Airports' Id Checks: What, Where, And How?

Airport security requires adult passengers to show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. This includes passports, licenses, residency documents, and other state photo identity cards. Some airports use facial recognition technology and digital IDs to partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process.

What counts as valid ID?

When travelling through an airport, adult passengers aged 18 or over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. This can include a driver's license, state photo identity card, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), U.S. Department of Defense ID, or a digital ID. From May 7, 2025, state-issued IDs or licenses used to fly within the U.S. must be REAL ID-compliant. If you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID, you can check with your state department of motor vehicles.

Some airports also use facial recognition technology and digital IDs to partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process.

How many forms of ID do you need?

When travelling through an airport, adult passengers aged 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. This can include a driver's license, state photo identity card, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, DHS trusted traveller cards, U.S. Department of Defense ID, or a digital ID pass.

Some airports use facial recognition technology and digital IDs to partially automate the ID and boarding pass verification process.

What happens if you don't have ID?

If you don't have ID, you will not be allowed to pass through security or board your flight. This is the case at all airports operating in the US or its territories.

Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, a state photo identity card, a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a DHS trusted traveler card, a U.S. Department of Defense ID, or a digital ID pass.

From May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S, it must be REAL ID-compliant. You can check with your state department of motor vehicles if you are unsure whether your ID complies.

What is the REAL ID?

To board a flight in the US, adult passengers aged 18 and over must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint. This can include a driver's license, state photo identity card, US passport, US passport card, DHS trusted traveller card, or US Department of Defense ID.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 establishes the requirements that driver's licenses and identification cards issued by US states and territories must satisfy to be accepted for accessing federal government facilities, nuclear power plants, and for boarding airline flights in the US. The REAL ID Act sets minimum security standards for license issuance and production, and prohibits federal agencies from accepting non-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards for certain purposes. The standards require that the person applying for an identification document must provide documentation of their full name, date of birth, and residential address, a Social Security number or documentation that they are not eligible for one, and documentation that they are a US national or a foreign national legally present in the US.

Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the US, make sure it is REAL ID-compliant. You can check with your state department of motor vehicles if you are unsure if your ID complies with REAL ID.

What is facial recognition technology?

Facial recognition technology is a system used at airports to automate the ID and boarding pass verification process. It is used to make the screening process more efficient and secure. Passengers have the right to decline a photo and this is highlighted on signs at checkpoints, on passenger-facing screens, in officer advisements, and on TSA.gov.

At airports, adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. This includes driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). Facial recognition technology is used to verify the identity of these passengers. The technology works by comparing the passenger's facial features to a database of known individuals. If there is a match, the passenger's identity is verified and they are allowed to pass through the checkpoint. If there is no match, further identification may be required.

Frequently asked questions