Summary of the Article: What You Need to Fly in the US in 2021
The article provides information on the identification requirements for flying within the United States in 2021. Here are the key points:
- Acceptable IDs: You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to fly. You can review the complete list of acceptable identification.
- REAL ID Compliance: Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
- Can I Still Fly Without a REAL ID?: If you’re wondering if you can still fly in the U.S. without a REAL ID, the answer is yes, for now. However, by 2025, you will need to have a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
- ID Required for Local Flights: For domestic travel, you need to bring a valid government, school, or company-issued ID.
- Flying Southwest without a REAL ID: For domestic travel on Southwest Airlines, passengers aged 18 and older will need a current, government-issued, photo identification (ID) for the security screening process. Children under 18 do not require an ID. International travel may require a passport and other documentation.
- Flying Without a Passport: You can fly to all 50 U.S. states and territories without a passport. However, ensure your driver’s license or state-issued ID is REAL-ID compliant before May 2025.
- Traveling Without a Passport: The American Citizen Services Section advises all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. Dual citizens may have alternative documentation options, but a U.S. passport is necessary to re-enter the U.S.
- Getting a PA REAL ID When Renewing Your Driver’s License: It is optional to change your current license to a REAL ID when renewing. Your REAL ID expiration date will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus four years.
- What ID Do You Need for a Passport: Acceptable forms of ID for a passport include a driver’s license, government-issued ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or a previously issued passport if you are applying for a new one.
15 Unique Questions and Detailed Answers:
To fly within the U.S., you must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or U.S. military ID. Your identity must be verifiable, or you will not be allowed to fly. Refer to the complete list of acceptable identification.
Yes, you can still fly in the U.S. without a REAL ID for now. However, starting May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. To check if you’re REAL ID ready, use the interactive tool provided.
For local flights within the U.S., you need to bring a valid government, school, or company-issued ID.
For domestic travel on Southwest Airlines, passengers aged 18 and older will need a current, government-issued, photo identification (ID) for the security screening process. Children under 18 do not require an ID. International travel may require a passport and other documentation.
Yes, you can fly to all 50 U.S. states and territories without a passport. Just make sure to carry either your driver’s license or a state-issued ID. Ensure your driver’s license and other ID are REAL-ID compliant before May 2025 to avoid any issues.
The American Citizen Services Section advises all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may have alternative documentation options for travel, a U.S. passport is required to re-enter the United States.
Getting a PA REAL ID when renewing your driver’s license is optional and voluntary. If you choose to get a REAL ID when it becomes available, the expiration date of your REAL ID will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus an additional four years.
For a passport, acceptable forms of ID include a driver’s license, government-issued ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or a previously issued passport (if you are applying for a new one).
What do you need to fly in the US in 2021
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
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Can I still fly in the US without a REAL ID
On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Find out if you're REAL ID ready with our interactive tool!
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What ID is required for local flights
Domestic Travel: Bring a valid government, school, or company-issued ID.
Can I fly Southwest without a REAL ID
For domestic travel, all passengers 18 and older will need a current, government-issued, photo identification (ID) for the security screening process. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID. If traveling internationally, a passport and other documentation may be required.
Can I fly without a passport
Bottom line: You can fly to all 50 U.S. states and territories without a passport. Just make sure to carry either your driver's license or a state-issued ID. To avoid frustrations in the future, ensure your driver's license and other ID are REAL-ID compliant before May 2025.
Can I travel without a passport
The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.
Can I get a PA REAL ID when I renew my driver’s license
It is optional and voluntary to change your current license to a REAL ID. However, if you choose to get a REAL ID when they are available, your REAL ID expiration date will reflect any remaining time on your current license, plus four years – you will not "lose" any time that you've already paid for.
What ID do you need for a passport
Photo ID: A driver's license, government-issued ID, military ID, Certificate of Naturalization, or previously issued passport (if you are applying for a new one) are all acceptable forms of ID.
What should I bring on a domestic flight
Travel Documents and InformationValid photo identification.Travel tickets (plane, train, bus; can be paper or electronic copies)Boarding passes.Reservation confirmations (rental car, hotel, pre-paid tickets for events; can be paper or electronic copies)Credit and debit cards.Cash.Emergency contact list.
What ID is acceptable for Southwest Airlines
You must present an acceptable ID, such as a valid passport, state-issued enhanced driver's license or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. You will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be verified.
Can I use my birth certificate to fly Southwest
Original or photocopies of government-issued identification (e.g., passport, birth certificate, government-issued photo identification card) are the only acceptable forms of proof of age. Electronic screen shots, phone images, or immunization records are not acceptable.
What do you need to fly without a passport
IdentificationDriver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)U.S. passport.U.S. passport card.DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.Permanent resident card.
Can I fly domestically without a passport card
The U.S. passport book and U.S. passport card are both accepted as ID for domestic flights. You may not have heard about the U.S. passport card before. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel, but it is still a great ID to have in your wallet.
Where can a US citizen travel without a passport
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel between the U.S. and these territories: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Puerto Rico. U.S. Virgin Islands.
What proof do you need for a REAL ID in PA
Proof of your Pennsylvania Residency
Current, unexpired PA driver's license or photo ID card. PA vehicle registration card. Auto insurance card. A computer-generated utility bill showing your name and address.
Can PA driver’s license be used to fly
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.
What is an example of 2 forms of ID
Driver license. US passport or passport card. US military card (front and back) Military dependent's ID card (front and back)
Can you travel without an ID but with a passport
Some valid forms of identification you can show include a valid passport, a DHS trusted traveler card, a passport card, or these other valid forms of identification. Verifying your identity really only becomes an issue once you arrive at the security line.
What do I need to present at the airport
Are you about to fly for the first timeID card – The most important document for Air travel and Passport for International Travellers.Tickets – Hard copy / soft copy based on the Airline's policy.Boarding Pass – If available or you can print it at the Check-in counters at the Self Kiosk counters at the Airport.
What is not allowed in a carry-on bag
Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Can I fly Southwest without photo ID
All passengers over the age of 18 must present a government-issued form of photo identification at check-in. Acceptable forms of ID are military ID, driver's license, passport, or passport card at the time of check-in. Yes, you can use your passport to travel domestically.
Do airlines ask for birth certificates
You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
What forms of ID are acceptable on Southwest
All passengers 18 years of age and older must show a state or federally-issued photo identification to pass through security checkpoints. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, driver's license, military ID or permanent resident card.
Can I board a plane without ID and passport
Mark your calendars, Americans: As of May 7, 2025, all domestic travelers 18 years of age and older will be required to have REAL ID-compliant identification (or an approved alternative such as a U.S. passport) in order to board commercial flights.
How can I board a plane without ID or passport
Come prepared with additional forms of identification (credit card, photo business card, student ID, even mail or prescription medication with your name and address). Once the airline representative is satisfied that you are who you say you are, they will issue a boarding pass with a note that you don't have an ID.
