Ruth Haines
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 present an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. The TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to one or two years after expiration, depending on the source. If a passenger presents a non-compliant ID or an expired ID, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and an identity verification process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs | Up to two years after expiration |
| TSA's acceptance of expired IDs for people whose driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020 | One year after expiration |
| TSA's requirements for children under 18 | No need to provide identification when traveling within the United States |
| TSA PreCheck requirements for unaccompanied minors | Need to show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening |
| TSA's policy on suffixes | Accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs |
| TSA's policy on non-REAL ID-compliant state-issued IDs | No longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports as of May 7, 2025 |
| TSA's policy on temporary driver's licenses | Not an acceptable form of identification |
| TSA's policy on REAL ID-compliant IDs | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are acceptable |
| TSA's policy on identity verification | If identity cannot be verified, the person will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for ID at the airport
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, so travellers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling.
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. 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 will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask these passengers to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If their identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- Driver's licenses or other 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)
TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration, for the above-listed forms of identification. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the United States, although unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, federal agencies, including the TSA, will only accept state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards as identification for official purposes if they comply with the REAL ID security standards. This means that the license or card must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking in the top right corner. If your ID does not have this marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft within the United States from May 7, 2025, onwards.
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, such as a Social Security card, Form W-2, pay stub, or paycheck. Finally, you must provide proof of residency, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement. The specific requirements may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency website for detailed information.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID, you will not be able to use it for air travel within the United States. However, you can use alternative forms of acceptable identification, such as a passport, passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). These forms of identification can be used instead of a REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.
It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration, but this may change in the future. If you arrive at the airport with an expired ID, you may still be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint after completing an identity verification process. However, you will be subject to additional screening measures.
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State-issued IDs and their acceptance
State-issued IDs are acceptable forms of identification at airport security checkpoints. However, these IDs must be REAL ID-compliant, as mandated by the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005. This Act sets the standards for the issuance of identification documents, such as driver's licenses and state photo identity cards.
State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid identification at airports starting May 7, 2025. Passengers presenting such non-compliant IDs without another acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, will be notified of their non-compliance and may undergo additional screening. They may even be directed to a separate area for further identity verification.
To ensure compliance, state-issued IDs should be obtained through the respective state's DMV offices. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced IDs (EIDs) issued by certain states, such as Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards. These EDLs are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS and are useful for boarding commercial aircraft.
It is important to note that TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. In such cases, travellers may be asked to complete an identity verification process, providing information such as their name, current address, and other personal details. However, a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
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Identity verification processes
Identity verification is a crucial aspect of airport security, and there are strict processes in place to ensure the authenticity of a traveller's identity. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlines specific requirements for acceptable forms of identification at airport checkpoints. These requirements are subject to change, so passengers are advised to stay updated before their travel dates.
One of the key identity verification processes at airports is the presentation of valid identification documents. Adult passengers aged 18 and above must provide acceptable forms of ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued photo identity card, a U.S. passport, a DHS trusted traveller card, or a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID. It's important to note that temporary driver's licenses and non-REAL ID-compliant state IDs are typically not accepted. Additionally, the TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date, providing some flexibility for travellers.
To enhance security and efficiency, the TSA has introduced digital identity verification through facial recognition technology and digital IDs. This process is voluntary, and passengers can opt-out of facial recognition. Digital IDs, such as mobile driver's licenses stored in digital wallets or state-issued apps, offer increased security and privacy. They allow travellers to share only the necessary information for identity verification, reducing the risk of fraud and modernizing the airport security experience.
For those interested in expedited security screening, CLEAR offers an annual membership service that provides faster access through designated CLEAR Lanes at select airports. This service includes benefits such as easier luggage shipment and expedited passport services. Additionally, TSA PreCheck® is available for eligible travellers, offering a more seamless security screening process.
In cases where individuals do not possess acceptable forms of ID, the TSA officers may initiate an alternative identity verification process. This typically involves collecting information such as the individual's name and current address to confirm their identity. If the individual's identity is successfully verified, they may still be subject to additional screening measures before proceeding.
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TSA PreCheck and identity requirements
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines for identification requirements at airport checkpoints. Adult passengers aged 18 and above must present valid identification to travel. 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. Passengers must carry an acceptable alternative, such as a passport, or a REAL ID issued by their state DMV office.
TSA PreCheck passengers must adhere to the same rules. If a passenger presents a non-compliant ID and does not have another acceptable 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 then ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing personal information such as their name and current address. If the passenger's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may be subject to further screening.
Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after their expiration date, and passengers with expired IDs may still be allowed to fly after completing the identity verification process. However, they will be subject to additional screening measures, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on items.
For TSA PreCheck applications, an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship documentation is required. The names on all documents must match exactly with the name provided on the application, and any legal name changes must be supported by original or certified name change documents. The acceptable documents for TSA PreCheck applications include:
- Unexpired U.S. Passport (book or card)
- Unexpired U.S. Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or "Green Card"
- Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with specific I-551 annotations
- Unexpired, REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state photo identity card
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card, retired military ID card, or military dependent's card
- Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
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Frequently asked questions
No, a temporary receipt for a REAL ID is not considered an acceptable form of identification at the airport. However, if your driver's license or state-issued ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you were unable to renew it, you may still use it as acceptable identification at the TSA checkpoint.
TSA-accepted forms of identification include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- U.S. passport
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to one year after expiration. After this period, you will need to present an acceptable alternative form of ID or be subject to additional screening.
If you do not have acceptable identification, your identity cannot be verified, or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
