Paper Ids: Valid For Air Travel?

The short answer is: it depends. If you're flying domestically within the US, you may be in luck. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can use other ways to confirm your identity, such as by using publicly available databases. However, if you're flying internationally, different countries have different rules about the identification they'll accept for commercial flights. So, if you're not catching a domestic flight within the US, it's highly recommended that you don't try to travel without a passport.

TSA requirements for paper IDs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. This can be a physical or digital ID, but if a digital ID cannot be verified, a physical identity document will be needed.

TSA-acceptable physical IDs include:

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• State-issued driver's licenses or state-issued IDs
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident cards
• Border crossing cards
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• Foreign government-issued passports
• Canadian provincial driver's licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards
• Transportation worker identification credentials
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials
• Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)

TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification for use in special circumstances at the checkpoint. For example, if you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (e.g. if it's lost, stolen, or expired), you may still be allowed to fly. In this case, the TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening. However, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if you choose not to provide acceptable identification, you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or your identity cannot be confirmed.

TSA recommends individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours in advance of their flight time. It's also worth noting that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States.

Paper IDs for international flights

For international flights, it is important to carry a valid ID that complies with the requirements of the specific country or region. While paper IDs or temporary IDs may be accepted in some domestic scenarios within certain countries, they are generally not considered valid identification documents for international air travel.

In the United States, for example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specified that interim or temporary paper driver's licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification for air travel. This means that if you are travelling internationally from the US, you will need to present an alternative form of ID that meets the TSA's requirements, such as a passport, passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.

It is worth noting that TSA policies are subject to change, and it is always recommended to check the latest guidelines before travelling. In some cases, if you arrive at the airport without a valid physical ID, you may still be allowed to fly by completing an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as your name and address. However, this process may be time-consuming, and it is generally advised to arrive at the airport early if you do not have a valid physical ID.

Additionally, each country or region may have its own specific requirements for acceptable forms of identification for international travel. It is important to check with the relevant authorities or your local embassy to ensure that you have the correct documentation before embarking on your trip.

In summary, while paper IDs or temporary IDs may be acceptable in certain domestic travel scenarios, it is generally recommended to carry a valid, physical ID that complies with international standards when travelling internationally. This could include a passport, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or other forms of identification recognised by the specific country or region you are travelling to or from.

Paper IDs for domestic US flights

As of May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board a domestic US flight. This means that a regular driver's license or state ID will no longer be accepted by the TSA unless it is REAL ID-compliant. A REAL ID-compliant license can be identified by a gold or black star, a white star with a gold or black circle around it, or a gold bear with a white star on top.

The TSA accepts a variety of REAL ID-compliant forms of identification for domestic US flights, including:

• REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state IDs
• US passports or passport cards
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• US Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident cards (Form I-551)
• Border crossing cards
• DHS-designated enhanced driver's licenses
• Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo IDs
• HSPD-12 PIV cards
• Foreign government-issued passports
• Canadian provincial driver's licenses or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada cards
• Transportation worker identification credentials
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (Form I-766)
• US Merchant Mariner Credentials
• Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC)

It's important to note that temporary driver's licenses, weapon permits, and birth certificates (for adults) are not accepted as forms of identification for domestic US flights. Additionally, digital IDs are accepted at select airports, but travelers must still carry a physical form of REAL ID-compliant identification as a backup.

Paper IDs for children

International Flights

For international flights, regardless of age, everyone needs a passport. This includes newborns and infants. If your child doesn't have a passport, you can follow the standard passport application process. Both parents should be present with their IDs and photocopies of the same. You will also need to provide citizenship evidence, such as a birth certificate, and a photo of your child. Passports for minors under 16 years old are valid for five years instead of the standard 10.

If you are flying solo with your child internationally, you will need additional documentation. This includes a notarized consent form signed by both parents and a copy of the non-traveling parent's ID or passport. In cases of sole custody or if the other parent is deceased, you will need to provide a copy of the custody agreement or death certificate, respectively.

Domestic Flights

For domestic flights, children under 18 years old do not need to provide identification when travelling with an adult. However, infants under two weeks old may require a note from a physician stating that they are healthy enough to fly, depending on the airline.

Children under two years old can fly for free as a lap child on domestic flights. In this case, proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, may be required at check-in to confirm the child is under two.

Once a child turns two, they must pay full airfare and no longer fly as a lap child. While they don't need identification to pass through security, it may be reassuring to have some form of ID for them, such as a printed copy of their birth certificate or a photo of their passport on your phone.

Minors Travelling Alone

When minors are travelling alone, they will need a child travel consent form, which can usually be obtained from the airline. This form provides proof that the child is authorised to travel alone and includes information about the drop-off and pick-up persons. Additionally, a consent letter signed by both parents may be required. In cases of sole custody or a deceased parent, relevant documentation must be provided.

Minors aged 5 to 14 are not required to show ID at check-in but are encouraged to have some form of identification with them. Those aged 15 to 17 may need identification, such as a school ID, learner's permit, passport, or library card.

Real ID Rules

It is important to note that starting May 7, 2025, the Real ID rules will come into effect. This means that all travellers 18 and older must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport or Global Entry card. Standard driver's licenses without the Real ID enhancement will not be accepted by the TSA for domestic flights.

Paper IDs for US citizens

As per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), all passengers must carry a physical ID to be presented at the TSA security checkpoint at the airport. For US citizens, a valid ID is mandatory to get through airport security. A driver's license is the most commonly used ID for US citizens to board domestic flights. However, starting on May 7, 2025, the Real ID rules will come into effect, and only a Real ID-compliant driver's license will be accepted at TSA checkpoints. This means that your regular driver's license might not be accepted by the TSA for domestic flights unless you've obtained the correct Real ID-enhanced version.

The TSA has listed all the IDs it accepts for domestic flights on its website. Many of these are federal IDs, such as a US passport or passport card. You can also use an ID card from a federal "trusted traveller" program, including Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST. Permanent resident cards, foreign government-issued passports, and federal IDs issued by a Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe are also accepted.

In the past, a traveller who forgot to bring their ID to the airport might have had alternate options. TSA officers previously worked with passengers to confirm their identity by providing personal information such as their name, current address, and other specific details. However, that is set to change with the introduction of the Real ID rules. From May 7, 2025, all travellers 18 and older must have a new type of enhanced and compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight. The TSA is ending its policy of helping travellers confirm their identities through other means.

If you have lost your government-issued ID or it has been stolen, you can usually obtain a temporary ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or other state agency. The TSA accepts some types of temporary IDs for air travel, but not all. A temporary driver's license or ID card may be accepted, but other types of temporary IDs, such as a temporary paper ID, may not be accepted. It is recommended to check with the TSA in advance to confirm whether your temporary ID will be accepted. Even if your temporary ID is accepted, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a passport, birth certificate, or social security card, to confirm your identity and be allowed to board your flight.

Frequently asked questions