Do You Need A Passport To Travel Within The Us?

In case you are having any domestic travel within the United States, you may wonder if you will need a passport. The short answer is no, a U.S. citizen does not require a passport to travel within the 50 states or to Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and other territories of the United States.

A passport is only needed to travel to other countries besides the United States and its possessions. Therefore if you want to cut on your expenses and if you have no intentions of travelling outside the country then you do not need that blue travel document.

However, it being a domestic trip does not mean you do not need to carry any form of identification. Here's what identification you should bring:Here's what identification you should bring:

Driver’s License or State identification

When traveling within the states by air, through a train, or by bus, it will be mandatory to have a REAL ID compliant state’s issued driver’s license or state ID card. Normal driving licenses will not be valid for domestic flights beginning May 2023. Ensure that your ID has a star or has “Federal Limits Apply” written on it as this means it supports the REAL ID.

A child below 18 years does not need an identification card when travelling domestically provided he or she is accompanied by an adult with valid identification card.

However, if you are to travel in your state or to the neighboring state, then your conventional (non-compliant) driver’s license is enough. But always confirm with your airline or transport company on the carriage of animals before booking.

Proof of Citizenship

At times, domestic travelers are required to present the proof of their U.S. citizenship in addition to the photo ID. This most commonly happens when you are:This most commonly happens when you are:

• Flying to or from Alaska, Hawaii, or any other U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
  
• Being within 100 miles of any international border within the Continental U.S.

Documents that show citizenship include your U.S passport book or passport card or birth certificate, naturalization certificate. This is something I have encountered rare times, but I guess it is useful to know in the future. Always have one of these documents when you are transported within the 50 states so that you are ready.

That is who needs a passport to travel within the US?

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, then the situation with the passport differs: With regard to the possibility of traveling to the U.S. without a passport, lawful permanent residents are allowed along with citizens of Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico when crossing by land or sea. However, all the other individuals must have valid passport documents.

Which means if you are a foreign tourist or a holder of a working or student visa, it is recommended that you carry your actual passport book or a passport card at all times when traveling-whether in a car, a plane or in a cruise starting from a U.S port. Don’t let it expire!

Children under the age of sixteen may travel on their parent’s passport if they entered the country by air or by road. Or get them their own passport if they are traveling alone. The travel company or the transportation service provider decides the IDs rules for those below a certain age or from certain countries. So call ahead.

Trusted Traveler Programs

People who travel to the United States often and have clear records can apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and use the membership cards for identification when going through security or customs respectively. This enables the low risk traveler to rush through such checkpoint without necessarily having to present their license every time.

These programs are applied for and come with an additional cost, but if you qualify, they can make traveling easier. Just know that it does not act like the REAL ID license or passport when traveling internationally.

When can you travel without ID?

Believe it or not, there are still some rare situations where Americans can travel without ANY identification documents

Crossing State Lines by Walking or by Riding

If you want to walk across the border between the United States of America and Mexico or if you wish to ride your bike across a couple of states, there are no ID checking facilities. Therefore, no license or passport is physically necessary. However, there exists legal provisions that bar those who entered the U.S. without entry documents from doing so.

On Private Planes or Boats

American citizens are able to come and go as they please without any forms of identification on private airplanes or boats but not in commercial ones. However, the actual vehicle itself must be legally registered and insured to operate on the road. However, ensure to check for local and federal laws to get the most updated information if you intend to pilot your own ship!

This is an indication that identification requirements are not very stringent for people from the United States who are traveling within the fifty states. All you need to do is come in with your new REAL ID license to be protected for every possible situation – whether that is flying internationally or taking a domestic flight to the state next door. No passport needed!

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