Owais Crawford
For air travel, identification documents are required for security and check-in. While a passport is the most common form of ID, other documents may be accepted, such as a driver's license, military ID, or state-issued ID. Some countries, like Canada, may require two pieces of identification if the first does not include a photo, full name, and date of birth. In the US, the TSA requires adult passengers to show valid identification, but they also have other ways to confirm identity, such as through credit cards or utility bills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a piece of mail considered a valid ID at the airport? | No, a piece of mail is not considered a valid ID at the airport. However, it may be used as one piece of evidence of identity, along with other types of identification. |
| What are some examples of valid IDs at the airport? | Passport, driver's license, state-issued ID card, military ID, Global Entry card, NEXUS card, SENTRI card, FAST card, Department of Defense ID, Tribal ID, and more. |
| What are some examples of invalid IDs at the airport? | Library card, fishing license, school or university ID, workplace ID, expired ID, and weapons permit. |
| Are there any exceptions or alternative forms of identification allowed? | Yes, in some cases, alternative forms of identification may be accepted, such as credit cards, checkbooks, Costco cards, utility bills, marriage licenses, and educational diplomas. However, these are not guaranteed to work. |
| What happens if an individual does not have a valid ID at the airport? | If an individual does not have a valid ID, they may still be allowed to fly by completing an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name, address, and other personal details. Additional screening measures may be required. |
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What You'll Learn
What if my ID is lost or stolen?
If your ID is lost or stolen, the first thing you should do is file a police report at your local police station. This will help protect you in case any negative remarks or criminal activity are associated with your name. Additionally, you should alert your employer if your ID was a commercial driver's license.
To replace a lost or stolen ID, you will need to visit a driver's license office or DMV in person. In some cases, you may be able to request a new ID card online. If you are visiting a DMV, you can make an appointment online and select "Renew License/Identification Card" as your appointment type. During your visit, you will need to attest that your credential was lost or stolen. If you are unable to visit a DMV in person, you may be able to request a replacement document by mail. However, this option is not available for those with a "Temporary Visitor" status on their license.
If you are travelling and need to pass through airport security without your ID, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may allow some flexibility with alternative forms of identification. These can include credit cards, checkbooks, utility bills, or magazine labels with your name and address. If you have a credit card, a TSA agent may be willing to call the card's 1-800 number and allow you to answer security questions to prove your identity. It is important to note that none of these alternative forms of identification are guaranteed to work, and you may be subject to additional screening.
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What forms of ID are accepted by the TSA?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
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. Passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted. Here is a list of commonly accepted forms of ID:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport
- U.S. passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. 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)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians)
In some cases, other documents may be used to confirm identity, such as a utility bill, magazine with your name and address, marriage license, or educational diploma. Credit cards may also be used to verify identity, although this is less common.
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What if I don't have any ID?
If you don't have any ID, you may be prevented from entering the secure part of the airport terminal, or you may be delayed while security verifies your identity through other means. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two to three hours early to allow for this process.
TSA officers may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
Some alternative forms of identification that may help prove your identity include:
- Credit cards
- Checkbooks
- Costco or Sam's Club membership cards
- Utility bills
- A magazine with your name and address on the label
- Marriage license
- Educational diploma
While these are not guaranteed to work, they are worth trying when you are in a tight situation.
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What if my ID is expired?
It is important to remember that an expired license is not a valid ID. While some sources suggest that TSA agents may not notice the expiration date and accept your ID, you should not rely on this. If your ID is expired, you may still be able to fly, but you will need to allow extra screening time. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours earlier than usual.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to a year after their expiration date. This includes state IDs and driver's licenses, passport cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, foreign passports, photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations, Veteran Health Identification cards, Global Entry cards, and more. However, this list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is important to check before travelling.
If you do not have acceptable ID, the TSA and the airline can work together to verify your identity and get you through airport security. You will need to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, but you will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
While not guaranteed to work, some alternative forms of identification that may help prove your identity include credit cards, checkbooks, utility bills, and magazine subscriptions with your name and address. If all else fails, filing a police report for a lost or stolen wallet or ID may be your only hope of getting through security.
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What if my ID doesn't have my photo?
In the US, every adult passenger is required to show some form of identification document that complies with TSA guidelines. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you may be denied entry into the secure part of the airport terminal, or you may be delayed while security verifies your identity through other means.
If your ID does not have your photo, it may still be used as a secondary form of identification, but you will most likely need a combination of at least two of them. For example, you can use your birth and marriage certificates together, or a worker’s ID with your birth certificate. However, most administrative institutions or airports will not accept these documents if you want to board a plane.
If you do not have a photo ID, you can apply for one at your local DMV or post office. The latter option is more expensive and time-consuming, taking about 6-8 weeks.
If you arrive at the airport without a valid photo ID, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information 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.
Some other forms of non-photo identification that may be used in combination with other forms of ID include:
- Credit cards
- Checkbooks
- Costco cards
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
- Marriage licenses
- Educational diplomas
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Frequently asked questions
An acceptable ID for air travel should be current and contain the traveller's name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature.
Acceptable IDs for air travel include a passport, driver's license, state-issued ID card, military ID, and state-issued enhanced driver's license.
If you do not have an acceptable ID, you may be prevented from entering the secure area of the airport terminal or may be delayed while security verifies your identity through other means. The TSA may be able to verify your identity using other documents, such as a credit card or utility bill, along with additional security procedures.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
If you do not have any form of identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. The TSA strongly recommends arriving at the airport with acceptable identification.
