Traveling within the United States this year requires knowing which type of identification is required for domestic flights: a passport, driver’s license, or REAL ID. If you have documents from the U.S. government like a Permanent Resident Card, you don’t need to carry a passport. However, those who don’t should be carrying their passport.
A REAL ID is required to board a domestic flight and enter a federal facility. Check your state’s status to see if your current driver’s license or state ID meets REAL ID standards. When traveling within the US, you don’t need a passport to fly, but make sure you have a valid driver’s license or state ID. Check if your ID is REAL-ID compliant.
American citizens do not need a passport to fly domestically, but they will always need a passport to fly internationally. A government-issued photo ID, such as a state-issued ID card, is sufficient for domestic air travel. However, using your passport as a government-issued photo ID is possible but not mandatory.
A Pennsylvania-issued document (license or ID card) can be used as a government-issued photo ID until May 2, 2023. After that, you’ll need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification.
A passport is not required for American travelers inside the US, but foreign citizens must use their passport when coming here. Starting May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification.
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Do you have to provide ID in PA?
In Pennsylvania, individuals are not required to provide police information such as their name, address, ID, or immigration status. However, if they choose not to show ID or provide their name, they may be detained for longer periods. If lawfully present in the United States, they may wish to show their ID or provide their name. If undocumented, showing ID or providing their name may result in imprisonment by immigration authorities.
When detained on the street by an immigration agent, they must provide their immigration papers if they have them. If they do not have the papers, they can say “I am going to remain silent” and hand the immigration agent their attorney’s card or the My Rights Card included in the brochure. Undocumented individuals should only say “I am going to remain silent” and hand the immigration agent their attorney’s card or the My Rights Card.
In case of police or immigration agents stopping your car, you must pull over and refuse to give permission for a search.
What are the new flight rules for 2024?
The U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that outlines the unfair business practice of airlines refusing to provide prompt refunds of airfare to consumers when a carrier cancels or changes a scheduled flight to, from, or within the United States. The rule mandates that U. S. and foreign air carriers must provide automatic refunds upon request when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights and consumers do not accept the alternatives offered.
It also requires airlines to promptly refund checked bag fees for delayed bags and ancillary service fees for ancillary services that consumers paid for but were not provided. Additionally, it requires U. S. and foreign air carriers to provide transferrable travel vouchers or credits valid for at least 5 years to non-refundable passengers holding non-refundable tickets for scheduled flights to, from, or within the United States who are restricted by a government or advised not to travel due to a serious communicable disease.
The final rule also aims to protect airline passengers from surprise fees when purchasing a ticket. It requires airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront fees for checked bags, carry-on bags, and cancellations or changes in reservations. The rule also allows consumers to receive passenger-specific fees based on their participation in the airline’s rewards program, military status, or credit card, or to remain anonymous and receive standard fee information. The rule also requires airlines to disclose baggage, change, and cancellation policies before ticket purchase.
Lastly, the DOT has entered into a bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with attorneys general from 18 states and U. S. territories to protect aviation consumers from unfair or deceptive practices.
Can I use my driver’s license to go to USA?
Canadian citizens aged 15 and under entering the United States by land or water are required to present a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Program card, enhanced driver’s license or enhanced identification card, Secure Certificate of Indian Status, and a valid WHTI-compliant document for the duration of their stay. It is imperative that the WHTI-compliant document be valid for the entirety of the individual’s stay.
Can you fly domestically in the U.S. without a passport?
In order to pass through security in the United States, it is necessary to present a valid U. S. government-issued photo ID or passport from one’s country of origin. Furthermore, the name on one’s boarding pass must correspond with the legal name on the aforementioned ID.
Do I need a passport to fly domestic in the US in 2024?
The REAL ID Act, which was set to become law on Oct. 1, 2020, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now requires all U. S. travelers to meet the REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights by May 7, 2025. This change was made due to the unprecedented circumstances of the last few years, including travel during the pandemic. While a passport may not be necessary for travel, it is still required for those who are already issued a REAL ID compliant driver’s license, which can be identified by the star in the upper right-hand corner of the ID. If your ID is not already compliant, you can prepare accordingly.
Can I use my driver’s license to fly within the US?
Starting May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses or state IDs will no longer be allowed to board domestic flights. If you don’t upgrade your license or state ID, you can use a passport or other acceptable forms of identification. The REAL ID Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. If you haven’t upgraded, you won’t be able to use them for domestic flights. Visit the REAL ID website for more information.
Can I travel in the United States without my passport?
As of May 7, 2025, individuals intending to utilize their state-issued identification or license for aviation purposes within the United States are obliged to ascertain that they are in compliance with the REAL ID standards. In the event of uncertainty, it is recommended to seek guidance from the relevant state department of motor vehicles.
What documents are needed for ID in PA?
When applying for a REAL ID, you must provide a proof of your identity and lawful status in the United States. This includes a proof of your Social Security Number, proof of your Pennsylvania residency, and proof of your legal name or date of birth change. PennDOT requires these documents to be verified, even if you already have a Pennsylvania driver’s license or photo ID card. Driver License Centers are equipped to verify these documents, so it’s best to gather these documents now and keep them in a safe place. All documents must be original versions or certified copies, and photocopies will not be accepted.
Do I need a REAL ID to fly in 2024 USA?
In accordance with the provisions of the REAL ID Act, all U. S. travelers are required to be in compliance with the Act’s standards by May 7, 2025, in order to be permitted to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. To ascertain whether you are prepared for the REAL ID, you may utilize an interactive tool. This identification is a prerequisite for domestic flights and may also be required for access to federal facilities. In addition, other forms of identification may be required.
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