Ruth Haines
While TSA guidelines state that adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid identification at the airport, there are several alternatives to a physical ID. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID, but other forms of identification, such as a passport, a police report, a birth certificate, a school ID, a Social Security card, credit cards, or a photo of your ID on your phone, may be used to verify your identity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a printed license valid at the airport? | No, a printed license is not considered valid at the airport. |
| What if I don't have a valid ID? | If you don't have a valid ID, you may still be able to fly if your identity can be verified. TSA will sometimes be lenient and accept multiple forms of ID as long as they have a photo. |
| What other documents can be used to verify identity? | Documents such as prescription pill bottles, Medicaid card, debit card, temporary ID, college ID, credit cards, and passport can be used to verify identity. |
| What if I have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license? | State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. |
| What if my ID is expired? | TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for identification
As per the TSA requirements, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the airport to be allowed through the security checkpoint. From May 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Hence, passengers must carry acceptable alternative forms of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and does not possess another acceptable alternative form of ID, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. In such cases, the TSA officer may ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name, current address, and other personal details. If the identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to further screening. It is important to note that passengers who choose not to provide acceptable identification or decline to cooperate with the identity verification process will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification. For unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck, an acceptable ID is required for expedited screening. TSA does not mandate identification for children under 18 travelling within the United States, provided they are accompanied by an adult with valid identification.
To enhance the security screening process, TSA offers the PreCheck Touchless ID program, which utilizes facial recognition technology. This program eliminates the need for physical identification documents at the security checkpoint and provides a dedicated lane for faster processing. However, it is currently available only at select airports and for participating airlines. Passengers interested in Touchless ID must opt-in and ensure their information, including passport details, is up to date to facilitate accurate photo matching.
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REAL ID compliance
The REAL ID Act mandates that federal agencies can only accept compliant identification documents for official purposes. This includes boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, or entering nuclear power plants. State-issued identification documents that are not REAL ID-compliant must clearly state this on the card, and they are not accepted as valid forms of ID at airports.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state-issued ID card must have a star in the upper right corner. The process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant card varies by state, and individuals should contact their state's driver's licensing agency for specific requirements. Generally, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of a Social Security number.
It is important to note that REAL ID compliance is not required for children under 18 travelling within the United States. Additionally, individuals who do not possess a REAL ID-compliant identification document can present other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.
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Temporary licenses
A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. However, if you have a temporary license, you can still fly as long as you have another way to verify your identity. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process that 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. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
It is important to note that TSA requirements state that they currently accept expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Additionally, children under 18 travelling within the United States do not need to provide identification, although unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
In some cases, individuals have reported being able to fly with a temporary license and an old, voided, or expired license without any issues. However, it is always recommended to check with the TSA or the relevant authorities for the latest requirements and to arrive at the airport early if additional verification is needed.
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Identity verification
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets the standards for acceptable identification. To be REAL ID compliant, a state-issued driver's license or identification card must adhere to specific security standards. This typically includes markings such as a star in the upper-right corner or a flag, indicating that it is issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced IDs (EIDs) issued by select states, including Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are also accepted as alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. These EDLs/EIDs allow individuals to fly within the US and travel by land or sea into bordering countries.
For those without a REAL ID, other acceptable forms of identification are available, such as a valid passport, U.S. passport card, or cards from trusted traveler programs like Global Entry. It is essential to note that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of ID. Additionally, the TSA advises travelers to arrive at the airport with ample time for identity verification, especially if they have non-compliant IDs, to avoid potential delays.
To enhance security and efficiency, the TSA has introduced the option of Digital IDs and facial recognition technology. Digital IDs are electronic representations of personally identifying information (PII) that can be stored on mobile devices and scanned at TSA checkpoints. This method offers increased privacy and security by reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. Facial recognition technology further streamlines the process, providing touchless ID verification for participating travelers.
In summary, identity verification at airports is a critical aspect of travel security. By adhering to REAL ID requirements or presenting alternative acceptable forms of identification, travelers can ensure a smoother journey through checkpoints. The introduction of Digital IDs and facial recognition technology also offers enhanced security and privacy for travelers while improving the overall efficiency of the identity verification process.
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$24.99
Alternative forms of ID
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs can change without notice. Hence, it is always good to check the list before travelling. Here is a list of alternative forms of ID that are currently accepted:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.
- 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).
Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after their expiration date. However, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. If you have lost your ID, it is recommended to file a police report and bring it to the airport as proof of your identity. A birth certificate may also be used together with other documents to confirm your identity.
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Frequently asked questions
A printed temporary license is not considered an acceptable form of identification at TSA checkpoints. Passengers without a valid ID will need to complete an identity verification process and may be subject to additional screening.
TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. TSA will sometimes be lenient and accept multiple forms of ID as long as they all have a photo. It is recommended to bring as many forms of identification as possible and arrive at the airport well ahead of your scheduled departure time to complete the identity verification process.
Alternative forms of ID include a police report about a missing ID, a birth certificate (when used together with other documents), prescription pill bottles with your name on it, a Medicaid card, a debit card, a temporary ID, a college ID, credit cards, and a social security card.
