Lois Larson
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 a permit is generally not accepted as a valid form of ID at TSA checkpoints. However, some people have reported being able to use their learner's permit as ID when flying within the United States, as long as it is a physical card and not a paper one. It is recommended to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date information on acceptable forms of identification, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a permit be used as ID for airport security? | In the US, a learner's permit may be accepted as a valid form of ID for airport security, but only if it is a physical card and not a paper one. However, some sources suggest that a permit is not considered a valid form of ID and that additional documents, such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, and bank statement, may be required. |
| Requirements for ID at airports | As of May 7, 2025, only state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are REAL ID-compliant are accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that the ID must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking. Some acceptable forms of ID include passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID (EIDs). |
| ID requirements for minors | TSA does not require children under 18 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. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. The list of acceptable IDs may change, so the TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list 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 enrol for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers who do not have an acceptable form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include:
- Driver's licenses
- State-issued photo identity cards
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passport
- US passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Federally recognised Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo ID, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
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. Contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
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REAL ID-compliant IDs
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 without a REAL ID-compliant ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license or state ID card must have a star in the upper right corner.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, individuals must visit their state's driver's licensing agency and provide the required documentation. This typically includes proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. It is important to note that each state may have specific requirements, so it is recommended to check with the state's driver's licensing agency before applying.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant IDs, other acceptable forms of identification for air travel include a U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID. It is worth noting that TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as valid forms of identification.
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State-issued IDs
As per the TSA, adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid identification at the airport to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Hence, it is always a good idea to check the list before travelling to ensure you have acceptable ID.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
- Enhanced ID (EID)
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- State-issued REAL IDs
If a passenger presents a state-issued ID that is not REAL ID-compliant, they will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. In such cases, the TSA officer may ask the passenger to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as their name and current address.
It is worth noting that some states' licenses do not meet the required standards, and there are certain exemptions and extensions in place. For example, New York was granted an extension until October 2017, and other states may also have similar arrangements. Additionally, until May 2023, IDs with the wording "not for federal identification" were accepted.
It is always recommended to check the TSA website or consult official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding acceptable forms of identification for air travel.
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Foreign passports
For US citizens, a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or a state-issued photo identity card is required for domestic travel within the US. These IDs must be issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent agency. It is worth noting that temporary driver's licenses are not considered acceptable forms of identification.
In addition to foreign passports, foreign nationals can also use other forms of identification, such as DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), a U.S. Department of Defense ID, or an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
It is always recommended to carry your passport with you when travelling, as it is the most widely accepted form of identification and can help expedite the verification process. Additionally, some countries or airlines may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding acceptable forms of identification. Therefore, it is essential to check with the relevant authorities before your travel date to ensure you have the correct documentation.
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TSA identity verification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel. The list of acceptable IDs can change without notice, so it is important to check before travelling.
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 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. If a passenger presents a non-compliant ID and does not have another acceptable form of ID, they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening. The TSA officer may ask for additional information, such as the passenger's name and current address, to confirm their identity. If the passenger's identity is confirmed, they will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint but may still be subject to further screening.
Acceptable forms of ID include REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes. A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
In some cases, a learner's permit may be accepted as a valid form of identification, but this is not guaranteed. Some sources suggest that a permit can be used as long as it is a physical card and not a paper document. However, others state that the TSA does not consider a permit to be a valid form of identification and that additional documentation, such as a birth certificate and bank statement, may be required. It is always best to check with the TSA directly to confirm the specific requirements.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck passengers must also provide acceptable identification. Unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of permit and where you are. In the US, a learner's permit may be accepted as a form of ID, but only if it is a physical card and not a paper one. However, this may change in the future, so it is important to check 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.
REAL ID-compliant IDs include state-issued driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, US passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and US Department of Defense IDs. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also accepted.
If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant ID, you may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name and current address. You may also be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
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. Contact your airline for specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
