Sachin Walls
As per the TSA, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the airport to be allowed to travel. While a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is considered a valid ID, a temporary driver's license is not. In the case that you do not have a valid ID, the TSA may allow you to fly if you can provide additional information to confirm your identity. This may include other forms of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, credit card, or prescription medication with your name and address on the label. It is important to note that the unavailability of a valid ID may result in additional screening and delays during the security verification process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a normal license sufficient to go through airport security? | No, a federal- or state-issued photo ID is required. |
| What are some acceptable forms of ID? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, military IDs, permanent residence cards, student IDs, work IDs, school IDs, Social Security cards, credit cards, business cards with a photo, mail or prescription medication with name and address, voter registration, library card |
| What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID? | TSA officers may use publicly available databases to confirm your identity. |
| What if my ID is expired? | If your state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, you can travel up to a year after the expiration date. |
| What if my ID is lost or stolen? | You may still be allowed to fly by providing additional information to confirm your identity, such as a police report, birth certificate, or other documents. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for photo ID
To enter an airport and board a flight, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show a valid form of identification at the TSA checkpoint. From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state photo identity cards will be accepted as valid forms of photo ID. These must be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or an equivalent body). A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of ID.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. REAL ID-compliant IDs must include a star marking to indicate compliance with REAL ID security standards. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted, even without the star marking.
If you are flying domestically within the US, children do not need to provide identification if they are accompanied by an adult with an acceptable form of ID. However, airlines may ask for proof of a child's age, so it is recommended to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate.
In the case that you do not have an acceptable form of ID, there are other ways to confirm your identity. The TSA officer may ask for your name, current address, and other personal details, and will verify this information against a database. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time to allow for this process. Other forms of ID, such as a credit card, business card with your photo, or mail with your name and address, can help build a stronger argument for your identity during this process. Filing a police report if your ID has been lost or stolen is also recommended.
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REAL ID compliance
As of May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports for domestic flights. This means that IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted at TSA checkpoints, and passengers without an acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
To be REAL ID-compliant, the REAL ID Act established new minimum issuance standards, which include requiring proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address. The Act also requires additional security features to be incorporated into the card, such as a circle with an inset star located in the upper right corner of the card, as seen in Texas and Arizona. These states have implemented the REAL ID Act and issue REAL ID-compliant cards that are accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic travel.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. It is important to plan ahead and allow enough time to obtain a REAL ID-compliant card if needed. The process may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to visit your local DMV website for specific information.
It is worth noting that there are alternative forms of identification that may be used in lieu of a REAL ID driver's license or ID card at the airport. For example, a passport is an acceptable form of identification and can be used to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. Additionally, in the case of a lost, stolen, or forgotten ID, the TSA has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early, as the identity verification process may take some time.
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Temporary licenses
A temporary driver's license is issued to persons whose presence in the United States has been authorized by the federal government for a specific purpose and for a specific period. To qualify for a temporary driver's license, the applicant must provide the Department of Safety and Homeland Security with proof of temporary legal presence in the United States. The temporary license is available for the operation of regular passenger vehicles under 26,000 pounds GVWR (Class XD) and for the operation of motorcycles, motor scooters, or motor-driven cycles (Class XM). It is important to note that the temporary driver's license is not available for commercial vehicles requiring a CDL Class A, B, or C.
In addition to the standard requirements, applicants wishing to obtain a temporary license in a name different from their submitted proofs of primary and secondary identification must provide additional documentation confirming the name change. This could include a certified marriage certificate or a certified final divorce decree. Furthermore, applicants must provide proof of a social security number or a sworn affidavit if no SSN has been issued.
The Temporary Identification License is a separate type of license issued by the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. This license is valid only for identification purposes and not for driving any type of motor vehicle. There are no testing requirements for the issuance of this type of license.
When it comes to airport security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific requirements for identification. 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 are encouraged to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID.
It is worth noting that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification by the TSA, even for domestic flights within the US. However, the TSA does make temporary exemptions for those unable to renew their ID or driver's license. In such cases, individuals with expired state-issued IDs or driver's licenses can travel up to a year after the expiration date. Additionally, the TSA has other methods to confirm the identity of travelers, such as using publicly available databases.
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Alternative forms of ID
As of May 7, 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. 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.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- Passport: A U.S. passport or passport card is accepted as an alternative form of ID.
- Credit Card: Although it is not common for banks/issuers to include your photo on cards anymore, a TSA agent might be willing to call the card's 1-800 number and allow you to answer your security questions to prove your identity.
- Business Card: If you have a business card that features your photo, you can use it as a form of identification when flashed at security in conjunction with another form of ID.
- Membership Cards: Costco membership cards feature a black-and-white photo of the cardholder, which may enable access through airport security. Similarly, a Sam's Club membership card may also work.
- Birth Certificate: Although a birth certificate cannot be used as a primary document when flying, it may be used together with other documents to confirm a traveler's identity if their ID was lost or stolen.
- Marriage License: Presenting your marriage license might help you get through security.
- Educational Diploma: Showing an educational diploma at security has worked for some travellers.
It is important to note that none of these alternative forms of ID are guaranteed to work, but they are worth trying when you are in a tight situation. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is always a good idea to check the list before travelling.
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Identity verification processes
Identity verification is a crucial aspect of airport security, and there are several processes in place to ensure that travellers' identities are accurately confirmed. Here are the key identity verification processes implemented at airports:
Presentation of Physical Identification Documents
The primary method of identity verification at airports is the presentation of valid identification documents. Adult passengers aged 18 and above are required to present acceptable forms of ID at airport checkpoints. This typically includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, passport cards, and other government-issued identification documents. It is important to note that the requirements for acceptable IDs may vary and are subject to change, so travellers are advised to check the latest guidelines before their travel.
Identity Verification Process by TSA Officers
In cases where travellers do not possess the required identification documents, TSA officers can conduct an identity verification process. This involves collecting information such as the traveller's name, current address, and other personal details to confirm their identity. This process may take additional time, and travellers are advised to arrive at the airport early to allow for this procedure.
Digital IDs and Facial Recognition Technology
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced digital identity verification through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or state-issued apps. Digital IDs enhance security and privacy, as only the necessary information is shared with TSA for identity verification. Additionally, TSA has been testing and expanding the use of facial recognition technology at various airports. This technology compares biometric templates of passengers' live photos with pre-existing passport or visa photo templates, providing an efficient and secure verification process. Participation in facial recognition programs is voluntary, and travellers can opt-out and proceed with the manual identity verification process if they prefer.
Alternative Forms of Identification
In certain circumstances, such as when an individual has lost their primary identification, TSA may accept alternative forms of ID for domestic travel. This can include a birth certificate, credit card, business card with a photo, mail or prescription medication with the individual's name and address, voter registration, or a library card. These alternative forms of identification can support the identity verification process and increase the chances of confirming an individual's identity.
ID Requirements for Minors
It is important to note that ID requirements may vary for minors. For domestic travel within the United States, children under 18 may not need to provide identification if accompanied by an adult with acceptable ID. However, airlines may request proof of age for children, and international travel typically requires a passport for minors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport in order to travel.
You need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Passengers should 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 has other ways of confirming your identity using publicly available databases. You may be asked to complete an identity verification process which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal details.
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