Roberta Aguirre
As per the TSA's list of acceptable documents, a VA ID can be used as a valid form of identification for air travel within the US. The TSA has listed out 15 different forms of ID that are accepted, including a driver's license, U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. military ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, the TSA will require IDs to be REAL ID-compliant, which can be obtained by providing certain documents to prove U.S. citizenship and residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is VA ID accepted at airports? | Yes, VA ID is accepted at airports per the TSA's list of acceptable documents. |
| Is there a different type of ID beyond the Veteran Health Identification Card? | Yes, the Veteran Identification Card (VIC) is the legacy version of the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC). |
| What is the REAL ID Act? | A federal law that establishes minimum federal standards for state-issued IDs to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like entering a federal building or boarding a domestic commercial flight. |
| When does the REAL ID Act come into enforcement? | May 7, 2025 |
| What documents are required to get a REAL ID-compliant ID? | One proof of identity, two proofs of residency, one proof of legal presence, and proof of your Social Security number (SSN) if you have one. |
| What are some other acceptable forms of ID? | U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766), and U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential. |
What You'll Learn
VA ID as acceptable identification for air travel
As per the TSA's list of acceptable documents, a VA ID is considered a valid identification card for air travel within the US. The TSA's list of acceptable documents includes 15 different forms of ID, including U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. military IDs.
The VA ID in question is the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), which is issued to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. To request a VHIC, veterans must provide two forms of identification, and the VHIC can be used for identification and check-in at VA appointments. It is important to note that the VHIC cannot be used as a credit or insurance card and does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities.
While a VA ID is acceptable for air travel, it is worth noting that some airports and states may have different requirements. For example, Virginia residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of federally-accepted identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or military ID, to board a domestic flight starting May 7, 2025. This is due to the REAL ID Act, a federal law that establishes minimum standards for state-issued IDs to be accepted for certain federal purposes, like boarding a domestic commercial flight.
Therefore, while a VA ID can be used as acceptable identification for air travel, it is always a good idea to verify the specific requirements of the airport and state you are travelling from, as well as ensuring you have alternative forms of ID with you when travelling.
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REAL ID Act and its requirements
The REAL ID Act of 2005 outlines the minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification (ID) cards. From May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board commercial aircraft within the country and access certain federal facilities and nuclear power plants. This means that state driver's licenses and ID cards must have a star in the top right corner, indicating that they are REAL ID-compliant. This is obtained by providing documents to prove US citizenship, residency, and social security number to the relevant state Department of Motor Vehicles.
The REAL ID Act does not require individuals to present identification where it is not already mandated, such as to enter the public areas of the Smithsonian. It also does not prohibit agencies from accepting other forms of identification, such as a valid passport, which can be used instead of a REAL ID driver's license or ID card.
The Act also authorizes states to issue REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and ID cards to citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, collectively known as the Freely Associated States (FAS). These citizens must be admitted to the US as non-immigrants under the Compact of Free Association and meet the REAL ID Act's identification requirements.
It is important to note that a REAL ID card cannot be used for border crossings into Canada or Mexico, international travel, or international sea cruise travel. For air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts other forms of identification, including a U.S. passport, DHS trusted traveler cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, and acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs). The VA Health ID is also accepted for air travel, as per the TSA's list of acceptable documents.
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Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
The Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is a photo ID card issued to veterans enrolled in VA health care. It serves as a secure form of identification, enabling easy access to the veteran's VA health record while protecting their personal information. This card is used by veterans to check in to their appointments at VA medical centers efficiently.
In addition to its primary purpose of facilitating access to VA healthcare services, the VHIC offers several other benefits to cardholders. One notable advantage is its acceptance as a valid form of identification for air travel within the United States. According to sources, the VHIC is included on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) list of acceptable documents for air travel. This means that veterans can use their VHIC as a convenient and secure form of ID when passing through airport security checkpoints.
The VHIC also serves as a means for veterans to receive discounts and special offers at various stores, businesses, and restaurants that participate in veteran-specific programs. This added benefit further recognizes and honors the service and sacrifices made by our nation's veterans. It is important to note, however, that the VHIC cannot be used as a credit or insurance card, nor can it be used to pay copays or authorize care at non-VA health facilities.
To obtain a VHIC, veterans must first enroll in VA health care if they have not already done so. Once enrolled, they can apply for the VHIC either online or in person at their nearest VA medical center. When applying online through AccessVA, veterans will need to provide a digital color photo of themselves, along with a copy of their current photo ID, such as a U.S. passport or a federal, state, or local government-issued photo ID. For those living outside the United States, an ID.me account is required to verify their identity.
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REAL ID-compliant driver's license
As of May 7, 2025, all US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license to board a domestic flight and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID is a federal form of identification that requires specific documentation to obtain, including proof of identity and residency. This means that individuals must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight.
To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must visit their local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person and provide certain documents, including proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of legal presence for non-US citizens, two proofs of residency, a social security card, and a current driver's license if they are exchanging one issued by another US state. It is important to note that a REAL ID cannot be obtained by renewing a current driver's license or identification card by mail or online.
In Virginia, for example, residents will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, identified by a star on the license, to board an airplane starting in May 2025. Similarly, in California, residents can obtain a REAL ID by visiting a DMV office in person and providing the required documentation, including proof of identity and California residency.
It is worth noting that a REAL ID driver's license or identification card is optional. Individuals can choose to use other federally accepted forms of identification, such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or enhanced driver's license, to board domestic flights and access secure federal facilities.
Additionally, a VA ID can be used as identification for air travel, as per the TSA's list of acceptable documents.
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Other TSA-approved identification documents
As per the TSA Modernization Act, all adult passengers (18 years and older) must present a valid identification document at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. This can be a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued ID, or any one of the following TSA-approved identification documents:
- U.S. Passport or 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
- Unexpired U.S. military ID card
- Unexpired U.S. retired military ID card
- Unexpired U.S. military dependent's card
- Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
- U.S. Birth Certificate
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570)
- U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
- Unexpired Foreign Passport and Immigrant Visa with I-551 annotation
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or "Green Card"
- Unexpired Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) or Unexpired Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
Additionally, the TSA has identified acceptable alternate identification forms that can be used in special circumstances. For example, the Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) is accepted as a valid ID for air travel per the TSA's list of acceptable documents. It is important to note that a temporary driver's license, weapon permit, or gun permit is not considered an acceptable form of identification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a VA ID is accepted by the TSA as a valid form of identification for air travel.
The TSA accepts at least 15 different forms of ID, including driver's licenses, U.S. passports, DHS trusted traveler cards, and U.S. military IDs.
Yes, adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to travel.
The REAL ID Act is a federal law passed by Congress after September 11, 2001, that establishes minimum federal standards for state-issued IDs to be accepted for certain purposes, like boarding a domestic commercial flight.
The REAL ID Act enforcement deadline is May 7, 2025. After this date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of acceptable ID to board a domestic flight.
