Lois Larson
Forgetting your ID can be stressful when you're at the airport, but there are ways to get through security without it. Generally, a federal or state-issued photo ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, is required to fly. However, if you only have a paper license, you may still be able to board your flight. Contacting the airline prior to your flight is advised, as they can provide you with options to complete before your departure. At the airport, you may be subject to additional screening to confirm your identity, such as answering security questions or providing other documents with your name on them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paper ID accepted | No |
| Alternative options | Contact the airline, other forms of ID, additional screening, digital identification |
| REAL ID | State-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant are accepted |
| TSA PreCheck | Passengers with non-compliant IDs may be directed to a separate area for additional screening |
| Global Entry | DHS-trusted traveler cards like Global Entry are accepted |
| Credit cards | Can be used as a form of ID |
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What You'll Learn
Paper licenses are not valid ID
Firstly, it is important to note that TSA requirements for identification are subject to change without notice. It is always best to check before travelling. That being said, the TSA typically requires a federal- or state-issued photo ID to get through the checkpoint. This can include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or a DHS-trusted traveler card, such as Global Entry.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, you will be notified of your non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This additional screening may involve answering questions about your identity, such as previous addresses and your date of birth, or providing other documents with your name on them, such as a credit card.
While it is possible to get through TSA security without a REAL ID-compliant license, it is always best to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID before your trip.
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REAL ID-compliant licenses
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. REAL ID-compliant licenses are state-issued driver's licenses or identification cards that meet the REAL ID security standards. This means that the license or card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. This marking is typically located in the upper right corner of the card.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, you must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck. Additionally, you may be required to provide proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. The specific requirements may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for the exact documentation needed.
It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant licenses are required for boarding commercial aircraft and accessing certain federal facilities. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license, you can still use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). These alternative forms of identification are acceptable for domestic air travel and visiting federal facilities.
While the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards, it does not require individuals to present identification where it is not currently required to access a federal facility. Additionally, it does not prohibit agencies from accepting other forms of identity documents. For example, individuals under the age of 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
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Other forms of ID
While the TSA generally requires a federal- or state-issued photo ID to get through airport security, there are several other acceptable forms of ID that can be used if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license. These include:
- A valid passport: This is a widely accepted form of identification for air travel and is considered an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): These provide proof of identity, US citizenship, and additional information. While the TSA accepts driver's licenses from any US state, only an EDL is considered a valid form of ID.
- US Military ID: Active-duty or retired military personnel, their dependents, and Department of Defense civilians can use their US Military ID as a valid form of identification.
- DHS trusted traveler cards: Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST cards are accepted by the TSA as valid forms of identification.
- Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID: This includes Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), which are considered acceptable forms of identification.
- State photo identity card: A state-issued photo identity card, similar to a driver's license, can be used as an alternative form of ID.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA's website or with your local DMV to ensure that your form of identification is compliant before travelling. Additionally, for domestic travel within the US, passengers under the age of 18 do not need to provide identification.
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Additional screening
If you only have a paper license, you may still be able to board your flight, provided that the TSA can check your identity through other means. However, you should expect to undergo additional screening.
Firstly, contact your airline prior to your flight day. They can advise you on any additional steps you need to take. The TSA will then attempt to confirm your identity before you can board the plane. This may involve answering questions relating to your previous addresses, your date of birth, or your mother's maiden name. You may also be asked about the make and model of your car. The TSA officer may also search the internet to try to ensure you are who you say you are.
You should also check to see if you have any other documents or acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport, a DHS trusted traveler card (like Global Entry), or a state-issued REAL ID. Some other acceptable forms of ID include a resident card, a credit card with your name on it, or a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
If you are a member of a trusted traveler program like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, this may also help your case.
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Digital identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is increasingly accepting digital IDs as a valid form of identification at airports. Digital IDs are an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. They are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeit or fraudulent, and also offer more privacy as only the information necessary to verify identity is shared.
To use a Digital ID at over 250 airports, travellers must add their acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. They can then scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. Digital IDs are currently accepted at 27 airports across the United States, including one in Puerto Rico, and this number is expected to grow. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which uses facial recognition technology, is also available at select airports for expedited airport security screening.
It is important to note that not all digital driver's licenses are compatible with TSA technology. While nearly a dozen states now issue digital driver's licenses or mobile IDs, only eight states issue IDs that are interoperable with TSA technology. These include Arizona, which was the first state to deploy a new technology that allows passengers to use their state-issued mobile driver's license or mobile identification card in Apple Wallet to verify their identity for airport security screening.
In addition to digital IDs, the TSA provides a handful of other options to get through security without government-issued ID. TSA officers may ask travellers to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot get through TSA security with only a paper license. TSA requires a federal or state-issued photo ID.
Contact your airline before your flight. They can advise you on what to do to be able to board your flight. You may be able to board with paper ID after undergoing additional screening or using digital identification.
Other forms of identification that are accepted include a passport, resident card, DHS trusted traveler card (such as Global Entry), credit cards with your name on them, or a picture of your ID.
If you do not have any other forms of ID, you may still be able to board your flight. The TSA will conduct additional screening to confirm your identity before allowing you to board the plane. This may include answering security questions or providing other documents with your name on them.
A REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or ID card that complies with the standards set by the Federal Government following the 9/11 Commission's recommendations. As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant licenses are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports.
