Lois Larson
A CAC, or Common Access Card, is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors working on federal installations. It is also issued to military and DoD civilian members. While it is considered an acceptable form of ID by the TSA, there is some ambiguity about whether it can be used at airports. Some sources suggest that it can be used at the gate to board with the first boarding group when they call out for active military, while others suggest that it cannot be used to gain access to the TSA PreCheck® lane. The TSA's website states that all members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DOD ID number when making flight reservations to be eligible for TSA PreCheck®.
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck® indicator and DOD ID number
A CAC (Common Access Card) is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. It is also a valid form of ID for U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians).
When making flight reservations, members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field. This can be found on the back of the CAC. A TSA PreCheck® indicator must also be visible on the boarding pass. This will be printed by the airline and will look like TSAPRECHK, TSA PRE, or TSA PreCheck®. This indicator shows that you are eligible for TSA PreCheck® on your flight.
TSA PreCheck® benefits apply to both official and personal travel when the KTN is included in travel reservations. This includes uniformed service members and DOD civilians. TSA PreCheck® benefits do not continue after leaving the DOD.
It is important to note that you cannot access the TSA PreCheck® lane by presenting your CAC or other documentation.
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Common Access Card (CAC) as ID
The Common Access Card (CAC) is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. According to the TSA, U.S. Military ID (for active-duty, retired military, their dependents, and DOD civilians) is an acceptable form of ID. This means that CACs are accepted at TSA checkpoints, and about 40% of travellers prefer to use their CACs when transiting the checkpoint for the travel document check.
When making a reservation, including your Known Traveler Number (KTN) will result in a TSA PreCheck® indicator appearing on your boarding pass, indicating that you can use the TSA PreCheck® lane. However, you cannot go straight to the TSA PreCheck® lane with your CAC; you must enter the KTN when you book your travel.
While CACs are accepted at TSA checkpoints, it is worth noting that some states have driver's licenses that are not allowed for ID purposes in a federal setting. Therefore, it is recommended to check the acceptable forms of ID before travelling, as the list is subject to change without notice.
Additionally, TSA accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, and passengers whose identities cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or board their flight.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
A CAC, or Common Access Card, is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. While U.S. Military IDs are an acceptable form of ID at TSA airport security checkpoints, it is unclear whether CACs are accepted as they do not contain information such as the date of birth or expiration date.
Now, let's talk about REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses.
The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Starting May 2025, all U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Each REAL ID-compliant card will have a star marking in the upper right corner or another marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it will not be accepted as proof of identity for boarding commercial aircraft.
To apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state identification card, you will need to 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. You will also need to provide proof of a Social Security number and proof of residency. The process of obtaining a REAL ID and the required documents may vary depending on your state, so it is recommended to check your state's driver's licensing agency website for specific information.
It is important to note that if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID, you can still use alternative forms of identification, such as a passport, to fly domestically and access federal facilities. However, starting May 2025, a REAL ID or acceptable alternative form of identification will be required for these purposes.
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TSA PreCheck® screening line
A Common Access Card (CAC) is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. According to the TSA, U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians) is an acceptable form of ID. However, it is unclear whether a CAC can be used at the TSA PreCheck® screening line.
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security screening at select airports for travellers considered low-risk. TSA PreCheck® members do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you need to follow three steps or walk into any enrolment location. The steps are:
- Submit your TSA PreCheck® application online.
- Get your Known Traveller Number (KTN) after approval and add it to your airline reservations.
- Look for the TSA PreCheck® indicator directly on your boarding pass.
Please note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. Even passengers who normally receive expedited screening may sometimes receive a pat-down.
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Boarding with the first group
A Common Access Card (CAC) is a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. It is also issued to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
If you have a CAC, you can use it to board with the first group at the airport. When they call out for active military at the gate, show your CAC to board. You don't need to show any other documentation, such as orders.
Your CAC meets federal Real ID guidelines and is an acceptable form of ID according to the TSA. It is also useful for TSA PreCheck, which lets you skip the line and avoid the hassle of removing your shoes and unpacking your laptop. When purchasing tickets, enter your DOD ID in the Known Traveler Number field to access this benefit.
However, it is important to note that a CAC cannot be used as a boarding pass. You will still need to obtain a boarding pass separately. Additionally, some TSA agents may be unfamiliar with CACs as they are considered unusual IDs, so it is always good to have a backup form of ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use your CAC at the airport for a domestic flight. It is a Common Access Card, a federally-issued photo ID for contractors who work on federal installations. It is considered a U.S. Military ID and is accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification.
Yes, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces must include their DOD ID number in the Known Traveler Number (KTN) field when making flight reservations. A TSA PreCheck® indicator must be visible on your boarding pass.
Using your CAC at the airport can shorten your wait time. When the TSA PreCheck® indicator is on your boarding pass, you can go through the TSA PreCheck® screening line, which is typically faster. Additionally, you can board with the first boarding group when they call for "active military" at the gate.
While CAC is widely accepted at airports, there may be some variations in acceptance depending on the airport and the TSA officer. It is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the latest list of acceptable IDs before travelling. Additionally, if your CAC is missing certain information, such as your date of birth or expiration date, it may not be accepted as a valid form of identification.
In addition to U.S. Military ID, other acceptable forms of identification at the airport include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS-trusted traveller cards, Permanent Resident Card, Driver's License, State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), and more. The list of acceptable IDs may change, so it is essential to check before travelling.
