Ruth Haines
As of May 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 passengers must either present an alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID. Additionally, TSA accepts digital IDs at over 250 airports, where passengers can use their mobile driver's licenses through platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet. However, passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification. It is important to note that TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration and does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for not being able to use DL anymore | DLs that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports |
| Alternative IDs | REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes |
| Digital IDs | Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app |
| TSA requirements | TSA requires all passengers to carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification, even with a Digital ID |
| TSA ID verification process | TSA officers may ask for information such as name and current address to confirm identity |
| TSA acceptance of expired IDs | TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration |
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What You'll Learn
- Expired driver's licenses may not be accepted at airport security
- From May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted
- Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports, but physical ID is still required
- Facial comparison technology is voluntary—passengers can opt for standard ID verification
- Children under 18 don't need ID when travelling within the US, except for unaccompanied minors
Expired driver's licenses may not be accepted at airport security
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 airport security. This means that passengers must 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.
It is important to note that a temporary driver's license is not an acceptable form of identification. TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after their expiration date, but it is always best to check the TSA website for the latest information before traveling to ensure you have acceptable identification.
If you are unsure whether your ID complies with REAL ID standards, you should check with your state department of motor vehicles. REAL ID-compliant IDs will have a star marking, indicating that they meet the required security standards. Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards.
If you arrive at airport security without an acceptable form of identification, your identity may still be verified through an alternative process. A TSA officer may ask for information such as your name and current address, and if your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to proceed through the screening checkpoint, although you may be subject to additional screening.
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From May 2025, only REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses will be accepted
To be REAL ID-compliant, a driver's license must include a REAL ID-compliant star marking in the upper right corner of the card. This marking indicates that the license meets the minimum security standards set by the REAL ID Act. If your driver's license does not have this marking, it will not be accepted as a valid form of identification at TSA checkpoints.
It's important to note that passengers who do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license can still fly. Domestic flights can be boarded by presenting another acceptable form of identification. A US passport, for example, can be used as an alternative form of identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDLs) are also considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will be accepted for official REAL ID purposes.
If you are unsure whether your driver's license is REAL ID-compliant, it is recommended to check with your state's driver's licensing agency. The process of obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license may vary depending on your state, and you may be required to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. It is important to ensure that you have acceptable identification before arriving at the airport to avoid any issues during security screening.
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Digital IDs are accepted at over 250 airports, but physical ID is still required
Digital IDs are now accepted at over 250 airports, allowing travellers to verify their identity at TSA checkpoints using platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app. This provides a faster, more secure way to travel, reducing the risk of fraudulent documents. However, it is important to note that all passengers must still carry an acceptable, compliant, physical ID for verification.
The use of digital IDs is entirely voluntary, and travellers can opt-out of facial comparison technology. If a traveller chooses not to participate, a TSA officer will use the standard ID verification process. Digital IDs are more secure than physical credentials, which can be counterfeited or fraudulently obtained. They also offer more privacy, as only the information required to verify identity is shared with the TSA.
To use a Digital ID, travellers must add their acceptable state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their phone's digital wallet. It is important to follow the setup instructions from the chosen platform before travelling to ensure readiness for presentation at TSA checkpoints.
It is worth noting that the list of acceptable IDs is subject to change without notice. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check the list of acceptable IDs before travelling to ensure they have the correct documentation. 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 should 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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Facial comparison technology is voluntary—passengers can opt for standard ID verification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses facial comparison technology to enhance the security screening process and make it faster and more efficient. This technology is used to verify a passenger's identity at security checkpoints. Passengers opting for facial comparison technology voluntarily provide their consent for a live facial image to be taken at the checkpoint. This image is then matched against a gallery of pre-existing templates of photos that the passenger has previously provided to the government, such as passport or visa photos.
Participation in this process is entirely voluntary, and passengers can opt-out of facial comparison technology at any time. If a passenger declines, they will instead go through the standard identity verification process by a Transportation Security Officer (TSO). This alternative process does not use facial comparison technology and will not affect the passenger's position in the security screening line. Passengers who choose not to participate in facial comparison technology must still carry an acceptable, compliant physical ID for verification, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or other valid identification documents.
TSA is committed to protecting traveler privacy and civil liberties and ensures that passengers' rights to decline are clearly communicated. Signage at checkpoints informs travelers that participation is voluntary, and they can decline having their photo taken. TSA also publishes Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) to notify the public about facial comparison technology and additional privacy protections. Passengers' photos and personal data are deleted after their identities are verified, and this information is not used for law enforcement or surveillance purposes or shared externally.
While facial comparison technology is a more secure and efficient method of identity verification, it is not mandatory, and passengers always have the option to choose the standard ID verification process if they prefer.
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Children under 18 don't need ID when travelling within the US, except for unaccompanied minors
As per TSA guidelines, children under 18 do not need to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, this does not apply to unaccompanied minors, who must show an acceptable ID to receive expedited screening if they are enrolled in TSA PreCheck. It is recommended that you contact the airline for their specific ID requirements for travellers under 18.
When it comes to adult passengers, valid identification is required at the airport for those 18 and older. This includes REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state-issued photo identity cards, US passports, passport cards, and certain trusted traveler cards. It's important to note that the list of acceptable IDs can change without notice, so travellers are advised to check the list before departing for the airport.
For those with state-issued driver's licenses or IDs that are not REAL ID-compliant, these will no longer be accepted as valid forms of identification at airports starting May 7, 2025. In such cases, passengers should carry an acceptable alternative form of ID, such as a passport, or enrol for a REAL ID through their state DMV office.
It's important to emphasize that travellers who do not provide acceptable identification or decline to cooperate with the identity verification process will not be permitted to enter the security checkpoint. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have the necessary documentation before arriving at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA-accepted forms of ID include: REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, state photo identity cards, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, and acceptable photo IDs issued by federally recognized Tribal Nations/Indian Tribes.
Passengers should 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.
Yes, you can now use your Digital ID at over 250 airports through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet or a state-issued app. However, passengers must still carry a physical, compliant ID for verification.
TSA currently accepts expired IDs up to two years after expiration.
