Lois Larson
As of May 3, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires every air traveler aged 18 and above to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. While the TSA accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints, temporary IDs may not always be accepted. A temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification. However, a temporary ID can be used for domestic flights within the United States, but specific considerations and requirements must be met.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA-approved IDs | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued IDs |
| Temporary ID requirements | Valid, contains traveller's photograph, name, and expiration date |
| Additional requirements for temporary IDs | Additional forms of identification, such as a passport, birth certificate, or expired ID with name and photo |
| TSA identity verification process | Collecting traveller's name, current address, and other personal information |
| TSA acceptance of temporary IDs | At the officer's discretion; temporary IDs may lack security features of permanent IDs, resulting in additional scrutiny |
| TSA recommendations for travellers with ID issues | Arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight time and look for the "ID Issues" line at major airports |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for identification
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 must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. DC residents can get a REAL ID-compliant license with a star on it from their local District DMV office.
The TSA strongly encourages passengers to check the acceptable forms of ID before traveling so that they do not arrive at the airport without one. Acceptable forms of ID include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- 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)
- U.S. military ID
TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration for the above listed forms of identification. Children under 18 traveling within the United States do not need to provide identification, but unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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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 are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that every state and territory resident must present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card:
- REAL ID star marking at the top right corner
- REAL ID-compliant star marking
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.
To get a REAL ID-compliant license, individuals need to appear at their local DMV in person and bring certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and residency. Required documents include one proof of identity, one proof of legal presence, two proofs of residency, and one proof of your social security number (if issued one). A current driver's license is also required if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state.
It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID. TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration. Additionally, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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State-issued identification
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. This means that passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced IDs (EIDs) are acceptable. REAL ID-compliant licenses will have a star in the upper right corner, indicating that they meet federal regulations and establish minimum security standards.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, check with your state department of motor vehicles. The TSA strongly encourages you to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling so that you do not arrive at the airport without acceptable ID.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, other acceptable forms of ID include a valid passport, federal government PIV card, U.S. military ID, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a 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), is also permitted.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. Children under 18 traveling within the United States are not required to provide identification. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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Acceptable alternative forms of ID
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 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.
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 if 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.
Some acceptable alternative forms of ID 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)
- Federal government PIV card
- U.S. military ID
- Work security badge with your photo
- Costco membership card
- Credit cards
- Business card with your photo
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
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Identity verification process
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. REAL ID-compliant licenses have a small star in the upper right corner, indicating that it meets federal regulations that establish minimum security standards.
If passengers present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If the identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
TSA also accepts digital IDs for identity verification through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. Passengers can now use their Digital IDs at more than 250 airports to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints. However, all passengers must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification. If passengers choose to participate in TSA's use of these technologies, their picture will be taken and compared to their physical or digital ID.
In the case that passengers do not have their ID, there are alternative methods of verifying their identity. It is recommended that they bring anything that has their name on it (insurance cards, mail, medication, etc.) and arrive at the airport at least 2-4 hours before their flight, as the verification process can be lengthy.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. 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.
The TSA accepts various forms of identification for airport security checkpoints, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passports
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs
- Acceptable photo IDs issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
If you do not have any of the accepted forms of identification, you may still be allowed to fly if your identity can be verified through other means. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but will be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
