Ruth Haines
A Common Access Card (CAC) is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. While some sources claim that a CAC is accepted as a valid form of identification at airports, others claim that it is not. According to the TSA, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present a valid ID at the airport checkpoint. While a CAC is not specifically mentioned, the TSA does list U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians) as an acceptable form of identification. Additionally, members of the U.S. Armed Forces can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by using their Department of Defense identification number, which can be found on the back of their CAC. Therefore, while a CAC may not be explicitly accepted as a valid form of identification at airports, it can be used to obtain TSA PreCheck benefits, which can expedite the security screening process.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck for military members
Military members and DOD civilians receive TSA PreCheck benefits for all official and personal travel. TSA PreCheck benefits do not extend to non-DOD-affiliated military adult dependents age 18 and over. Military members do not need to be in uniform to take advantage of the TSA PreCheck program.
To receive TSA PreCheck benefits, military members must enter the 10-digit DOD ID number from the back of their common access card (CAC) into the "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) field of their flight reservations or when updating their Defense Travel System profile for official travel. Alternatively, the DOD ID number can be entered into the "Known Traveler ID" field when creating an account with an airline.
It is important to note that military members cannot go straight to the TSA PreCheck line with their CAC; they must enter the number when booking their travel. Once the KTN is included in the reservation, a TSA PreCheck indicator will appear on the boarding pass, indicating that the individual can proceed to the TSA PreCheck screening line.
In addition to expedited screening, military members may also receive benefits such as an allowance for up to three free checked bags when travelling on certain airlines. It is recommended to check with the specific airline for their policies regarding military benefits and acceptable forms of identification.
Airport Tobacco Chewing: Is It Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scanners not accepting CAC
Scanners at airports are not always able to accept CACs. While CACs are compliant with federal REAL ID guidelines, they are not always accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that even if your CAC has all the necessary information, the scanning machines may not be able to read it.
At some airports, such as ATL, TSA agents have been observed to manually check a traveller's CAC and then ask for a separate license, noting that the machines do not read CACs. While CACs are accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification, they cannot be used to directly access the TSA Pre✓® line. Instead, travellers must enter their DOD identification number, which can be found on the back of their CAC, when booking their travel to receive TSA Pre✓® benefits.
In addition, some states issue driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant and therefore cannot be used as valid forms of identification at airports. In such cases, travellers are encouraged to carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enrol for a REAL ID through their state DMV offices. It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so travellers should always check the latest information before travelling to ensure they have acceptable identification.
To avoid potential issues with CACs or other forms of identification, it is recommended to enter your DOD ID or KTN number when booking your travel to take advantage of the TSA Pre✓® benefits, which can help expedite the security screening process at the airport. By enrolling in TSA Pre✓®, eligible travellers can enjoy a more efficient, predictable, and less stressful screening experience.
Exchanging USD to KRW at Incheon Airport: Is it Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Alternative forms of ID
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
- Passport: A passport is a widely accepted form of identification and can be used as an alternative to a driver's license or state ID. It is recommended to carry a passport when travelling, as it serves as proof of identity and citizenship.
- Green Card: A Green Card is considered a superior form of identification compared to a state ID. It is issued to permanent residents of the United States and contains personal information and biometric data.
- Credit Cards: In some cases, credit cards may be used as an alternative form of identification. Carrying a credit card with a photo, such as a cobranded Costco credit card, can be useful in verifying your identity.
- Work Security Badge: If you have a work security badge with your photo on it, this may be accepted as an alternative form of ID. The assumption is that your employer has conducted a thorough background check, which can help verify your identity.
- Membership Cards: Certain membership cards, such as the Costco membership card, feature a black-and-white photo of the cardholder. This may be sufficient for airport security and can be used as a backup form of identification.
- Department of Defense (DoD) ID: Members of the military and DoD civilians can use their DoD identification number to qualify for TSA Pre✓®. This number, located on the back of the common access card (CAC), can be entered into the KTN field when making flight reservations.
It is important to note that none of these alternative forms of ID are guaranteed to work, and it is always recommended to carry a valid, accepted form of identification when travelling. Additionally, the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, so it is advised to check the latest requirements before travelling.
Navigating to Dulles Airport via Route 66
You may want to see also
Explore related products
CAC as a federal ID
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a standardised "smart" card issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) that serves as proof of identity and DoD affiliation. It provides physical access to DoD buildings, installations, and controlled spaces, as well as secure access to DoD computer networks and systems. The CAC contains a digital photograph, the holder's name, rank, organisational affiliation, agency or department, and an expiration date. It also stores PKI certificates, two digital fingerprints, and a DoD Identification Number, which has replaced the Social Security Number on cards issued since June 1, 2011.
The CAC is accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a valid form of identification for members of the military and DoD civilians. When making flight reservations, individuals can enter the 10-digit DoD identification number located on the back of their CAC into the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field to receive TSA PreCheck benefits. This allows them to expedite the security screening process by not having to remove their shoes, belt, or light jacket, and keeping their laptop and liquids in their bag.
While the CAC is a valid form of identification for TSA PreCheck, it cannot be used by itself to check in at the airport. Passengers must either present an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enrol for a state-issued REAL ID-compliant driver's license through their state DMV offices. It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages individuals to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
In addition to the CAC, the DoD also issues the Uniformed Services ID (USID) card, which serves as proof of identity and DoD affiliation for accessing authorised benefits, including healthcare, commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities. Both the CAC and USID require applicants to undergo a background investigation and present specific original or certified documents.
Travel from Manchester Airport to Blackpool: Train Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA PreCheck for civilians
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a PreCheck program that expedites the traveler screening process at participating airports. TSA PreCheck passengers do not need to remove their shoes, belts, jackets, or take out their electronics and liquids from their bags. According to the TSA, about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and citizens of partner countries enrolled in Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck. Additionally, members of the U.S. Armed Forces, cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, and those serving in the Reserves and National Guard can receive TSA PreCheck benefits by using their Department of Defense (DoD) identification number. This 10-digit number is located on the back of the common access card (CAC).
To enroll in TSA PreCheck, applicants can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. Costs for enrollment vary by provider. Applicants can enroll in minutes, with no appointment needed, and select locations are open 7 days a week with extended hours. To renew, applicants can go through CLEAR and may qualify for discounts on other CLEAR travel products.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck passengers must still present acceptable identification at the airport checkpoint. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). Children under 18 traveling within the United States do not need to provide identification unless they are unaccompanied minors with TSA PreCheck, in which case they will need to present an acceptable ID.
Bringing Outside Food to San Diego Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
CAC stands for Common Access Card, a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations.
Yes, you can check in at the airport without a CAC. However, you must present another form of acceptable ID, such as a passport, to be allowed to check in and board your flight.
Other accepted forms of ID at the airport include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- Permanent Resident Card
- Native American Tribal Photo ID
- Foreign government-issued passport
While it is strongly recommended that you bring an acceptable form of ID to the airport, it is possible to check in without one. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you will be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening. You will need to provide information to a Transportation Security Officer to confirm your identity.
