Lois Larson
The use of a driver's permit as a valid form of identification at airports has been a topic of discussion, with varying opinions and official requirements. In the United States, the REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, sets standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses and state-issued identity cards. Federal agencies, including the TSA, are required to verify that these documents are issued by a REAL ID-compliant state, indicated by a star marking. While some individuals have questioned whether a driver's permit can be used for air travel, official sources indicate that a temporary driver's license or permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification. However, other forms of identification, such as a passport or foreign passport, can be used as alternatives. It is always recommended to check with the TSA and official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding acceptable forms of identification for air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a driver's permit an acceptable form of ID at the airport? | A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. Only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) are accepted. |
| What are acceptable forms of ID at the airport? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, etc. |
| What if I don't have an acceptable form of ID? | If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint. TSA may ask you to complete an identity verification process that includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity. |
| What if my ID is expired? | TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
| What if I'm traveling with a child? | TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening. |
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What You'll Learn
- A temporary driver's permit is not an acceptable form of ID
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted at airports
- State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are not accepted
- Passports are accepted as an alternative form of ID
- Children under 18 do not need to provide ID when travelling within the US
A temporary driver's permit is not an acceptable form of ID
When travelling, it is important to carry acceptable identification. While the rules around what counts as acceptable ID vary from country to country, temporary driver's permits are generally not considered valid forms of ID.
In the United States, for example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not accept temporary driver's licenses as identification. This is because such permits are not considered REAL ID-compliant. Since 7 May 2023, state-issued driver's licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant have not been accepted as valid forms of identification at US airports. This means that passengers must travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include state-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) or Enhanced ID (EIDs), US passports, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and US Department of Defense IDs. Importantly, the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, so it is always a good idea to check the TSA website before travelling.
In addition to the specific requirements outlined by the TSA, it is worth noting that individual airlines may have their own ID requirements, particularly for unaccompanied minors. Therefore, it is important to check with the relevant airline before assuming that a particular form of identification will be accepted.
In summary, a temporary driver's permit is generally not considered an acceptable form of ID for airport security or air travel. To avoid potential issues when travelling, it is always best to carry a valid, compliant form of identification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted at airports
As of May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted at airports. This means that your driver's license or state ID card must have a star in the upper right corner. If you do not have this, you will need to bring another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to the airport. If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles.
REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are a necessary form of identification for air travel. Starting in May 2025, all travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, will be required to enter the security checkpoint at the airport. If you do not have acceptable identification or decline to cooperate with the identity verification process, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Therefore, it is recommended to check the list of acceptable forms of identification before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation. In addition to a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, other acceptable forms of ID include a state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
For those who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or other acceptable forms of ID, there are options to enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. This process may vary depending on your state, but generally, you will need to provide proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, and proof of residency. It is recommended to contact your state's driver's licensing agency to understand the specific requirements and process for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license.
In summary, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses are accepted at airports and are necessary for air travel starting in May 2025. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to bring another acceptable form of ID. It is always recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before traveling and to understand the process for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver's license if needed.
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State-issued IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant are not accepted
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses or IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that passengers travelling with a state-issued ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will need to present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or they may be directed to a separate area for additional screening.
REAL ID-compliant forms of identification include Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, which are accepted for official REAL ID purposes. A U.S. passport or passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and a U.S. Department of Defense ID are also accepted.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. It is important to note that temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as forms of identification.
It is recommended that you check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the necessary documentation, as the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice.
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Passports are accepted as an alternative form of ID
If you are travelling and do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, you will need to bring an alternative form of ID with you to the airport. A passport is an acceptable alternative form of ID and can be used at the airport in place of a REAL ID. This includes US passports and foreign passports, provided they are still valid.
From May 2025, US travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form 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.
If you are travelling with a minor under the age of 18, they do not need 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, such as a passport, to receive expedited screening.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. It is recommended to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure you have the proper identification.
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Children under 18 do not need to provide ID when travelling within the US
When it comes to identification requirements for air travel, it's important to stay informed about the latest regulations. 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 passengers will need to present either a REAL ID or another acceptable alternative, such as a passport, when travelling domestically within the US. It's worth noting that this rule does not apply to children under the age of 18.
Children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the US. This exemption from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ensures hassle-free travel for families and minors. However, it's important to note that some airlines may have their own specific ID requirements for travellers under 18, so it's always a good idea to check with the airline before assuming that no ID is needed. Additionally, unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID to receive expedited screening.
When it comes to international travel, the requirements can vary. For instance, Italian citizens younger than 14 travelling internationally must have their Individual Passport and Dichiarazione di Accompagno (Declaration of Temporary Guardianship for Travel Abroad). Children under 18 travelling alone to or from Mexico must also have a travel authorization letter. These requirements emphasize the importance of diligent research when travelling with minors internationally.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it's recommended to check the TSA's Identification Requirements page before heading to the airport. While children under 18 may not need ID for domestic travel, it's always beneficial to carry some form of identification as a precaution. Additionally, for those with driver's permits, it's important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.
In conclusion, while children under 18 are exempt from providing ID for domestic travel within the US, staying informed about ID requirements and planning ahead are crucial steps to ensure a seamless travel experience, especially when travelling internationally or dealing with specific airline policies regarding minor travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification at the airport. You will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable alternative such as a passport.
Some acceptable forms of ID at the airport include a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, and a U.S. Department of Defense ID.
If your driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant, you should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through your state DMV offices.
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.
