Jazmin Li
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 without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID must present an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, to be allowed through the security checkpoint. It is unclear whether a permit counts as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, as some sources suggest that it does, while others indicate that it is considered a temporary license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you use a permit at the airport? | Yes, if it's a hard plastic card and not a paper one. |
| TSA requirements | REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other state photo identity card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). |
| TSA requirements for children | Children under 18 travelling within the US do not need to provide identification. |
| TSA requirements for expired IDs | Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after expiration. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for ID at the airport
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 is due to the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, which established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards.
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 without REAL ID-compliant identification may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck passengers. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where you may be subject to additional screening.
The TSA currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after expiration. However, a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. Additionally, children under 18 are not required 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.
Regarding learner's permits, there is conflicting information. Some sources indicate that a learner's permit can be used as a form of identification when flying, as long as it is a hard card and not a paper one. However, other sources suggest that a learner's permit is not considered a license, and individuals with a temporary permit cannot fly. It is always recommended to check with the TSA directly to confirm the most up-to-date requirements and acceptable forms of identification.
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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 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.
It is important to note that the requirements for REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses may vary by state, so individuals should check with their state's driver's licensing agency for specific information. Additionally, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by certain states, such as Washington, Michigan, and New York, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
While REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are required for adults over the age of 18, it is important to note that 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.
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State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant
REAL ID-compliant IDs have a star in the upper right corner, indicating that they meet the higher security standards set by the REAL ID Act. To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof of a Social Security number.
It is important to note that 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 form of ID to receive expedited screening.
In the case of learners' permits, there is conflicting information. Some sources indicate that a permit card can be used as long as it is a hard plastic card and not a paper one, even if it is expired. However, other sources suggest that a permit is not considered a license and is therefore not acceptable for air travel. It is always recommended to check with the TSA or the state department of motor vehicles to confirm the acceptability of any form of identification before travelling.
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Acceptable alternative 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 must either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- U.S. passports or passport cards.
- 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 (ETC).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) currently accepts expired IDs for up to two years after their expiration date. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as a valid form of identification.
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 documentation.
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ID requirements for minors
As per the TSA, minors under the age of 18 who are travelling with an adult within the United States do not need to provide identification at the airport. They only need a boarding pass to board the plane. However, some airlines may have specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, so it is always good to check with the airline. For example, Southwest Airlines requires a copy of the birth certificate or a government-issued photo ID at check-in if the minor will fly as a lap child.
Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. Acceptable IDs include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). A temporary driver's license is not acceptable. A state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID) may also be used.
In some cases, a child travel consent form may be required as proof that the minor is authorised to travel alone. This form is often provided by the airline. For example, American Airlines refers to it as an Unaccompanied Minor Service Form, which needs to be completed with the information of the person dropping off the child and the person picking them up at the destination. If the child is travelling alone, they may also be required to have a consent letter signed by both parents. If one parent is deceased, the living parent or guardian must sign the consent form and attach a copy of the death certificate.
While not required, it is recommended to have some form of ID for minors when travelling. This can be a printed copy of their birth certificate or passport, or a photo of their passport on a mobile phone.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your age and the type of permit you have. If you are under 18, you can use a plastic card permit as a form of ID. If you are 18 or older, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport.
Acceptable forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and other forms of ID listed on the TSA website.
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 form of ID to receive expedited screening. Contact your airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
Yes, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the listed forms of identification.
