Id Cards: A Seamless Airport Experience?

Identification is a crucial aspect of air travel, and while the specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the country and airport, it is generally mandatory for adult passengers to present valid ID at the airport checkpoint. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States, for example, requires adult passengers aged 18 and over to show valid identification, with similar protocols in place in countries like India. The type of accepted ID may include passports, driver's licenses, state-issued ID cards, and even digital forms of identification in some cases.

REAL ID-compliant credentials

The REAL ID Act of 2005 sets new standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and ID cards. The Act became effective nationwide on May 11, 2008, and Florida began issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials after January 1, 2010. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on December 20, 2013, that enforcement of REAL ID credentials would be implemented in a measured, fair, and responsible way.

Beginning May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This means that travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card, or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.

To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card, individuals must visit an office and provide specific documents to establish their identity, proof of legal residence, and date of birth. These documents may include a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, original or certified copy of a birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing their principal residence.

It is important to note that REAL ID-compliant licenses and ID cards are not mandatory, and individuals who do not wish to obtain one can still renew their licenses or IDs online or through other means. However, starting January 2, 2020, customers who are not REAL ID-compliant will be unable to renew or replace their credentials through the MyDMV Portal.

Foreign government-issued passports

For air passengers aged 18 and over, a valid form of identification is required at the airport in order to travel. One of the accepted forms of ID is a foreign government-issued passport. This means that if you are travelling in a country that is not your country of citizenship, you can use your passport from your country of citizenship as a valid form of ID.

It is important to note that some countries require your passport to be issued at least six months before the day you arrive. This is known as the 'Six-Month Rule' and is to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your entry or departure. Some countries require three months of validity, and others may have different requirements. It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of your destination country.

In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. If you are travelling to a country that requires a visa, make sure to check the specific requirements and apply for the necessary visa well in advance of your travel.

Digital IDs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun testing the acceptance of digital IDs at select TSA PreCheck checkpoints. This rollout started in early 2022, and passengers can use mobile driver's licenses or ID passes on their smartphones via digital wallet platforms like Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet, or a state-issued app.

To use a digital ID, passengers must add their state-issued eligible driver's license or identification card to their phone using a TSA-approved digital ID app or their digital wallet. They can then scan their Digital ID QR code or tap their mobile device on the digital ID reader. Passengers will be asked to consent to sharing their digital ID information with TSA, and a photo will be taken and compared with their physical or digital ID.

While digital IDs are accepted at select TSA checkpoints, all passengers must still carry a physical ID for verification. This is because, if a digital ID cannot be verified, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g. a driver's license or passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.

Physical IDs

The Importance of Physical IDs at Airports

Physical identification documents are essential for airport security and boarding procedures. They serve as a primary means of verifying a passenger's identity, which is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety and complying with regulatory requirements. While there are alternative methods for identity verification, such as digital IDs and biometric technology, carrying a physical ID remains a mandatory requirement for all passengers.

Types of Acceptable Physical IDs

The specific requirements for physical IDs may vary slightly depending on the country and airport regulations. However, some commonly accepted forms of physical identification include:

• Passport: A passport issued by a recognised government is widely accepted as a primary form of identification for international travel.
• Driver's License: A valid driver's license issued by the appropriate motor vehicle authority is typically accepted for domestic and international travel. In the United States, the REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards, with an enforcement deadline of May 7, 2025.
• State-Issued ID Card: Many countries offer state or federally issued identification cards for non-driving citizens, which are accepted at airports. These may include enhanced ID cards that can be used for cross-border land and sea travel.
• DHS Trusted Traveller Cards: Cards such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST facilitate expedited security processing for pre-approved, low-risk travellers.
• Department of Defense ID: ID cards issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, including those for dependents, are accepted at airport security checkpoints.
• Permanent Resident Card: Also known as a green card, this document is issued to non-citizens with permanent resident status in the U.S.
• Border Crossing Card: This card allows citizens of certain countries to cross the U.S. border for visitation purposes.
• Federally Recognised Tribal-Issued Photo ID: Certain federally recognised tribes can issue photo IDs that are accepted at TSA checkpoints.
• Canadian Provincial Driver's License: Canadian citizens can use their provincial driver's license for travel to the U.S.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential: This credential is designed for individuals who require access to secure areas of transportation facilities and vessels.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorisation Card (I-766): This card is issued to non-citizens authorised to work in the U.S.
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential: Issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, this credential is for individuals working on merchant vessels.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC): Issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this card provides access to health benefits and services for veterans.
• Country-Specific Documents: Different countries may have unique requirements and accepted forms of identification. For example, in India, documents such as a voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card, service ID, student ID card, and bank passbook with a photo are considered valid for air travel.

Maintaining Physical ID Security

It is essential to keep your physical ID secure and ensure it remains in your possession at all times. In the event of loss or theft, it is recommended to file a police report, as this may assist in identity verification at the airport. Additionally, consider taking photographs of your ID documents before travelling, as digital copies can sometimes be used as a supplementary form of verification.

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is an optional identity verification process that uses facial recognition technology to identify passengers at select airports and bag drop locations. This program is currently only available to TSA PreCheck members who have a valid passport and airline profile.

To enrol, eligible passengers must opt-in during the airline partner's mobile app check-in process. Passengers who have opted in will receive a consent indicator on their mobile boarding pass. At the TSA checkpoint, passengers can verify their identity by presenting their boarding pass with the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID indicator and allowing their live facial image to be captured and matched against pre-staged photos previously provided to the government.

It is important to note that participation in the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program is voluntary, and passengers can choose to opt-out at any time and undergo the standard identity verification process. Additionally, passengers are still required to carry a physical ID, such as a driver's license or passport, as a backup in case the digital ID cannot be verified.

The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID program aims to enhance the identity verification process, improve security, and provide a faster and more seamless travel experience for passengers. However, some concerns have been raised about the accuracy and potential privacy implications of facial recognition technology. TSA has assured that they are committed to protecting passenger privacy and that the captured photos and personal data will be deleted after identity verification.

Frequently asked questions