Ruth Haines
The type of identification required to enter an airport or board a flight varies by country and by the origin and destination of the flight. In India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has listed ten identity documents that can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in, including driving licences. In the United States, the REAL ID Act will go into effect on May 7, 2025, requiring American domestic travellers to show TSA agents a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence, ID card, or another form of TSA-approved identification at TSA checkpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries where a driving licence can be used as ID at the airport | India, USA |
| Requirements for using a driving licence as ID at the airport | Must be REAL ID-compliant (USA), must be presented from the digital locker (India) |
| Other accepted forms of ID | Passport, voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN card, service ID, student ID, bank passbook with photo, pension card with photo, disability ID card, handicapped medical certificate |
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What You'll Learn
Driving licence as a valid photo ID
A driving licence is a valid form of photo identification when travelling by air. However, this does depend on where you are and where you are travelling to.
In India, for example, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has listed a driving licence as one of ten identity documents that can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in. Other documents on the list include passports, voter ID cards, and student ID cards.
In the US, the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, will come into effect on May 7, 2025. This means that US citizens will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence or ID from one of the federal agencies for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints. REAL ID-compliant licences are marked with a star at the top of the card, although the placement and appearance of the star differ slightly depending on the issuing state.
It's important to note that requirements for air travel vary by country and the type of travel (domestic or international). While a driving licence may be accepted as valid identification in some cases, other forms of identification may be required for international travel, such as a passport.
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REAL ID-compliant driving licence
In the US, a REAL ID-compliant driving licence is required to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities or military bases. The REAL ID is denoted by a star in the top right corner of the driving licence.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driving licence, you will need to bring the following documents to your state's driver's licensing agency:
- Proof of identity: This can include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen.
- Proof of Social Security number: You can provide your Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck.
- Proof of residency: You may be asked for a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or other acceptable documents that show your current address. Note that documents with a P.O. Box listed are typically not accepted.
- Proof of legal presence: This is required in some states, such as Virginia and New York.
- Proof of name change: If your name appears differently on your proof documents, you will need to provide proof of name change.
Some states, like Virginia, offer an enhanced driver's license for an additional fee. This enhanced version can be used instead of a passport for land or sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. However, it is not acceptable for air travel between these countries.
It is important to note that the REAL ID is not required for all situations. For example, it is not needed for accessing health services, law enforcement, or constitutionally protected activities. Additionally, if you have a valid passport, you do not need a REAL ID-compliant driving licence to board a domestic flight.
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Driving licence on the DigiLocker app
In India, a driving licence is one of the documents that can be used to prove one's identity at an airport. It can be used to gain entry to airport terminals and for checking in.
DigiLocker is a secure digital repository initiated by the Indian Government. It enables citizens to store and access essential documents conveniently, anywhere and at any time. The platform promotes efficiency and accessibility, aligning with the digital transformation initiatives of the Government of India. DigiLocker supports a wide range of documents, including the Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, educational certificates, and more.
To upload your driving licence to DigiLocker, you can follow these steps:
- Download the DigiLocker app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or visit the DigiLocker website (digilocker.gov.in).
- Register using your mobile number or Aadhaar number.
- Log in to your DigiLocker account.
- Navigate to the 'Issued Documents' or 'Document Issuance' section.
- Select 'Driving Licence' from the list of available documents.
- Enter the required details, such as your driving licence number, issuing authority, and Aadhaar number (if it's linked to your driving licence).
- Verify your information and check the details for accuracy.
- Complete the authentication process.
Once your driving licence is linked to DigiLocker, you can easily access it through the app or website. You can also download your driving licence as a PDF file by navigating to the 'Issued Documents' or 'Documents' section and selecting the 'Driving Licence' option. Enter the required details and verify your information before downloading the document.
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Driving licence for domestic flights
In India, a driving licence is one of the valid forms of identification for gaining entry to airport terminals and checking in for a flight, according to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This includes domestic flights. Other valid forms of ID include passports, voter ID cards, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar, PAN cards, service ID, student ID cards, and more.
In the US, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, will go into effect on May 7, 2025, barring any further pushbacks. This will require US citizens to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence or ID from a federal agency at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints for domestic flights. REAL ID-compliant licences are marked with a star at the top of the card, though the placement and appearance of the star differ depending on the state that issued the licence. Some states offer an alternative called an Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL), which complies with REAL ID security standards and features a flag instead of a star.
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Driving licence for international flights
For US citizens, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license can be used as a valid form of identification for domestic air travel. This ID can be used to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. However, it is important to note that the REAL ID Act mandates higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. As a result, some federal agencies may not accept non-compliant IDs for official purposes. Starting in May 2025, travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant license to board domestic flights.
Internationally, the requirements for using a driver's license as a valid form of identification vary by country. In some countries, a valid driver's license from your country of residence may be sufficient for identification purposes when travelling abroad. However, certain countries may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a local driver's license to drive legally. An IDP translates your identifying information into different languages and must be carried along with your original driver's license. Before travelling to a foreign country, it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your destination by visiting the relevant pages on the Department of State's website.
In India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has listed the driving license as one of the ten acceptable identity documents for gaining entry to airport terminals and checking in. This flexibility in accepted forms of identification aids travellers who may have misplaced their primary identification documents.
It is important to note that for international travel, a valid passport is typically required. This passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel, and it serves as an essential form of identification when crossing borders. While a driving license can be useful for identification within airports and during domestic flights in certain countries, a passport remains the standard document for international travel.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on where you are. In India, a driving licence is one of the documents that can be used as a valid form of identification at the airport. In the US, a REAL ID-compliant driving licence will be required for TSA airport security checkpoints from May 7, 2025.
Again, this depends on the country. In India, a passport, voter ID card, Aadhaar or m-Aadhaar, PAN card, and driving licence are all accepted. In the US, an EDL or another acceptable form of identification can be used.
In India, there is no requirement for identity proof for minors accompanied by their parents/guardian who has a valid identity proof.
