Roberta Aguirre
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. REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs. Handgun carry permits are a government-issued form of photo identification, and some lawmakers have proposed legislation to accept them as a valid form of ID at airports. However, as of now, the TSA specifically mentions that weapon permits are not an acceptable form of identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is carry permit an acceptable form of ID at the airport? | In some states, it is considered ID, but the TSA specifically mentions that it is not acceptable. However, two Republican House members have proposed legislation that would let government airport screeners accept concealed carry permits as a form of identification for people trying to board planes. |
| What are the acceptable forms of ID at the airport? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID), expired ID up to two years after expiration. |
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What You'll Learn
Concealed carry permits as ID at airports
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 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.
The TSA does not currently accept concealed carry permits as a valid form of ID. However, in 2015, two Republican House members proposed legislation that would allow government airport screeners to accept concealed carry permits as a form of identification for people trying to board planes. According to the legislation introduced by Reps. Diane Black, R-Tenn., and Bill Flores, R-Texas, "a concealed handgun license shall be treated as a verifying identity document" for aircraft passenger security screening. Black supported her proposal by stating that "handgun carry permits are a government-issued form of photo identification, and no one has given me a valid reason why they cannot be accepted at TSA checkpoints."
In some states, such as Florida, CCW permits are considered official state-issued IDs. However, the TSA specifically mentions that weapon permits are not an acceptable form of identification. It is important to note that TSA strongly encourages passengers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the proper documentation.
While some individuals have suggested carrying a passport ID card or another form of identification while traveling, it is worth noting that the TSA does allow passengers to fly without any ID. In such cases, individuals may be directed to a separate area and may be subject to additional screening and identity verification processes.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight in the US. This was established by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies, including the TSA, from accepting noncompliant driver's licenses and identification cards for official purposes.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state identification card must include a star marking in the upper right corner. This indicates that the ID meets the minimum security standards established by the REAL ID Act. If your ID does not have this star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports for domestic flights.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must 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 in your state. The specific documents required may vary by state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency for the exact requirements.
It is important to note that a concealed carry permit or weapon permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification by the TSA for boarding a plane. While in some states, a concealed carry permit may be considered a valid state-issued ID, it does not meet the REAL ID standards and cannot be used as the sole form of identification for air travel. Passengers are advised to carry a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, when travelling.
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State-issued identification
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) are also acceptable.
In some states, a concealed carry permit is considered a valid form of state-issued ID, but the TSA specifically states that a weapon permit is not an acceptable form of identification. Two Republican House members proposed legislation in 2015 to allow government airport screeners to accept concealed carry permits as a form of identification, but this does not appear to have been passed.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after their expiration date. For international travel, a passport or passport card is required.
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TSA checkpoints
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 TSA checkpoints. 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.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification 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 Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- U.S. passports
- U.S. passport cards
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including IDs issued to dependents
- Acceptable photo IDs issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have acceptable ID.
In some states, concealed carry permits are considered acceptable forms of identification. However, the TSA specifically mentions that weapon permits, including concealed carry permits, are not acceptable forms of identification at TSA checkpoints. Two Republican House members have proposed legislation to allow government airport screeners to accept concealed carry permits as a form of identification, but it is unclear if this legislation has been passed.
Learner's permits may be used as a form of identification when flying within the United States for passengers under the age of 18. For passengers 18 and older, a REAL ID-compliant ID is required.
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REAL ID alternatives
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. If you do not have a REAL ID, you may be turned away and won't be allowed past the security checkpoint to your gate or plane. However, there are several REAL ID alternatives that can be used as acceptable forms of identification at the airport. Here are some alternatives:
- U.S. Passport: A valid U.S. passport is an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for domestic and international air travel. Even if your passport has expired within the past 12 months, it will still be accepted at TSA checkpoints.
- U.S. Passport Card: A U.S. passport card is typically used for travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It is a valid alternative to a REAL ID for domestic air travel.
- DHS Trusted Traveler Cards: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler cards, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST, are accepted as alternatives to REAL ID.
- U.S. Department of Defense ID: IDs issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, including those issued to dependents, are valid forms of identification at airports.
- Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-Issued ID: An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs), is also an alternative to REAL ID.
- State-Issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID): Some states offer enhanced driver's licenses or enhanced IDs that meet the federal government's updated security standards and can be used as alternatives to REAL ID.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the TSA website or with your state department of motor vehicles for the most up-to-date information before travelling. Additionally, if you arrive at the airport without a REAL ID or acceptable alternative, you may still be able to get through security by undergoing an identity verification process with a TSA officer. However, this option is not guaranteed, and the TSA recommends allowing for a three-hour cushion before your departure to complete this process if necessary.
Regarding the use of a carry permit as an alternative form of ID at the airport, there is conflicting information. Some sources suggest that a concealed carry license or weapon permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification by the TSA. However, other sources indicate that in certain states, such as Florida, a CCW permit may be considered official state-issued ID. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your specific state's regulations and the TSA guidelines before assuming that a carry permit is a valid alternative to a REAL ID for air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a weapon permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification at the airport. However, in some states, it may be considered a valid ID. It is best to check with your state department.
Some acceptable forms of ID at the TSA checkpoint include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. Department of Defense IDs.
If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. However, the TSA currently accepts expired IDs (up to two years after expiration) and may ask you to complete an identity verification process.
