Jazmin Li
Military members and DOD civilians can use their military IDs to check in at the airport and receive TSA PreCheck benefits. This includes all official and personal travel, whether TDY or R&R. Military members do not need to be in uniform to take advantage of the TSA PreCheck program. TSA PreCheck offers expedited screening at over 200 airports and 90 airlines across the US, with 99% of passengers waiting less than 10 minutes. Military IDs are also accepted as valid identification for domestic airline travel. However, it is important to note that TSA's list of acceptable IDs may change without notice, and travelers are advised to check the list before arriving at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a military ID valid for check-in at the airport? | Yes, TSA accepts DoD Common Access Cards, Uniformed Services ID cards, and the older DoD ID cards for military family members and retirees. |
| What if I don't have another form of ID? | TSA may conduct a supervisory review of the document and the traveler. |
| Is a photocopy of a military ID accepted? | No, TSA requires the original, valid identification document. |
| Can I go straight to the TSA PreCheck line with my CAC? | No, you must enter your DoD identification number when you book your travel. |
| Do I need to be in uniform to go through TSA PreCheck using my DoD identification number? | No, you don't need to be in uniform. |
| What if I forget my ID or encounter a validation problem? | You may still be allowed to fly. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Military ID is a valid form of ID
To ensure that the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass, you must enter your DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when booking your travel. The KTN is a 10-digit number located on the back of your Common Access Card (CAC). Once you have TSA PreCheck on your boarding pass, you can go through the TSA PreCheck screening line at the airport. It's important to note that you cannot go straight to the TSA PreCheck line with your CAC; the number must be entered at the time of booking.
While Military IDs are valid for domestic airline travel, there have been reports of issues with IDs that have an "INDEF" expiration date. This is because the TSA's computer system may interpret the "INDEF" date as "expired." In such cases, travellers may be asked to provide another acceptable form of ID or undergo additional screening.
It is always recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.
Traveling with THC: Airport Security and Your Vape
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA PreCheck® for military members
TSA PreCheck® is a trusted-traveler program that helps travellers, including military members, move quickly through the airport. Military members and DoD civilians receive TSA PreCheck® as a benefit of their employment and service. This benefit is applicable to all official and personal travel, whether TDY or R&R. Military members do not need to be in uniform to take advantage of the TSA PreCheck® program.
TSA PreCheck® benefits are available to almost any service member with a DoD ID card for free. This includes active-duty service members, cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. service academies, and those serving in the Reserves and National Guard. Military spouses, however, must apply separately, and other family members are not eligible for TSA PreCheck® benefits. An exception is made for children 12 and under, who can use the expedited screening lanes with their military parent/guardian. Dependents aged 13-17 can also use expedited screening, but the TSA PreCheck® indicator must appear on their boarding pass.
To receive TSA PreCheck® benefits, military members must enter the 10-digit DoD ID number, also known as the Known Traveler Number (KTN), located on the back of their common access card (CAC) into the KTN field when making flight reservations. The KTN should also be updated in the member's Defense Travel System profile and frequent flyer profiles. When the KTN is included in a reservation, a TSA PreCheck® indicator will appear on the boarding pass, indicating that the member can use the TSA PreCheck® screening line.
Injured service members, veterans, and wounded warriors may request assistance at security screenings through TSA Cares. TSA verifies the status of individuals identifying themselves as wounded warriors through the appropriate military branch and provides their travel information to the relevant airports.
What's in Your Bag? Delta's Airport Baggage Check-In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy all provide their cadets and midshipmen with free TSA PreCheck® benefits. This is also true of the Merchant Marine Academy, which is a non-military academy. Cadets and midshipmen can add their DoD ID number in the "Known Traveler Number" (KTN) field when booking flight reservations.
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program offered at over 200 airports. It is available for both official and personal travel. To use TSA PreCheck®, enter your 10-digit DoD ID number (found on the back of your CAC or USID card) into the KTN field when booking your flights. Ensure that your name in the reservation matches your name in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
IDs issued by recognized U.S. service academies are valid forms of identification for domestic travel. They are listed under acceptable DoD credentials and can be used at TSA security checkpoints.
