Lois Larson
As of May 7, 2025, passengers boarding domestic commercial flights in the United States must show a REAL ID-compliant form of identification or an acceptable alternative. While military IDs are considered an acceptable alternative to REAL IDs, some military retirees and spouses or dependents with DoD identification cards that have an INDEF (indefinite expiration date) have reported issues at TSA checkpoints in US airports. This is because the TSA's computer system interprets the INDEF date as expired. However, TSA officials have stated that their officers are trained to accept military IDs at security checkpoints, and travelers with DoD identification cards can qualify for TSA PreCheck benefits, expediting their screening process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Military ID as a valid ID at the airport | Military ID is an acceptable alternative to the REAL ID for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States. |
| REAL ID | REAL ID-compliant state IDs include U.S. passports or U.S. passport cards, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards, Veteran Health Identification Cards, and more. |
| TSA Pre-Check | Military and DoD civilian members qualify for TSA Pre✓® without any extra effort. |
| TSA Pre✓® benefits | Military members can receive TSA Pre✓® benefits by using their Department of Defense identification number. |
| TSA Pre✓® screening line | To go to the TSA Pre✓® screening line, the KTN must be included when making a reservation. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Military ID as an alternative to REAL ID
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 must 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 military ID is an acceptable alternative to the REAL ID, which is now required for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States. The Defense Department is working to replace old-style ID cards with the NextGen ID, which is expected to be completed by January 2026 for the 5 million non-CAC holders, primarily retirees and military family members.
DOD ID cards, including those issued to dependents, are among the forms of identification listed on the TSA website as acceptable alternatives to the REAL ID. However, some travelers have reported that their military IDs have been rejected at U.S. airports, particularly those with old-style ID cards featuring an "INDEF" (indefinite expiration date). TSA spokesman Dave Fitz has stated that TSA officers are trained to accept military IDs at security checkpoints, and in the unlikely event that an officer does not accept a military ID, the passenger should ask to speak to a supervisor.
Military-connected passengers may also use any of the other acceptable IDs listed, including U.S. passports, Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC), state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), and Enhanced IDs (EID).
Body Scanners: Can They See Inside Your Mouth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID requirements for state-issued IDs
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers must 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. Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a state-issued ID must meet the following requirements:
- Full Legal Name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence
- Lawful Status
States may impose additional requirements, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific documentation requirements.
REAL ID-compliant IDs are identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner. Military IDs, including DOD ID cards issued to dependents, are acceptable alternatives to state-issued REAL IDs. However, some travelers have reported issues with older-style military IDs with an "INDEF" (indefinite expiration date) being rejected at some U.S. airports due to the TSA's computer system interpreting the "INDEF" date as "expired." In such cases, travelers may be asked to provide another acceptable form of ID or undergo a supervisory review of their documents.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and travelers are strongly advised to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper identification.
Where to Buy Airport Limousine Tickets at Narita Airport?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Military ID and TSA Pre✓®
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 must 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 are identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner.
Military IDs are considered an acceptable alternative to REAL IDs for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States. This includes DoD Common Access Cards, Uniformed Services ID cards, and the older DoD ID cards for military family members and retirees. However, some travelers have reported issues with their military IDs being rejected at US airports, particularly those with old-style ID cards featuring an "INDEF" (indefinite expiration date) as the TSA's computer system interprets this as "expired." In such cases, travelers may be asked to provide another acceptable form of ID or undergo additional screening.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper identification.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant state IDs, other accepted forms of identification include U.S. passports or U.S. passport cards, Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler cards (such as Global Entry), Veteran Health Identification Cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), and Enhanced IDs (EID).
How to Get Your Southwest Boarding Pass at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Issues with old-style military IDs
Military IDs are acceptable alternatives to REAL IDs for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States. However, some travelers have reported issues with using their military IDs at US airports, particularly those with old-style ID cards.
Old-style military ID cards, featuring an "INDEF" or indefinite expiration date, have been rejected at some US airports. This issue has predominantly affected military retirees, with TSA's computer system interpreting the "INDEF" date as "expired". While the TSA has trained its officers to accept military IDs, the TSA page detailing the list of acceptable identification does not specifically mention retired military IDs. This discrepancy has caused confusion and inconvenience for some travelers.
The Defense Department is working to replace these old-style IDs with the NextGen ID. The new ID is expected to be completed by January 2026 for the 5 million non-CAC holders, primarily retirees and military family members. Officials advise getting the NextGen ID now to avoid any problems with installation access. The new ID will no longer have the indefinite expiration issue, as it will include an expiration date.
The old-style military IDs are blue, pink, or tan DD Form 2, DD Form 1173, DD Form 1173-1, or DD Form 2785. These IDs are still accepted at military bases, but it is uncertain for how long. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with these old-style IDs consider obtaining the new NextGen ID to avoid potential access issues in the future.
Mayo Sandwiches: Airport Security Clearance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other acceptable forms of ID
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 or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. The 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.
- Passport or Passport Card: A U.S. passport or passport card is an accepted form of identification for international travel from the U.S.
- REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License: These REAL ID driver's licenses are identified by a star in the upper right corner.
- State-Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): Starting in January 2018, the TSA only considers an EDL as an acceptable form of ID.
- Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Cards: These include Global Entry cards and other trusted traveler cards issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
- Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC): These are accepted for individuals with military connections.
- Personal Identity Verification Cards: Issued to some Defense Department civilian personnel, these cards are acceptable forms of ID.
- Other Government-Issued IDs: The TSA may accept other government-issued IDs, such as those from the Uniformed Services or the Defense Department, for military personnel and their families.
Uber at Las Vegas Airport: Pick-up Made Easy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, is the US agency responsible for security in transportation, including at airports.
Yes, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the US, unless they are unaccompanied and eligible for TSA PreCheck.
The TSA accepts REAL IDs, which are identified by a star in the upper right-hand corner. They also accept other forms of ID, including passports, Veteran Health Identification Cards (VHIC), and state-issued Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDL). A full list of acceptable IDs can be found on the TSA website.
Yes, military IDs are an acceptable alternative to REAL IDs for domestic flights in the US. However, some travellers have reported issues with old-style military IDs with an "INDEF" (indefinite expiration date) being rejected at some US airports.
Military and DoD civilian members qualify for TSA PreCheck without any extra effort. To use this programme, enter your 10-digit DOD identification number, located on the back of your common access card (CAC), into the KTN field when making flight reservations.
