Sachin Walls
As of May 7, 2025, passengers aged 18 and above must present a REAL ID-compliant identification card to board domestic flights at the airport. While some individuals have claimed to have successfully used a paper copy of their ID at the airport, it is not considered an acceptable form of identification by the TSA. Passengers without a REAL ID must provide alternative identification or undergo additional screening. Acceptable forms of identification include a U.S. passport, a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), or a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TSA's acceptance of paper ID | TSA does not accept paper IDs. |
| Alternative forms of identification | 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, Veteran Health Identification Card, photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, etc. |
| Additional screening | Passengers without acceptable identification may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening. |
| Acceptable expired ID | TSA currently accepts expired ID up to two years after expiration. |
| ID requirements for children | 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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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for paper IDs
The TSA has strict requirements for the types of identification that are accepted at airport checkpoints. As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant forms of identification will be accepted at airports. This means that any state-issued driver's licenses or ID cards that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification.
The TSA strongly recommends that passengers check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the correct documentation. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, passport cards, and certain trusted traveler cards. It's important to note that temporary driver's licenses and paper IDs are generally not considered acceptable forms of identification by the TSA.
In some cases, passengers without acceptable forms of ID may still be able to fly. They may be directed to a separate area for additional screening and identity verification. This process may include providing information such as their name and current address to confirm their identity. If their identity is confirmed through this process, they may be allowed to continue through the screening checkpoint but may be subject to further screening.
For TSA PreCheck applications, an original or certified copy of identity/citizenship documentation is required. This can include an unexpired U.S. passport, an unexpired REAL ID-compliant driver's license, or certain types of military ID cards. The document must be issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, county, or municipal authority and bear an official seal. Short-form birth certificates and notarized copies of documents are not acceptable.
It is important for travellers to ensure they have acceptable forms of identification that comply with TSA requirements to avoid any issues or delays during airport security screening.
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REAL ID-compliant alternatives
As of 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 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.
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID). These are currently issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont and can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the 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).
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other forms of identification may be accepted. It is always recommended to check with the TSA or your state department of motor vehicles before traveling to ensure you have acceptable identification.
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Additional screening methods
As per the TSA guidelines, passengers aged 18 and above must carry a valid ID to be presented at the airport checkpoint. However, there are instances when passengers may not have a valid ID or may be carrying a temporary ID. In such cases, additional screening methods are employed to verify the identity of the passengers. Here are some of the additional screening methods:
- Identity Verification Process: If a passenger does not have a valid ID, they may be directed to a separate area for further screening. The TSA officer will collect information such as the passenger's name, current address, and other relevant details to confirm their identity. This process helps to ensure that individuals without proper identification can still be verified and allowed to proceed with their travel plans.
- Secure Flight Program: The Secure Flight program is a risk-based passenger pre-screening initiative. It identifies potentially high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveller lists and watchlists. This additional layer of security helps in enhancing aviation security and mitigating potential threats.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented enhanced security measures at airports, especially for flights departing to the U.S. These measures include additional screening of personal electronic devices and carry-on baggage. Passengers travelling from international last-point-of-departure airports into the U.S. may experience a more extensive screening process to ensure compliance with security protocols.
- Bulky Clothing Inspection: Passengers wearing bulky clothing or refusing to remove light outer garments may be subject to additional screening. This is done to ensure that individuals are not concealing any prohibited items underneath their clothing. A pat-down inspection may be conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex to resolve any concerns or alarms raised during the initial screening.
- Medical Device Screening: Passengers with internal or external medical devices, such as pacemakers or metal implants, can avail of advanced imaging technology (AIT) for screening. This technology reduces the need for pat-downs and ensures a more comfortable and efficient screening process for individuals with special medical considerations.
- Special Assistance: TSA Cares is a dedicated helpline for travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances. By contacting TSA Cares 72 hours prior to travelling, passengers can receive additional assistance during the security screening process. This service ensures that travellers with unique needs receive the necessary support and facilitation during their airport security experience.
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Digital identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts digital IDs for identity verification at over 250 airports through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. It is a more secure, efficient, and private way to verify your identity at the airport.
To use a Digital ID, passengers must add their acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or to their phone's digital wallet. They must then follow the set-up instructions from their device wallet or app before their next trip to ensure readiness for presentation at TSA checkpoints. At the checkpoint, passengers can scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. It is important to note that passengers must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID as a backup for verification.
Digital IDs are also known as mobile driver's licenses, which are issued by states. They are a digital representation of the information contained on a physical driver's license or ID card and are stored on a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone. Mobile driver's licenses require biometric verification prior to each transaction, enhancing security and privacy.
The TSA also offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, which utilizes facial comparison technology to verify a passenger's identity without the need for a physical ID. This feature is available to current TSA PreCheck travelers with a valid passport at select security checkpoints and airports. Passengers must opt-in with participating airlines and ensure that the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator appears on their mobile boarding pass. Even with this feature, passengers must still carry a physical ID as a backup and present it if asked by a TSA officer.
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Other documents with your name
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.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a passport, there are other documents with your name that you can use as identification at the airport. Here are some alternatives:
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- 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)
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551), often referred to as a "Green Card"
- Unexpired Foreign Passport with an immigrant visa with I-551 annotation of "Upon Endorsement Serves as Temporary I-551 Evidencing Permanent Residence of 1 Year"
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. The TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the proper identification. Additionally, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration for the above-listed forms of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot get through TSA with only a paper copy ID. TSA requires passengers to present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license, passport, or other federally recognized photo ID.
If you only have a paper ID, you may still be able to board your flight, but you will need to undergo additional screening and identity verification. Contact your airline prior to your flight to understand their specific requirements and arrive at the airport at least three hours early.
In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport, you can use other federally recognized forms of identification, such as a DHS trusted traveler card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, or a photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe.
If you do not have any acceptable forms of identification, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint and board your flight. TSA recommends that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours before their flight time to allow for additional screening and verification processes.
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. Contact your airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
