Paper Id: A Valid Airport Travel Document?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires adult passengers aged 18 and above to present valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. While TSA accepts a variety of identification documents, including state-issued IDs, driver's licenses, and passports, it is unclear whether paper IDs are considered valid forms of identification. Some sources suggest that TSA may accept temporary paper IDs along with additional forms of identification and a thorough screening process, while others indicate that paper IDs are not accepted. It is recommended to contact TSA directly to confirm the acceptability of paper IDs and to arrive at the airport early to allow sufficient time for identity verification.

TSA's acceptable forms of ID

The TSA requires adult passengers (18 and over) to show valid identification at the airport in order to travel. If you do not have valid ID, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. It is recommended that those without acceptable identification arrive at least two to three hours before their flight time.

• Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). From May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs or licenses used for flights within the U.S. must be REAL ID-compliant.
• U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
• 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
• Veterans Health Administration (VA) ID

If you have lost your ID, the TSA may still be able to confirm your identity through other means, allowing you to board your flight. It is recommended that you bring other forms of identification, such as a credit card, a business card with your photo on it, mail or prescription medication with your name and address, voter registration, or a library card. Filing a police report about your missing ID can also help to confirm your identity.

REAL ID compliance

REAL ID is a federal law that standardizes government-issued identifications, such as driver's licenses. Passed by the US Congress in 2005, it requires identification to be REAL ID-compliant for federal agencies, federal buildings, and military bases.

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card will have a gold star, designating it as a REAL ID. If an ID does not have a gold star, it will state "Not for Federal Identification" and is not compliant with REAL ID. A REAL ID license is valid for no more than eight years.

Beginning May 7, 2025, a REAL ID will be required for US travelers to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. This includes boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing a federal facility, or entering a nuclear power plant. However, a passport or other acceptable forms of identification may be used instead of a REAL ID to board domestic flights and visit federal facilities. These include a US passport, US passport card, DHS-trusted traveler cards, US Department of Defense ID, an acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, US Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card, and a US Merchant Mariner Credential.

To obtain a REAL ID, you must have the correct documentation. This includes a Discharge Certificate (DOD Form DD-214) for veterans, which shows they were honorably discharged, and can be added to a driver's license or identification card.

Identity verification process

All adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several forms of identification for domestic travel, including:

• Driver's licenses
• State photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent)
• U.S. passports
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Department of Defense IDs, including dependent IDs
• Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe-issued photo IDs, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (I-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credentials

If you have lost your ID, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure time to complete the identity verification process with a TSA officer. The officer will ask for information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity against a database. While a police report about your missing ID can help confirm your identity, you may also provide other forms of identification, such as a credit card, business card with your photo, mail or prescription medication with your name and address, voter registration, or a library card.

Additionally, TSA has been expanding its use of facial recognition technology for identity verification at select airports. Passengers can opt-in to provide consent for facial identification, where their live photos are compared to pre-existing passport or visa photos. This process is voluntary, and passengers who do not wish to participate can opt-out and go through the standard identity verification process.

TSA's flexibility with temporary IDs

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a rule to provide flexibility to federal agencies in enforcing the REAL ID requirements from the May 7, 2025, deadline. This rule does not extend the deadline but allows for a phased enforcement approach.

The REAL ID Act, enacted following the 9/11 Commission's recommendation, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft. From May 7, 2025, onwards, adult passengers (18 and older) travelling within the US will need a REAL ID-compliant state-issued ID or license, a passport, or another federally approved identification document.

The TSA's proposed rule aims to ensure that federal agencies can begin enforcing REAL ID requirements from the May 7, 2025, deadline while considering security, operational risk, and public impact. This flexibility is intended to minimize potential disruptions for travellers, industry stakeholders, and states during the implementation process.

The TSA has recommended that individuals without acceptable identification arrive at least three hours before their flight time. If a traveller's identity cannot be verified, they will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. To support identity verification, travellers can provide information such as their name, current address, and other personal details. Additionally, a credit card, business card with a photo, mail or prescription medication with the traveller's name and address, voter registration, or a library card can help strengthen their case during the identification verification process.

International travel ID requirements

For international travel, a passport is required. However, until May 3, 2023, or May 7, 2025, (as different sources state different dates) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will accept all state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for domestic flights. After this date, a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport, will be required for domestic air travel. It's important to note that REAL ID cards are not valid for border crossings into Canada, Mexico, or other international travel.

If you are traveling internationally and have lost your ID, you will need to complete an identity verification process with a TSA officer. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time for this process. The TSA officer will ask for information such as your name, current address, and other personal details to confirm your identity. If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to pass through the security checkpoint and board your flight.

When traveling internationally, it is important to be aware of the specific requirements of your destination country. For example, the United Kingdom requires citizens of the United States and other countries to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short stays of up to six months. Additionally, some countries may have specific requirements regarding the declaration of cash or other items upon entry or exit.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is essential to carry the necessary documentation, such as a valid passport or other acceptable forms of identification, and to be aware of any specific requirements of your destination country. It is also recommended to stay updated on the latest travel guidelines and restrictions, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Frequently asked questions