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To board a flight, adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification at the airport security checkpoint. While gun licenses and permits are not on the list of acceptable IDs, law enforcement officers (LEOs) flying armed are required to check in with an airline agent and submit valid identification. Passengers without acceptable IDs may be asked to complete an identity verification process and may be subject to additional screening.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gun permits as airport ID | Not mentioned as a valid form of ID |
| Valid forms of ID | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo ID cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID |
| Unacceptable forms of ID | Temporary driver's licenses, unloaded firearms without proper declaration |
| Additional requirements | ID must be valid and not expired for more than 2 years; passengers must cooperate with identity verification |
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What You'll Learn
- TSA-compliant IDs: REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, passports, and trusted traveler cards
- State-issued gun permits are not valid IDs at airports
- Firearms must be unloaded and in locked, hard-sided containers as checked baggage
- Ammunition must be securely boxed and separate from firearms
- TSA officers have final say on what items are allowed through checkpoints
TSA-compliant IDs: REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, passports, and trusted traveler cards
As per the latest TSA guidelines, passengers aged 18 and above must carry a valid ID to be presented at the airport checkpoint. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, and passengers are encouraged to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID proof.
From 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 must carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, or other state photo identity cards, are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
Other TSA-compliant IDs include:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- U.S. passport.
- U.S. passport card.
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST).
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
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State-issued gun permits are not valid IDs at airports
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a list of acceptable forms of ID, which includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and certain federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo IDs. Notably, this list does not include gun permits. While gun permits may serve as a form of identification in certain contexts, they are not considered a valid substitute for the specific forms of ID mandated by the TSA for air travel.
It is important to emphasise that the list of acceptable IDs provided by the TSA is subject to change without notice. Therefore, passengers are strongly advised to review the list before travelling to ensure they have the appropriate identification. In addition to valid identification, passengers planning to travel with firearms or ammunition must adhere to strict regulations regarding their transportation and declaration. Firearms must be unloaded and stored in locked, hard-sided containers as checked baggage, and ammunition must be securely boxed and separated from firearms.
Furthermore, passengers should be aware that even if an item is generally permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through the security checkpoint if it raises security concerns. Ultimately, the decision rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint regarding what items are allowed to proceed. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and properly pack their belongings to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Firearms must be unloaded and in locked, hard-sided containers as checked baggage
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), firearms must be unloaded and in locked, hard-sided containers as checked baggage. This is a mandatory requirement for passengers intending to travel with firearms. The firearms must be transported in checked baggage and not in carry-on baggage. Rifle scopes are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. It is important to note that the container the firearm was purchased in may not adequately secure the firearm during transportation. Therefore, passengers are advised to contact the TSA for clarification on what they can transport and to ensure compliance with firearm regulations.
When presenting firearms for transport, they must be declared to the airline during the check-in process at the ticket counter. Passengers should also be aware of any limitations or fees that may apply and are encouraged to check the regulations related to carrying firearms for their specific destination, as laws vary by local, state, and international governments.
In addition to firearms, firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within the hard-sided case containing the unloaded firearm. Small arms ammunition, including ammunition not exceeding .75 caliber for a rifle or pistol and shotgun shells of any gauge, may be carried in the same hard-sided case as the firearm. Ammunition must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed for carrying ammunition. It is important to note that ammunition does not need to be declared but must be securely packaged in checked baggage.
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Ammunition must be securely boxed and separate from firearms
While gun permits are not considered valid forms of identification at TSA checkpoints, unloaded firearms can be transported in checked baggage. When transporting firearms, it is important to adhere to strict safety guidelines, including the proper storage of ammunition. Ammunition must be securely boxed and separate from firearms.
Ammunition and firearms are subject to stringent regulations during transportation. Small arms ammunition, including rifle and pistol ammunition up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge, must be packaged securely. The packaging material should be cardboard, wood, plastic, or metal, specifically designed to carry ammunition. It is crucial to declare the ammunition to your chosen airline.
Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. This ensures that the ammunition is safely stored and inaccessible during transport. It is worth noting that firearm magazines or clips can be used for packing ammunition only if they completely enclose it.
When travelling with firearms, it is essential to comply with local, state, and international laws and regulations. The specific requirements for transporting ammunition may vary across different regions, so it is advisable to check with local authorities or relevant government websites for detailed information.
Additionally, it is important to note that bringing an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to a security checkpoint can result in a civil penalty or fine, similar to the penalty for carrying a loaded firearm. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines for securely boxing ammunition separately from firearms to avoid any legal consequences and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
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TSA officers have final say on what items are allowed through checkpoints
While there is no information on whether a gun permit can be used as a form of ID at airport security, there are strict rules on what is considered acceptable identification at TSA checkpoints. Passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs can change without notice, so it is always worth checking before travelling. Acceptable forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a US passport, a DHS trusted traveler card, and a US Department of Defense ID. A temporary driver's license is not considered acceptable.
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. The final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer. Passengers who do not provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or whose identity cannot be confirmed will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a gun permit cannot be used as a valid form of ID at the airport.
TSA-accepted forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo ID cards, passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and Department of Defense IDs.
No, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the US. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID.
Yes, flying with a firearm is legal in the US as long as you are over 18 and the weapon is unloaded and stored in a locked, hard-sided container. You must declare your firearm when checking your bag.
Yes, ammunition can be transported in checked baggage, but it must be stored separately from the firearm in a secure box or included within a hard-sided case.
