Ruth Haines
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will not be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID. However, TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. If your ID expired on or after March 1, 2020, and you are unable to renew it, you may still be able to use it as acceptable identification at the airport, as long as it is within one year of its expiration date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is an old state ID acceptable at the airport? | TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after expiration. |
| What are the acceptable IDs at the airport? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, passports, state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL), or other acceptable forms of identity documents. |
| Who must show valid identification at the airport? | Adult passengers 18 and older. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for state IDs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that adult passengers (18 and over) show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. From May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state photo ID cards will be accepted at TSA checkpoints. This means that IDs must have a star marking in the upper top portion of the card, indicating that it was issued by a REAL ID-compliant state. If you are unsure whether your ID is compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.
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. For specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, contact the airline.
There are several acceptable forms of ID for travellers at airport security checkpoints, including:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's license
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- US passport or passport card
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- US 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)
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- US Merchant Mariner Credential
If a passenger presents a non-compliant form of ID at a TSA checkpoint, they 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 for additional information, such as the passenger's name and current address, to confirm their identity.
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REAL ID-compliant cards
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 every state and territory resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. REAL ID-compliant identification is now required to fly within the U.S. If you have a passport or other REAL ID-compliant document and are not due to renew your driver's license or ID card, you do not need to upgrade right away. However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
In addition to REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, other acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft include:
- 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)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
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State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses
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 will need to travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a state-issued REAL ID, which can be obtained through their state DMV offices.
To obtain an EDL, you must be a resident of one of the issuing states. The application process may vary depending on your state of residence. EDLs can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card. It is important to note that most EDLs do not contain the REAL ID-compliant star marking, but they are still considered acceptable.
It is always recommended to check the TSA website for the latest information on acceptable forms of identification, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Additionally, some states may impose additional requirements, so it is advisable to check your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific guidelines and requirements.
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Flying without a government ID
As per the TSA, adult passengers (18 and older) must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. Children under 18 are not required 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.
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 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.
If a passenger presents a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID-compliant at TSA checkpoints and does 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 for information such as the passenger's name and current address to confirm their identity. If the identity is confirmed, the passenger will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint, where they may be subject to additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants.
Currently, only five states issue EDL/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. These can be identified by the image of the U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
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Protocols for those without valid 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 should 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. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of several markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won't be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
If you do not have a valid ID, you may still be able to fly, but you should plan to arrive at least three hours before a domestic flight instead of the recommended two hours. This will allow enough time for additional identity verification and security screening. 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. 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.
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. Contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID)
- Cards from Department of Homeland Security trusted traveler programs such as 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)
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint.
TSA accepts REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are also accepted in some states. If you do not have a REAL ID, you can use alternative forms of identification such as a passport.
TSA will accept expired driver's licenses or state-issued IDs up to a year after expiration.
Starting May 7, 2025, every state resident will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification for boarding commercial aircraft.
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.
