Jazmin Li
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. Adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. While some sources suggest that an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a valid form of government identification, it is recommended that you check the official list of acceptable IDs before traveling, as this list is subject to change without notice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use EAD as ID at US airports? | Yes, EAD is a valid form of government identification for domestic flights in the US. |
| What is EAD? | Employment Authorization Document |
| What is REAL ID? | REAL ID-compliant licenses or identification cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Is REAL ID mandatory? | Yes, from May 7, 2025, REAL ID will be mandatory for all travelers over the age of 18. |
| What if my ID is expired? | TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
| What if I don't have an acceptable ID? | You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. TSA may ask you to complete an identity verification process. |
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What You'll Learn
EAD is a valid form of ID for domestic US flights
The TSA (Transport Security Administration) requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. While the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, the TSA currently accepts EADs (Employment Authorization Document) as a valid form of ID for domestic US flights. This is because EADs are considered government-issued identification.
In addition to EADs, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. They also accept credit cards with the passenger's name on it and student IDs. However, temporary driver's licenses are not an acceptable form of identification.
From 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, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
DMVs should accept all EADs that have a validity period extended by DHS because they are unexpired. Unexpired EADs include those that bear a "Card Expires" date that has passed, in combination with a Form I-797C extending the EAD validity period, and an EAD that has a future expiration date on its face.
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DHS-issued EADs with a validity period are accepted
The TSA strongly encourages passengers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID. Passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel.
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 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.
The 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.
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TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at US airport checkpoints. 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 will need to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID, such as a passport.
TSA does accept expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, this only applies to the above-listed forms of identification. It is recommended that passengers check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the correct documentation.
DHS-issued EADs with validity periods extended by DHS are considered unexpired and are accepted by TSA. These include EADs with a “Card Expires” date that has passed or one with a future expiration date. To determine whether an EAD validity period is extended, TSA uses SAVE to verify the extended validity period. DMVs should accept all EADs that have a validity period extended by DHS.
It is important to note that TSA requirements may change, and passengers are advised to check the latest information before travelling.
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TSA does not require ID for children under 18 travelling within the US
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at US airport checkpoints. However, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. This means that children under 18 do not need to show ID at TSA checkpoints.
It is important to note that this exemption from ID requirements does not apply to unaccompanied minors. Children under 18 who are travelling without an adult escort and are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. In this case, they should contact their airline for specific ID requirements.
The TSA strongly encourages all travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling and to ensure they have acceptable identification before arriving at the airport. This list includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and other forms of identification. It is also important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, and the TSA may accept expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date.
While the TSA does not require ID for children under 18 travelling within the US, it is always a good idea to carry some form of identification when travelling, especially for children. This can help in various situations, such as emergency identification or proving age for certain activities. Parents or guardians should use their best judgment and consider carrying additional forms of identification for their children, even if not specifically required by the TSA.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are acceptable
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 will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is a federally compliant, DMV-issued driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID that is required to board a domestic flight within the US or enter certain federal buildings. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. It also prohibits federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to provide proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) if you are a non-U.S. citizen. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency. The process of obtaining a REAL ID may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check with your state department of motor vehicles.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Additionally, expired or outdated documents will not be accepted. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, but this is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure you have the proper identification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an EAD is a valid form of government identification at US airports. However, it must be valid and unexpired.
Adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. The TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, and DHS-trusted traveler cards.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. The TSA may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.
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