Airports And Passports: Where Is Id Necessary?

As of 2025, passports are not required for US citizens to fly domestically. However, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport to travel. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, valid passport, or US military ID. From May 7, 2025, all air travellers will need to present one of these forms of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel.

REAL ID Act requirements

The REAL ID Act was passed by the US Congress in 2005 to enact the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses. The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting IDs from states not meeting these standards for the following purposes:

• Accessing certain federal facilities
• Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft
• Entering nuclear power plants

From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must meet REAL ID requirements to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that all state and territory residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification. The REAL ID-compliant card will have a marking on the upper top portion of the card—usually a star in the upper right-hand corner. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for commercial aircraft boarding.

To get a REAL ID, visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out the exact documentation required. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
• Lawful Status

States may impose additional requirements, so check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for guidance.

TSA-compliant identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. This identification must be TSA-compliant and show your picture, name, and state of residence. While this can be a passport, there are several other forms of identification that are accepted.

From May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the United States. This can be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID. REAL ID-compliant cards are usually marked with a star at the top of the card, while state-issued enhanced driver's licenses are marked with a flag. If you are unsure whether your card is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state driver's license agency.

If you don't have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, there are several other forms of ID that the TSA accepts. These include:

• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• Transportation worker identification credential
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A 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, but you may be subject to additional screening.

Identification for children

Children under the age of 18 are not expected to provide identification when travelling domestically within the US. However, if they are travelling internationally, they will need to present a valid passport, regardless of their age.

For domestic travel, children under the age of 2 can fly for free as a lap child. At check-in, the airline may require proof that the child is under the age of 2, as they will want to charge for a seat otherwise. Unless the child has a passport, a copy of their birth certificate will be needed.

Children aged 2 and above will be required to pay for a seat and will no longer be allowed to sit on an adult's lap. They won't be required to prove their age, so no additional identification is needed.

If a child is travelling alone, they may be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents, along with a copy of the non-travelling parent's ID. If the child has a deceased parent, the living parent or guardian will need to sign the consent form and attach a copy of the death certificate. If the parent has sole custody, they will need to provide a notarised court order or an equivalent document.

Children aged 5-14 travelling alone are not required to show ID at check-in, but it is encouraged that they have some form of ID with them. Children aged 15-17 may be required to provide some form of identification, such as an organisation ID, proof of auto insurance in their name, or a social security card.

Identification for international travel

For international travel, a valid passport is required for all adult passengers. This is in addition to any visas that may be required for the country you are visiting. It is also recommended to carry photocopies of your ID and to email them to yourself so they can be easily accessed if the originals are lost.

In the U.S., a passport is not required for domestic flights. However, adult passengers must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued driver's license, DHS trusted traveler cards, a permanent resident card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, and a foreign government-issued passport. From May 7, 2025, IDs used for domestic flights in the U.S. will need to be REAL ID-compliant. This will also apply to entry to federal facilities.

Children under 18 are not expected to provide identification when travelling domestically. However, all children, including babies, require their own passport to travel internationally and cannot be included on the passport of a parent or guardian.

Identification for pets

When travelling with pets, it is important to ensure that they have proper identification. This is crucial in the event that your pet gets lost during travel. Here are some tips to ensure your pet has proper identification:

• Ensure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information. Tags should include the owner's name, current home address, and phone number.
• Have your pet implanted with a microchip that is registered with your current contact information, including a mobile phone number.
• If your pet has a microchip, a tag is included that has the microchip number and a mobile contact for the owner. If you have lost your tag, contact the microchip company for a replacement.
• The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information, including a mobile phone number.
• Carry a current photo of your pet with you in case they get lost during travel.
• If your pet is travelling in a crate or carrier, ensure it is clearly labelled with your name, home address, phone number, destination contact information, and a sign stating "Live Animals" with arrows indicating which way is upright.
• If you are travelling internationally with your pet, they may need to be quarantined upon arrival. They may also require import forms, so be sure to research the requirements for your destination well in advance.
• If your pet is travelling in the cargo hold of an aircraft, affix two pieces of identification to their collar. One should be a permanent ID with your name, home address, and phone number, and the other should be a temporary travel ID with the address and phone number of where you or a contact person can be reached.

Frequently asked questions