Traveling with Pizza: Airport Security Check-In
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Vihibii for iPhone 17 Pro Max Case with Card Holder (4 Cards) [RFID Blocking] & Slide Camera Cover, Military Grade Drop Protection, Rugged Hard Back & Silicone Edge Wallet Phone Case 6.9" 2025, Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71UNXu+1uPL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Military retirees and spouses
However, in 2022, the Defense Department updated the new IDs, known as USID, for military retirees and their dependents. The new USID cards have durable lamination, full-colour photos, and enhanced security features, making them less susceptible to counterfeiting or misuse. These IDs are now compatible with TSA security checkpoints at all U.S. airports.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and travellers are advised to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have acceptable identification. Military retirees and spouses may also be eligible for TSA PreCheck, which provides expedited screening at over 200 airports. To maintain TSA PreCheck benefits after leaving the military, individuals must enrol prior to their departure.
Unmarried former spouses who meet the 20/20/20 rule or the 20/20/15 rule are eligible for a military ID. The 20/20/20 rule requires that the sponsor served at least 20 years, the spouse and sponsor were married for at least 20 years, and there was at least 20 years of overlap between the marriage and military service. The surviving spouse and eligible children of retired military members are also eligible for military IDs.
Lambert Airport: Where to Store Your Bags?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wounded warriors and injured veterans
TSA PreCheck® Program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers the TSA PreCheck® program, which provides expedited security screening at over 120 participating US airport checkpoints. Wounded warriors and injured veterans are eligible for this program and can benefit from expedited screening procedures at select airports. This benefit is also extended to military members, including those serving in the US Coast Guard, Reserves, and National Guard. Accompanying family members aged 12 and under can also be processed through expedited screening.
To enrol in the TSA PreCheck® program, individuals can use their official Department of Defense (DoD) identification number as their Known Traveller Number when making flight reservations. Wounded warriors and injured veterans can verify their status through the appropriate military branch. Following verification, their travel information is provided to the departing and arriving US airports, enabling them to utilise the expedited screening process.
It is worth noting that the TSA PreCheck® program may not be free of charge for all veterans, and eligibility may vary based on other factors. However, DoD civilian employees are also eligible to opt into the program through the MilConnect website.
TSA Cares Program
The TSA also offers the TSA Cares program, a helpline dedicated to assisting travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or injuries, including wounded warriors and injured veterans. By calling TSA Cares 72 hours prior to travelling, individuals can request assistance with the security screening process, receive information about screening policies and procedures, and get answers to any questions they may have about their specific situation.
Military ID Cards
Regarding military ID cards, veterans determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to have a 100% disability rating due to a service-connected injury or disease may be eligible for a Next Generation Uniformed Services ID card. Additionally, surviving spouses and eligible children of deceased active-duty members or 100% disabled veterans are also eligible for military IDs. These IDs can serve as valid identification at airport checkpoints, as long as they are compliant with REAL ID requirements.
In conclusion, wounded warriors and injured veterans have several options for expedited and assisted security screening at US airports. By utilising the TSA PreCheck® and TSA Cares programs, as well as obtaining the appropriate military ID cards, they can navigate the airport check-in process more efficiently and receive the assistance they may require during their travels. It is always advisable to check the latest information and requirements from official sources before travelling to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Traveling with Portable Tools? Airport Check-in Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, TSA accepts DoD Common Access Cards, Uniformed Services ID cards, and the older DoD ID cards for military family members and retirees as valid forms of identification.
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. However, the TSA may conduct a supervisory review of the document and traveler, which may cause delays.
No, the TSA requires the original, valid identification document. Photos or copies are not accepted.
No, you must enter your Department of Defense identification number when you book your travel. When you make a reservation and include your KTN, a TSA PreCheck® indicator will appear on your boarding pass.
