Lois Larson
As of May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant identification will be accepted at airports in the US. Until then, state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards are acceptable forms of identification for US domestic flights. For international flights, a passport or equivalent is required. In the case of a digital ID, if it cannot be verified, passengers must use an acceptable physical identity document, such as a driver's license or passport. Children under 18 travelling within the US are not required to provide identification, but unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to carry IDs? | Adult passengers (18 and older) |
| Type of IDs | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued IDs, passports, military IDs, etc. |
| Non-compliant IDs | State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted after May 7, 2025. |
| Exemptions | Children under 18 travelling within the US do not need to provide identification. |
| Digital IDs | Digital IDs are accepted, but a physical ID must be carried as a backup. |
| Expired IDs | Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after expiration. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Identification requirements for international travel from the US
For US citizens, a physical identity document is required for international travel. This can be a driver's license, passport, or other state-issued photo identity card. From May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted, and passengers with non-compliant IDs will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport. This is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which set minimum security standards for license issuance and production.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. The TSA advises travelers to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling to ensure they have the correct documentation. This can be done by checking the official TSA website or with the relevant state department of motor vehicles.
Children under 18 are not required 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. The specific ID requirements for travelers under 18 may vary by airline, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly for more information.
For international travel, a valid passport is typically required for entry into most countries. Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as a visa or proof of vaccination. It is important to check the specific entry requirements for the destination country before traveling internationally.
Athens Airport: Can You Exchange Currency?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
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. This means that US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and access certain federal facilities, including military installations.
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state identification card must meet the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005. This Act was enacted in response to the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act prohibits federal agencies from accepting noncompliant forms of identification for certain official purposes.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you must provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of residency. A REAL ID-compliant license will have a star marking in the top right corner. If your driver's license has this marking, it is already REAL ID-compliant, and you do not need to take any further action.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to use a passport or another acceptable form of identification to fly. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and can be used for boarding commercial aircraft. It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration.
Dinar to Euro: Currency Exchange at Algiers Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant
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. This means that 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. Passengers who are unable to provide acceptable identification, decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, or whose identities cannot be confirmed will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint.
The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets higher security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards (IDs). When you apply for or renew your driver's license or state identification card, you can choose to make it REAL ID-compliant. To do so, 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, as well as proof of a Social Security number. When you receive your new card, it will have the REAL ID star marking at the top right.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. However, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. It's important to note that TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States, although unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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, accessing federal facilities, or entering military installations. Instead, you will need to use an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices.
CBD and Airport Security: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Identification requirements for domestic US travel
For US domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that adult passengers aged 18 and over show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. This applies to all passengers, who must have a physical ID on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document for identity verification.
The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, so travellers are encouraged to check the list before travelling. Currently, acceptable forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). A temporary driver's license is 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 with non-compliant IDs will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. 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.
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.
Traveling with Pads: Airport Security Do's and Don'ts
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TSA identity verification processes
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's licenses and IDs are accepted as valid forms of identification at TSA airport checkpoints. Passengers without a REAL ID must 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.
If a passenger's ID is not REAL ID-compliant, or they do not have another acceptable alternative 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 ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If the passenger's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling with a companion within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g. driver's license, passport) for identity verification. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare to account for the potential length of the verification process.
Marta to Atlanta Airport: Can I Catch the Ride?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, all passengers must have a physical ID on hand. If a digital ID cannot be verified, a physical identity document, such as a driver's license or passport, is required for identity verification.
Acceptable forms of ID include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued photo identity card, passport, or military ID. From May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant forms of identification will be accepted.
No, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when travelling within the US. However, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
If you don't have an acceptable ID, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early. The TSA and the airline can work together to verify your identity and get you through airport security.
