Ruth Haines
If you're over the age of 18, you must present valid identification at the airport to pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. TSA-compliant forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, passports, and other government-issued IDs. Student IDs, including high school IDs, are typically not accepted as valid forms of identification for adults. However, minors under the age of 18 are not required to provide ID when travelling within the United States, but some airlines may have their own rules about children and ID requirements, so it is always best to check with the airline beforehand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a high school ID accepted at airports? | No, a high school ID is not accepted at TSA checkpoints. Passengers 18 and older need a government-issued ID. |
| What are acceptable forms of ID? | A REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, or certain bank photo IDs. |
| What if the ID is expired? | Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after expiration. |
| What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID? | Passengers without acceptable forms of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for US citizens
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification documents that US citizens must provide when passing through TSA checkpoints at airports. From May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant will be accepted as valid forms of identification for adults over 18 years old. Until then, the TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
Children under 18 travelling within the US do not need to show identification, only a valid boarding pass. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. Airlines may have their own rules about children and IDs, so it is recommended to check with the airline beforehand. For international flights, passports are always required.
US citizens who are non-US pilots and seeking training must apply to the Flight Student Security Program (FTSP) to obtain TSA approval before initiating simulator or aircraft training. This includes initial pilot certification, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, and type rating.
To be eligible for the Global Entry Program, a US citizen must be 18 years or older (minors require parental or guardian consent) and be a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
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International flights
For international flights, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as adults. These typically include a passport or equivalent enhanced driver's license, and sometimes a visa or other documentation. School IDs are not considered acceptable identification documents for international flights. However, if your ID is a photo ID from a private school recognised by the government, it may be accepted, but it is best to contact the airline to confirm.
For international flights departing from the US, all passengers, including infants, must have a passport. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) is also accepted. Starting in January 2018, the TSA only considers enhanced driver's licenses as an acceptable form of ID. Other acceptable forms of ID include a U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If you are an international student in the US and your passport is being renewed, a university ID is likely insufficient for international travel, unless it meets "REAL ID" requirements. However, a US Visa, especially when combined with an expired passport, would be sufficient to prove your identity. It is recommended to plan to arrive at the airport earlier than required in case of additional checks.
When travelling internationally from the US, the TSA's ID requirement for entering the secure part of the airport terminal is the same for domestic and international passengers. However, airlines have their own identification requirements, typically requesting a passport, visa, or other documentation to confirm that you are allowed to fly to your destination. Therefore, it is important to check with both the TSA and your airline to ensure you have the necessary identification documents for your international flight.
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Domestic flights
For domestic flights in the US, the TSA does not require passengers under 18 to provide identification when travelling. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult accompanying the minor(s). However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening.
The TSA has procedures in place to allow passengers over 18 without an ID to fly on a domestic flight. However, passengers without an acceptable ID may be delayed while security verifies their identification through other means. It is recommended that passengers without an ID arrive at the airport early.
The TSA has a list of acceptable IDs, which is subject to change without notice. It is recommended that passengers check this list before travelling. Acceptable IDs include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passports
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
Some sources suggest that a high school ID may be accepted as long as it is a photo ID and the school is recognised by the government. However, school IDs are not considered acceptable forms of identification according to the TSA. If a high school ID is the only form of identification available, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport early so that the TSA and airline can work together to verify their identity.
In addition to a high school ID, passengers may be required to provide other documents, such as a debit or credit card in the same name.
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Unaccompanied minors
For US domestic travel, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when they are travelling with an adult. However, some airlines may require a photo ID or some official document for minors to board. Each airline determines the identification requirements for minors, so it is recommended to contact the airline well in advance of the travel date to ascertain their specific policies. For example, American Airlines requires that a birth certificate or passport be presented as proof of the child's age, and the adult must also provide their government-issued photo ID. Additionally, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
If a minor is travelling alone, they may be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents, and a child travel consent form, which provides proof that the child is authorised to travel alone. This form will usually be provided by the airline.
As for the use of a high school ID, there is limited information on its acceptability at airport security. While some sources suggest that a student ID may not be sufficient for identification, it is always best to check directly with the TSA or the relevant airline for their specific requirements. It is worth noting that the TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the acceptable forms of identification before travelling to ensure they have the necessary documents. As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Thus, it is advisable to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
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Airline-specific rules
While the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States, airlines have their own rules about children and IDs. Therefore, it is important to check with your airline regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
For example, Delta Airlines requires passengers between the ages of 2 and 17 to provide a birth certificate, passport, or photo ID for domestic travel. Children under 2 years of age do not need identification, but those aged 2 and above who do not have the required identification will not be permitted to travel. Southwest Airlines, on the other hand, requires passengers aged 12 and above to provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, school ID, or an ID issued by the US military. For passengers under 18 who do not have a form of identification, a birth certificate, parent's or guardian's photo ID, and a caregiver's authorization letter will be required.
American Airlines, meanwhile, requires passengers aged 18 and above to present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Passengers under 18 are not required to present identification, but the airline recommends that they carry some form of ID. For JetBlue, passengers aged 15 and below need to present a birth certificate, passport, or photo ID, while those aged 16 and above must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or school ID.
It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, and it is always best to check with the specific airline before travelling to ensure you have the correct documentation.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint.
TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced IDs (EID).
High school IDs are not accepted at TSA checkpoints. Passengers aged 18 and older need a government-issued ID.
If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address.
