have a valid passport, and some countries require at least six months of validity remaining on the passport. Additionally, an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa is required to enter or transit through the US. The ESTA is an automated system that determines eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.

US citizens should also be aware of specific travel warnings and requirements for the countries they plan to visit, such as entry documents, restricted goods, and vaccinations for pets. It is advisable to contact the relevant embassies or consulates for detailed information on entry and exit requirements.

Furthermore, US permanent residents seeking to re-enter the country after temporary travel abroad must present a valid "Green Card" (Form I-551) or a Reentry Permit if they plan to be absent for longer than a year. Additional documents may be required for identity verification, and all travel documents must match precisely to avoid delays.

A passport is needed to enter some US Freely Associated States

As of May 7, 2025, US citizens must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the US. This can include a REAL ID driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport. However, this requirement only applies to those aged 18 and over, and children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the country.

In addition to the ID requirements for domestic travel, US citizens may need a passport when travelling to or from certain US territories and Freely Associated States. While US citizens do not need a passport to travel to US territories like the US Virgin Islands, a passport or certified birth certificate is required to enter American Samoa.

Furthermore, US citizens do need a passport to travel to certain Freely Associated States. This includes the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Upon arrival at a US port of entry, citizens of these states will receive admission stamps in their passports, reflecting their admission under the Compacts of Free Association.

It is important to note that the requirements for travel may change, and it is always a good idea to check the latest guidelines before planning a trip. Additionally, other forms of secure identification, such as a driver's license or a Global Entry card, may be accepted in some cases. However, a passport is generally a reliable form of identification and can be used in lieu of a REAL ID driver's license for domestic flights and when visiting federal facilities.

Frequently asked questions