Owais Crawford
If you're travelling as an adult, you will need to show some form of identification at the airport. The type of ID you need to carry depends on where you're travelling. For international travel, a passport is usually required. For domestic travel within the same country, other forms of ID may be accepted, such as a driver's license or state-issued ID card, although requirements vary by country and airline. In the US, for example, TSA requires domestic travellers over 18 to provide a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, a passport, or other approved identification. Minors under 18 travelling within the US are usually exempt from these requirements, although some airlines may ask for proof of age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a foreign ID acceptable at the airport? | Yes, but only if it is a passport. TSA only cares about airport security and that you are the person getting on the flight. |
| What other forms of ID are accepted at the airport? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), etc. |
| Are there any exceptions for children? | TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the U.S. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Airlines may ask for proof of a child's age. |
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What You'll Learn
Foreign passports are generally accepted by TSA
The TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. While the TSA does not specify whether the ID should be a foreign or local ID, it does provide a list of acceptable IDs, which includes foreign passports.
According to the TSA, acceptable IDs include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, US passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and US Department of Defense IDs. Notably, foreign passports are not specifically mentioned on this list. However, it is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have the proper identification.
In some cases, individuals with foreign passports have been allowed to pass through TSA checkpoints without issue. For example, one individual with a foreign passport and no other form of ID was able to pass through the TSA PreCheck lane at AUS airport without any problems. Additionally, as the TSA's primary role is to ensure airport security and verify the identity of passengers, any passport, including a foreign passport, should suffice as a valid form of identification.
Furthermore, when travelling internationally, the verification of passports is typically done by the airline at check-in, and international flights often require passengers to check in with the airline before receiving their tickets. This suggests that the TSA's focus is on verifying the identity of passengers for security purposes rather than on the specific type of ID presented.
However, it is important to note that procedures may vary at different airports and terminals. Some individuals have reported being told that a driver's license is not acceptable for an international flight and that a passport is required. In conclusion, while foreign passports are generally accepted by the TSA, it is always advisable to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling and to arrive at the airport early in case any additional identity verification is needed.
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REAL ID-compliant documents are required for US airport security
As of May 7, 2025, US airport security will only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as proof of identity if they are REAL ID-compliant. This means the card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. If a traveller's ID is not REAL ID-compliant, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. They may still be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint if their identity can be verified.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID Cards (EIDs) are acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for boarding aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. Only five states currently issue EDLs/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if they are not a U.S. citizen. They must also provide proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency.
It is important to note that REAL ID requirements do not apply to children under 18 when travelling within the United States. Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck, however, must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Additionally, airlines may ask for proof of a child's age, so it is recommended to carry a copy of the child's birth certificate when travelling.
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Minors don't need ID when travelling with an adult
When it comes to airport identification requirements, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the airport checkpoint. This typically includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and other approved documents. However, the rules are different for minors travelling with an adult.
In most cases, minors under the age of 18 travelling within the United States do not need to provide identification when accompanied by an adult with acceptable ID. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines specify that children under 18 are exempt from presenting IDs at airport checkpoints as long as they are with an adult. This means that minors only need a boarding pass to board domestic flights when accompanied by an adult. However, it is still recommended to carry some form of identification for minors, such as a printed copy of their birth certificate or a passport.
While minors travelling domestically with an adult may not need photo ID, there are some circumstances where official documentation may be required. For example, infants under two weeks old may need a physician's note stating they are healthy enough to fly. Additionally, while not mandatory, some airlines may ask for proof of a child's age, so carrying a copy of their birth certificate is advisable. It is also worth noting that TSA PreCheck requirements differ for unaccompanied minors, who must show acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
When it comes to international travel, the rules vary. While minors travelling internationally with an adult will need a passport, the specific ID requirements for travellers under 18 depend on the airline and destination. It is always recommended to check with the airline and review the requirements of your destination well in advance to ensure you have the necessary documentation for both adults and minors.
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Other forms of ID, like a credit card, may be accepted
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. It is always good to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling so that you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
For international flights to or from the US, all passengers, including infants, must have a passport. However, if you have lost your ID or do not have a valid form of ID, there are other forms of ID that may be accepted. These include a credit card, a business card with your photo on it, mail or prescription medication with your name and address, voter registration, or a library card.
In such cases, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time. The TSA officer will ask for information, including your name, current address, and other personal details, 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.
For domestic travel within the US, TSA does not require IDs for travelers under 18. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. For adult passengers (18 and older), a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) is required.
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TSA only cares that you are who you say you are
The TSA requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. However, the TSA's primary concern is to ensure that you are who you say you are.
TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. If you are an adult, you will need to present a physical, primary ID that includes your photo. Digital IDs are not accepted. If you do not have a primary photo ID, you should present at least two secondary forms of ID.
The TSA accepts a range of IDs, including REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveller cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. If you are a non-US citizen, you can prove your identity with a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). The TSA also accepts foreign passports, although you should use your US passport when dealing with US authorities.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may be able to verify your identity by providing other documents, such as a credit card, business card with your photo on it, mail or prescription medication with your name and address, voter registration, or a library card. You will need to complete an identity verification process, providing your name, address, and other personal details.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers (18 and over) must show valid identification at the airport. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the US, but those who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
The TSA accepts a range of IDs, including passports, driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, and DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST). The TSA does not require a specific type of ID, but it must be valid and contain your name, date of birth, gender, photograph, expiration date, and a tamper-resistant feature.
It depends on the airport and the country you are travelling to or from. Generally, for international travel, a passport or equivalent form of identification is required. However, some individuals have reported using foreign passports at TSA checkpoints without issue. It is always recommended to carry a valid passport when travelling internationally.
If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, you may be prevented from entering the secure area of the airport terminal, or you may experience delays while your identity is verified through other means. It is recommended to arrive at the airport early and bring any alternative forms of identification or supporting documents that can help verify your identity.
