Owais Crawford
As of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state-issued photo ID cards will be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. This means that IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant, such as social security cards, will not be accepted. Passengers without a REAL ID-compliant ID may be asked to complete an identity verification process, which may include providing additional information such as their name, address, and other personal details. It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice, and passengers are encouraged to check the list before traveling to ensure they have the correct identification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a social security card a valid ID at the airport? | No, it is not a valid ID. |
| What are some valid IDs? | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), passport, etc. |
| What if I don't have a valid ID? | TSA officers may ask for additional information to verify your identity. You may be allowed to fly if your identity is confirmed, but you will be subject to additional screening. |
| Are expired IDs accepted? | Yes, TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. |
| Are there different requirements for children under 18? | Yes, children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA requirements for ID at the airport
As per the REAL ID Act passed by Congress in 2005, minimum security standards have been established for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Starting 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 must either carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices. Passengers without REAL ID-compliant identification may be directed to a separate area and may receive additional screening.
TSA requires adult passengers (18 and older) to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs is subject to change, and TSA strongly encourages travellers to check the list before travelling to ensure they have acceptable ID. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration. Here is a list of acceptable IDs:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses
- State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
- 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, 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
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. TSA accepts variations on suffixes on boarding passes and IDs.
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REAL ID-compliant cards
As of May 7, 2025, every state and territory resident in the US will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification to board a commercial aircraft. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card: a star, a flag, or the word "Enhanced". 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 a commercial aircraft.
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) and identification cards (EIDs) are designated as acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear power plants. Currently, only five states issue EDLs/EIDs: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by the image of a US flag and the word "Enhanced" at the top of the card.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not considered an acceptable form of identification for REAL ID purposes. Additionally, REAL ID cards cannot be used for international travel, including border crossings into Canada or Mexico, or for international sea cruise travel. For international travel, a passport or other acceptable form of identification is required.
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State-issued IDs
From May 7, 2025, all travelers over the age of 18 will need a state-issued REAL ID-compliant license or identification card to fly within the United States. Federal agencies, including the TSA, will be prohibited from accepting non-compliant IDs. This means that 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.
If you are unsure whether your ID is REAL ID-compliant, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York issue REAL IDs and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state only issues enhanced driver's licenses.
It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration, including state-issued IDs. However, temporary driver's licenses are not accepted as a valid form of identification.
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Identification for minors
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an acceptable form of ID to receive expedited screening. It is recommended that you contact the airline for questions regarding their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
Acceptable forms of ID for adults include:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent).
- A temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification.
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- U.S. passport.
- 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).
Expired IDs are accepted up to two years after their expiration date. 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 enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.
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Identity verification processes
Identity verification is a crucial aspect of airport security, and passengers are required to present valid identification to ensure a smooth travel experience. While a social security card is not considered a primary form of ID for air travel, it can be used as a supplementary form of identification in certain situations. Here is an overview of the identity verification processes and the acceptable forms of ID at airports:
- Standard Identification Checks: Typically, adult passengers aged 18 and over must present valid government-issued identification at the airport checkpoint to be eligible for travel. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and other forms of ID accepted by the TSA.
- Expired IDs: In some cases, expired IDs may be accepted for up to one or two years after their expiration date. However, this is not guaranteed, and it is always best to travel with a valid, unexpired ID.
- Identity Verification without ID: In the event that a passenger arrives at the airport without acceptable identification, they may still be allowed to fly. TSA officers can conduct an alternative identity verification process, which involves collecting personal information such as the individual's name, current address, and other details to confirm their identity. This process may include additional screening measures, such as a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
- Special Cases: Children under 18 travelling within the United States are generally not required to provide identification for TSA screening. However, unaccompanied minors eligible for TSA PreCheck must show acceptable ID for expedited screening. Airlines may have specific requirements for minors, so it is essential to contact them beforehand.
Acceptable Forms of ID:
- REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state-issued photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- State-issued Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Enhanced ID (EID).
- Passports are widely accepted as a primary form of identification for air travel.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
- Military ID.
- State-issued REAL ID cards, which will be required for air travel within the United States starting May 7, 2025.
It is important to note that the list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest requirements before travelling to ensure they have the appropriate identification documents. Additionally, each airline may have its own specific ID requirements, especially for travellers under 18, so it is recommended to contact the airline directly for further information.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need to show a social security card at the airport. Only adult passengers (18+) need to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint.
Valid identification includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, passports, and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses.
If you arrive at the airport without valid identification, you may still be allowed to fly. A TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process, which includes providing information such as your name, current address, and other personal information. You will also be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down and screening of carry-on property.
Children under 18 are not required 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. It is recommended to contact the airline for specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.
